tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37628856550599498432024-02-19T17:46:27.911-08:00The Gorge Heroes Club....Some heroes wear capes, ours wear Kevlar.....Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-71834072553324365892014-04-02T18:53:00.000-07:002014-04-02T19:07:33.994-07:00GHC Holds Gun Raffle For Military Support Programs<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>AND THE WINNERS OF THE GUN DRAWING ARE: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>FIRST CHOICE: T MURPHY</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>SECOND CHOICE: MIKE FARMER</b></span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ1BCZPD_PE1V9KJIyLy1aqsRGWNfc3RGr5tlu5u7t6t5o03VmMFM17u_HkloqHK_BWENOXHFLYifGZ1x_ppbL5h-e7fqXmfT2oiD_Kh9iZ6nNFdJkgN9_AaewaHTL7xuaJCAzPv3FuM/s1600/Gun+Raffle+Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ1BCZPD_PE1V9KJIyLy1aqsRGWNfc3RGr5tlu5u7t6t5o03VmMFM17u_HkloqHK_BWENOXHFLYifGZ1x_ppbL5h-e7fqXmfT2oiD_Kh9iZ6nNFdJkgN9_AaewaHTL7xuaJCAzPv3FuM/s400/Gun+Raffle+Flyer.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on image for larger viewing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>~COLT M-4 CARBINE .22LR~</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: red;">10 ROUND MAGAZINE</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: red;">AIM SPORTS ILLUMINATED 2.5-10x40 SCOPE</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: red;">AIM SPORTS 150 LUMIN FLASHLIGHT</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: red;">AIM SPORTS SINGLE LOOP BUNGIE MISSION SLING</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: blue;">PACKAGE RETAIL VALUE: $950.00</span></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHj8CyQwd9fWN_VmlWeGQJMHIv4Na4YLvcRRqAbAgAq_4SjaSbKvywEbSlFLkjzDQMSvWQMq9-eHdXqLMUyF1s2YQx77XPuMKVhtj8m1kaWMI1AWoj_AZYgWJ-Om_6qm0OsJsunof3uE/s1600/Colt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHj8CyQwd9fWN_VmlWeGQJMHIv4Na4YLvcRRqAbAgAq_4SjaSbKvywEbSlFLkjzDQMSvWQMq9-eHdXqLMUyF1s2YQx77XPuMKVhtj8m1kaWMI1AWoj_AZYgWJ-Om_6qm0OsJsunof3uE/s320/Colt2.jpg" height="107" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colt M-4 Carbine .22LR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">~SAR/9MM LUGER~</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red;">EUROPEAN AMERICAN ARMORY</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red;">HOLSTER AND 1 BOX OF AMMO</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: blue;">PACKAGE RETAIL VALUE: $780.00</span></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRTK2zR-y1NRBLnuzhaFe7y1ndRo3XWYgK2sTwiN9Ngt9cbExNE1ByH-r_lrtc0RYmVtRvWTgNr60IHV_VHrJXeMUPSRyz7EOA1llTJXFM2VfK2FpPvaL7ps8GE-ireHwyTMHCEvnNIo/s1600/Pistol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRTK2zR-y1NRBLnuzhaFe7y1ndRo3XWYgK2sTwiN9Ngt9cbExNE1ByH-r_lrtc0RYmVtRvWTgNr60IHV_VHrJXeMUPSRyz7EOA1llTJXFM2VfK2FpPvaL7ps8GE-ireHwyTMHCEvnNIo/s200/Pistol.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SAR/9MM LUGER European American Armory </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; text-align: left;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="mailto:GHC@gorge.net" style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">GHC@gorge.net</span></strong></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>The drawing will take place within 7 days of selling all tickets available (500) and will be witnessed by four people, two of which will be GHC Board members. </strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>The first winner drawn will receive his/her choice of either the PISTOL or the RIFLE. The second winner chosen will receive the remaining gun.</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>If the winner is unable to pass the background check, they will forfeit the prize and the second winner drawn will receive first choice and the third winner will be drawn, receive the remaining gun, and so on.</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>The raffle is non-transferable.</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>The winner must be a minimum of 21 years of age to receive the HAND GUN and 18 years of age to receive the RIFLE.</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>The winner will be notified by phone and will be announced on our webpage as well as our Facebook page at: </strong></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/gorgeheroes-club"><strong><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/gorgeheroes-club</span></strong></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Background check/transfer is donated by: Cliff Mansfield, Incorporated. Gun's only transferable to USA FFL dealers only. No outside USA participation allowed. </strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">To request additional gun specifications, please request them by e-mailing</span> </strong><a href="mailto:GHC@gorge.net"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>GHC@gorge.net</strong></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">MILITARY WARRIORS</span></strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-9153994500784355152013-09-11T14:58:00.000-07:002013-09-29T17:46:55.796-07:00Gorge Heroes Club Marine Mom Takes America to War<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2S8JwvI5Y1Q1m4gYacWEQfMUsVrvGBoA9ESE8Nkdi48Mn6YRji4n4alTyPMuMnHHqi6i570YbyTH6_Sr9ZnZqO75ZqiJkBRBRfTHl_vxD5LaJDpfcE4eH8C1EedkEverXMQfTqykQUc/s1600/RaeLynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2S8JwvI5Y1Q1m4gYacWEQfMUsVrvGBoA9ESE8Nkdi48Mn6YRji4n4alTyPMuMnHHqi6i570YbyTH6_Sr9ZnZqO75ZqiJkBRBRfTHl_vxD5LaJDpfcE4eH8C1EedkEverXMQfTqykQUc/s320/RaeLynn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marine Mom and Author RaeLynn Ricarte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Story written by: Kathy Ursprung from The Dalles Chronicle </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The book “Living the Oath: Warriors Take It, Families Endure It” written by Marine mom and The Dalles Chronicle reporter RaeLynn Ricarte has 35 chapters and includes stories from 29 warriors and military family members. Following are excerpts of narratives by subjects with ties to The Dalles, Oregon: Chief Warrant Officer Dan Manciu, veteran of Vietnam and Operation Enduring Freedom: “If you are going to war, go to war. If you don’t want to go, then don’t go. But once you put people in harm’s way, they need to be able to fight and survive. No armchair quarterbacking. People back at home shouldn’t make judgment calls on what is happening in combat because they have never been called upon to live like an animal and watch their buddies get killed.” Manciu, a resident of The Dalles, was 58 and the oldest Air National Guard pilot in theater during a 2005 deployment to Afghanistan. He was shot down three times in the war zone and was shocked to learn that the baffling rules of engagement in the politically-charged Vietnam conflict had grown even more confusing in the post 9/11 wars. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Oregon National Guard Staff Sergeant Christian Bagge, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom: “I don’t think there’s a defining moment in your recovery. It’s definitely a lifelong challenge. I tell people who have been seriously wounded that their future is going to depend a lot on how much they want to fight for it.” Bagge and his wife, Melissa (Eagy), had only been married three months when he lost his legs on June 3, 2005, when a bomb exploded under the vehicle he was traveling in. After going through grueling months of agony to overcome his disability and learning to walk again, Christian and Melissa settled into a home in The Dalles and began raising a family. They moved to Parkdale in 2011 after Homes for Our Troops built a residence to accommodate his mobility challenges. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Army Dr. Mary Deighton, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn: “I think the year in Iraq taught me I can do anything. So much of life is about determination,” Deighton is learning to find peace after a 2010 deployment that involved exposure to numerous explosions and a brutal rape at the hands of a Jamaican national working for a private military contracting company. She grew up in Hood River, left the Army in 2012 to relocate to The Dalles and take a position with Mid-Columbia Medical Center. She joined the Oregon National Guard and recently moved to La Grande to pursue a relationship with another soldier.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Navy Corpsman Micky Cates, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom: “Being out in combat is just like the Wild West. Everyone has a gun, everyone has ammo and you don’t really trust anyone. You are always on edge and there is no chapter in your training that can mentally prepare you for what you are going to deal with out there.” Cates provided medical care in 2009 to Marines stationed at a remote base and tasked with stopping smuggling activity along the Syrian border. He carried everything he needed to care for traumatic battlefield injuries as well as foot and body rashes. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Daphne Blanchard, mother of two Army soldiers, one a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom: “Sometimes you think that you are in this all by yourself and no one is really paying attention to what you are going through.” Blanchard, who resides in Mosier, has found that making cards for the troops helps her cope with the worry and stress of having Michael and Douglas serving in the military. Oregon National Guard First Lt. Brian Fike, veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom: “Americans need to quit being so passive; they need to grab life and live it to the fullest because that is the best way to thank our troops. Never settle.” Fike, a former Marine, was serving as commander of The Dalles Armory while his son, Chad, 19, was at war in Iraq with other local Guard soldiers. The father and son trade jests in their chapter that has become Chad’s memorial. After returning home from combat, he experienced major difficulty reintegrating back into civilian life. On July 8, 2013, Chad took his own life. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Trish McGrath-Rouleau, mother of seven National Guard soldiers: “Not all of their deployments have involved a lot of action but they have all involved a lot of worry on my part. Every time someone goes, it just increases the odds that PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) issues will emerge so there is always a concern,” Trish and husband Roger met in The Dalles when he was working as a recruiter and her youngest son, Ryan Young, was enlisting in the Guard. Their marriage in 2002 blended two families with a total of six soldiers and a new son-in-law soon became the seventh. The Rouleaus now make their home in Kennewick, Wash, with two daughters adopted from China. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Oregon National Guard Staff Sgt. Scott West, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom: “Quit putting yellow ribbons up and do something – whether it’s to adopt a soldier or send letters. Quit saying, ‘Thanks’ and show it.” West, a cowboy from Eastern Oregon, joined the Guard in 1997 and has served with Alpha Company from The Dalles. He was eager to defend his country by going into combat following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was a machine gunner during a 2004-05 deployment to Iraq and now suffers from PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) issues related to his time in combat.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Dr. Pat Stone, a Vietnam veteran and psychologist who specializes in veteran issues: “The effects of trauma redefine us because those memories become part of who we are as a human being and we can’t escape them.” Stone helps warriors with reintegration issues and addresses the psychological aspects of killing and how society can help returning veterans deal with mental and physical challenges that result from their military service. He has written a book about his experiences and the lessons he has learned called “20th Birthday” that is now available at www.amazon.com </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Army Specialist Cody Standiford, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom: “A passage by The Art of War by Sun Tzu asks: ‘What is the way of the warrior?’ And replies: ‘The way of the warrior is death.’ Not only do warriors deal out death to those who oppose them, but warriors also die, as we all know. Being a warrior means that no matter what the outcome, death is always the end result for someone and it’s always better them than you but it is a heavy weight to carry nonetheless. Warriors choose the path they follow and while those we love have not chosen the same path, they share the burden.” Standiford went to war in 2006 and still experiences nightmares about killing other human beings in order to survive. He currently works for U.S. Rep. Greg Walden to help veterans living within the Second Congressional District. USMC Capt.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Jesse Atay, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: “When you’re on the top of the hill being who you are, some people won’t like it, cause when someone’s looking up at you from the bottom all they see is your ass. But it doesn’t matter, because you’re already standing on top carrying the flag, and not looking at the masses but looking beyond, bathing in that golden sunlight streaming over the next ridge.” Atay, son of the author, led a combat assault team in Iraq during 2007, 2008 and 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2012. <br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">If you would like to purchase a copy of this awesome book, or read more details, please visit the link located at the top of our homepage.</span> </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-71978674807397541782013-08-17T09:06:00.000-07:002013-08-19T18:18:12.333-07:00Hunting Trip For Combat Veterans <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v5lo6UpCTJCoCJHLYzM1TsLrGd-IMyymOPDZJAV_GYz62AEXn4A43yjZz6gWqdoXrrhr0Aa5P552LzUe1GZcUU6eJkfKdyydoTMvIoiGkijY3kxO1cYWG6Dtv_sPaCiHsuGoyk97eck/s1600/2013+08+13+Hal+Woods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ksa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v5lo6UpCTJCoCJHLYzM1TsLrGd-IMyymOPDZJAV_GYz62AEXn4A43yjZz6gWqdoXrrhr0Aa5P552LzUe1GZcUU6eJkfKdyydoTMvIoiGkijY3kxO1cYWG6Dtv_sPaCiHsuGoyk97eck/s400/2013+08+13+Hal+Woods.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAL WOODS, a Marine combat veteran, is an avid hunter, shown above with a downed buck, and a firefighter and medic with Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue in The Dalles. He is working with other emergency responders to organize a hunting trip for wounded warriors in October. Four veterans who were injured during deployments to Iraq will be provided with an all-expense-paid weekend adventure on two private ranches in Wasco County. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wasco County ranchers prepare to host four wounded warriors.<br />
<br />
A group of Wasco County emergency responders and ranchers are finalizing plans to provide four wounded warriors with a hunting trip this fall.<br />
<br />
"We felt it was the least we could do for what these fellows have gone through for our country," said Vicki Ashley, who plans to serve peach cobbler fresh from the Dutch oven, along with other homemade specialties, during the October weekend.<br />
<br />
She and her husband, Larry, own a wheat farm near Maupin, as do Bill and Barbara Hammel, who will be providing a campsite for the combat veterans.<br />
<br />
"This is something we are all looking forward to and excited about," said Vicki.<br />
<br />
Mike Caldwell, a retired Oregon State Police trooper, took the lead on forming Outdoor Adventures with Military Heroes, a committee of the Gorge Heroes Club that is organizing the hunt. He made the following comment after hearing about the Ashleys' planned feast: "I expect my hunters to lose weight, not gain it."<br />
<br />
One of the veterans who will be participating in the hunt was a member of the Oregon National Guard and lost his leg during a 2004 firefight in Iraq. Another is an Army veteran who received chronic injuries while fighting for his life in hand-to-hand combat with an insurgent during a 2006-2007 deployment to Iraq.<br />
<br />
The third veteran was in the Army and is grappling with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after taking on the grisly task of preparing the bodies of fallen warriors for transport home during a 2007-08 tour of duty in Iraq. The fourth hunter will be a sergeant currently serving in the National Guard who endures chronic back pain, severe migraines and seizures. He received a traumatic brain injury after a roadside bomb exploded under his vehicle during a 2010-11 deployment to Iraq.<br />
<br />
"For the guys who have mobility issues, we have places to hunt with easy access so they can still have a good time," said Ashley.<br />
<br />
Bob Stone, owner of Bob Stone Freeway Auto Center of The Dalles, has stepped forward to support Outdoor Adventures and the heroes club by donating $100 for every car sold from Aug. 14-19 to the cause.<br />
<br />
In May, Stone raised $4,300 from the same type of fundraiser that was dedicated to the care of local veterans. His goal is to generate a total of $10,000 this year for outreach efforts that benefit past and present military personnel.<br />
<br />
"I have some great deals for this sale and it is a good opportunity for people who are shopping for a new vehicle to also show their appreciation for the men and women who have served," he said.<br />
<br />
Terri Hansen, vice-president of the heroes club, said Stone has been the number one sponsor of care packages for men and women serving overseas from the Mid-Columbia region since the wars began in 2001 and 2003. She said he has provided nearly $20,000 in the past 12 years to boost the morale of troops in the field and help Guard members return from war and reintegrate back into the civilian world. In addition he has donated more than $45,200 to Mid-Columbia emergency response teams.<br />
<br />
"Since 9/11, Bob Stone has made a real difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for this nation," said Hansen. Outdoor Adventures was accepted by the heroes club as a committee in late January.<br />
<br />
The five-member board is chaired by Fred Coleman, a former member of the Guard and a firefighter/medic with Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue. Serving with him are: Hal Woods, vice-chair who is also a firefighter with Mid-Columbia; Caldwell, who has the role of secretary/treasurer; Wasco County Chief Deputy Lane Magill; and, Keith Nantz, general manager and partner of Dillon Land and Cattle Company of Maupin.<br />
<br />
The idea to do something for wounded warriors at the local level was spawned by Caldwell after he read a guest editorial published by The Chronicle in November and written by Magill. The law enforcement official spoke about the suicide of a local veteran and how that tragedy had driven him to do whatever he could to prevent other deaths. He urged community members to also step up and get involved in a cause that helped veterans.<br />
<br />
"I read that column and then I went downstairs to watch TV and a program was on about a hunting trip that had been planned for wounded warriors," said Caldwell. "It made me ask, 'Why can't we do this locally?'"<br />
<br />
Magill said when Caldwell first showed up at his office, he was gratified to know that his message had spurred someone else to action.<br />
<br />
"He was all fired up and to have someone motivated like that by simple words on paper was pretty humbling. It meant a lot that someone listened to what I had to say," he said.<br />
<br />
It has been a good cause for emergency responders to get involved with, said Magill, because they, like the military, deal with a lot of negative human behavior. Being able to help combat veterans is good for the morale of those who serve on the front lines at home because there is no downside to taking care of their "brothers and sisters."<br />
<br />
"If we can save one life by doing this, or help one veteran feel cared about, then we have accomplished our mission," he said.<br />
<br />
Once Caldwell enlisted Magill's help, he signed up Woods, who is the only combat veteran on the board. Woods was a lance corporal in the Marine Corps who took part in the Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, in 1990-91.<br />
<br />
"Just knowing what these young men and women are going through - this is my opportunity to give back," he said.<br />
<br />
Coleman was chosen to head the committee because of his ongoing work with Ducks Unlimited, a national nonprofit organization. He also has military experience, with more than 10 years in the Guard so Caldwell and Magill, who have not served, thought he would also be an asset when working with veterans.<br />
<br />
During a series of neighborhood meetings to pitch the idea for a hunting trip, Caldwell met Nantz, who offered the group his business experience. The ultimate goal of Outdoor Adventures is to have a variety of activities available to veterans each year, including rock climbing, hiking, fishing and off-roading.<br />
<br />
"If they want to do it, we can plan for it," said Caldwell, who applied for start-up funds from Eid Passport, Inc., of Hillsboro.<br />
<br />
The company, with a long track record of supporting military families, provided Outdoor Adventures with a $5,000 grant, which gave the group a green light to move ahead.<br />
<br />
"Without them, this would never have gotten off the ground and up and running, it was a leap of faith," said Caldwell.<br />
<br />
The list of landowners who have signed up to host activities is long, he said, and next year the hunt will take place by a lottery system to ensure that every veteran receives an equitable chance to enjoy one of the all-expense paid trips. Caldwell said the inaugural adventure is being undertaken by a group of veterans who have agreed to provide feedback about what went right and what could be improved upon. Their input will be used to plan future activities that will be customized to meet the needs of participating warriors.<br />
<br />
For more information, Caldwell can be reached at 541-993-6222 or mkcaldwell@charter.net. Donations can be sent to Outdoor Adventures with Military Heroes at P.O. Box 9, The Dalles, Ore., 97058<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-26407480594974580142013-05-14T17:45:00.002-07:002013-05-14T18:32:06.578-07:00Honoring our Warriors <span style="color: black;">Mid-Columbia Fire &Rescue, local law enforcement agencies and military representatives are providing community members with an up close and personal look at the world of emergency responders.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">The Heroes Day event in The Dalles has been scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, in observance of National Armed Forces Day. The fire district decided to team up with the Gorge Heroes Club, a local pro-troop group, to pay tribute to their “brothers and sisters” serving in Afghanistan and returning veterans. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">“We support our armed forces and wanted to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about what emergency services personnel do and the equipment they use,” said Dan Hammel, division chief.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">The event is free at the fire station, 1400 W. 8th Street. See a LifeFlight helicopter and displays set up by MCF&R and these agencies: Oregon State Police, The Dalles City Police Department, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Hazmat Team 3 of Gresham, Oregon Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. U.S. Army and possibly U.S. Marine Corps.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Smokey the Bear, the mascot for the Forest Service, and Sparky the Firedog, who works with Hammel and other local firefighters, will be present to greet children. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Hero’s club members will sell a hotdog lunch and beverages.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">All proceeds will be used to ship care packages to troops in Afghanistan or support National Guard soldiers reintegrating back into the civilian world after a deployment.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">“Our troops are taking care of us 24/7 and we all need to take a moment every now and then to thank them,” said Terri Hansen, vice-president of the heroes club. “There have been 15 deaths of soldiers, airmen and Marines this past month alone and it is important that their families, and the men and women they served with, know that these sacrifices are not forgotten.”</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">She said emergency responders stepped up immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the east coast to risk their lives to protect their fellow Americans. She said firemen and 72 police officers died that day and then the banner was handed off to the military, which has lost 6,400 troops and had another 40,000 injured on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan during the past 11 years.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">“We are so proud of all of our emergency responders and plan to let the troops in harm’s way know about the showing of support they are getting from back home,” said Hansen.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Bob Stone Freeway Auto Center in The Dalles, 2222 W. Sixth Street, is also observing Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, which honors America’s fallen warriors, by donating a portion of sale proceeds from May 16-21 to the heroes club. Bob Stone, owner, has contributed thousands of dollars in recent years to help the nonprofit organization send care packages to military units with a point of contact from the Mid-Columbia region.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">“It has been, and continues to be, an honor to support our troops,” he said.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Hansen is also organizing the heroes club garage sale on May 18 at the Hood River Amory, 1590 12th Street. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">The doors open at 8 a.m. and people are invited to shop for a bargain until 4 p.m. Proceeds will be used for the nonprofit group’s continuing programs to educate the public about military service and take care of those in uniform.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">People wanting to donate items for the sale can leave them during regular hours at The Dalles Liquor Store, 430 Mt. Hood Street, or Columbia Auto Sales and Repair, 518 East Second Street.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Debra Laraway of Pine Grove is coordinating the storage of quality used goods in Hood River County and can be reached for arrangements to drop off an item at 541-386-3318 or 541-490-6954.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club began informally sending boxes to troops from the Mid-Columbia region and beyond in 2007 and became a nonprofit organization a couple of years later.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">RaeLynn Ricarte - The Dalles Chronicle</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-86873174317137883032013-04-13T19:05:00.001-07:002013-04-13T19:05:49.831-07:00Marine Veteran and Hospital Corpsman Father Share Stories of Courage With Chenowith Elementary School Children
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9-TanlxICd3tgaQfLV0sQ8kDj1knAAB7ykot6pZVGdrLYmgHCY5jBLZ1u1ttgzu35DlecP47s-BiScl0Wo_oaVeIWDyzvlk19rY1UK10CR-hREAi74SDnIDz9sBvruKLvgO-jlsUNDs/s1600/Johnathan1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9-TanlxICd3tgaQfLV0sQ8kDj1knAAB7ykot6pZVGdrLYmgHCY5jBLZ1u1ttgzu35DlecP47s-BiScl0Wo_oaVeIWDyzvlk19rY1UK10CR-hREAi74SDnIDz9sBvruKLvgO-jlsUNDs/s400/Johnathan1.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Marine Veteran, Johnathan Paplik - As he visits with Chenowith Elementary School Children -The Dalles, Oregon </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ2jZGMwdUc2YV3vHtfkH3TUrF4zNLiit1Ws4hrVUJcsLxzlXABbG_DcacEQ3fIJpYg7nkIMAADaxGfxEF-Sc3UG2dYBp1fvhxWdPrhfBBN5GpZAZrWXcpV6heUZZyppPZvkl8ECtxmg/s1600/Larry+and+Daryn+II.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ2jZGMwdUc2YV3vHtfkH3TUrF4zNLiit1Ws4hrVUJcsLxzlXABbG_DcacEQ3fIJpYg7nkIMAADaxGfxEF-Sc3UG2dYBp1fvhxWdPrhfBBN5GpZAZrWXcpV6heUZZyppPZvkl8ECtxmg/s400/Larry+and+Daryn+II.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Teacher Larry Sprouse and Daryn Fogle, father of Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jeremy Fogle from Hood River. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Jonathan Pablik, 23, a Marine veteran, captivated fourth graders at Chenowith Elementary School, using his military training Thursday to hold their attention. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">He began his presentation in the class of Larry Sprouse with a round of push-ups and then directed students to growl a reply to the question, “Good to go?” to show they were tracking the conversation. When he used the word “Eyeball” they were to say “Click” and then shut their eyes briefly to clear their heads and regain focus.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go,” said Pablik as students carried desks out of the way so they could sit in a tighter formation for his lesson.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Each of the 22 students were given a “call sign” that was based on his or her name to demonstrate how communication occurred out in the field. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“If your last name is P, like mine, then you are ‘Papa,’” he said, which earned giggles from the students.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Pablik’s instructions were mixed with levity but also held messages of empowerment that he had learned after heading off to war in 2008 at the age of 17.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">After telling the class that it was important to empower themselves to prevail over fear, he shared his methodology to overcome being afraid while engaged in a 36-hour firefight with Taliban militants during Operation Moshtarak in Afghanistan during 2010. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“When you feel afraid you have to find something opposite to think about; anything that makes you smile – that’s it!” he said. “There is a way to overcome fear; it’s a choice.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">He also told the students to be appreciative of living in the U.S. where they do not have to fear stepping on a roadside bomb as the children do in Afghanistan and other war zones.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“They are scared every day they might die when they go to school, so be grateful you live in a country like this,” said Pablik. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Also visiting the class of Larry Sprouse in the afternoon of April 4 was Daryn Fogle, father of Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jeremy Fogle, 25, who is currently on his second deployment to Afghanistan.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“I would be the first to say that wars are mean,” he said. “But wars and battles do take place and, when they do, people get hurt. When that happens, Corpsmen like my son take care of the ones who are wounded.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Jeremy is a 2005 graduate of Hood River Valley High School and enlisted in the Navy five years ago; first working in Italy and then taking on the role of “Doc” for Marines in a combat assault battalion from Camp Lejeune, N.C.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Sprouse contacted the Gorge Heroes Club several months ago about adopting someone who was at war and was given Fogle’s name. His students began exchanging messages through Facebook and were provided with an overview of living conditions in Helmand Province, where the Marines are tasked with stopping drug trafficking activities that fund Taliban militants.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“I’ve really been trying to teach them about honor and respect and what service means,” said Sprouse, who has been an educator for 30 years and a resident of The Dalles since 1982.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Next week, his class plans to ship a box off to Fogle that contains well wishes and some snacks for him to enjoy on patrols and share with “his” Marines. Daryn told the students his son was protective of the 150 men and women he was charged with providing medical care for and that Marines, whether they wanted to admit it or not due to service rivalry, were also assigned to the Department of the Navy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“When I heard that they were supporting Jeremy like this I just thought, ‘Wow!’” said Fogle. “Honestly, I’m kind of speechless about it. It’s nice, it’s honorable and, as a parent, I’m proud of my son and now more than ever because he’s also a role model for these kids.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">___________________________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club was honored to send support from home to these brave Warriors during there many deployments. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-17311969829012757692012-12-15T19:23:00.000-08:002013-02-14T19:24:15.338-08:00Reach out to Veterans - By Wasco County Deputy Lane Magill <div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>This column was published shortly after Veterans Day in The Dalles Chronicle that was written by Wasco County Chief Deputy Lane Magill on behalf of our nation's veterans. Mr. Magill is visiting Arlington in the near future and will take grave rubbings of 15 Heroes that will be framed and presented to their families. He is also helping to plan a hunting trip this fall for some of our combat veterans and is a true example of how emergency responders can reach across professional lines to help one of their own...</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong></div>
<strong><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamAjO6HI4RJLSIW2wsN50mLFTxVYFpkIRaUJu9jf49jM5QYnuUeUY9A1S9mzi3579CLIFfQMtr8FPbrbqhby3egTZuUtdVNRIf1YXDMwX1xInH8UR46c58XZ7SDUaKwUaZpwYnU-ijj4/s1600/Magill+Lane.TIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamAjO6HI4RJLSIW2wsN50mLFTxVYFpkIRaUJu9jf49jM5QYnuUeUY9A1S9mzi3579CLIFfQMtr8FPbrbqhby3egTZuUtdVNRIf1YXDMwX1xInH8UR46c58XZ7SDUaKwUaZpwYnU-ijj4/s320/Magill+Lane.TIF" uea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wasco County, Oregon Chief Deputy Lane Magill </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</strong>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Reach out to Veterans<strong><br /></strong><strong>By Wasco County Chief Deputy Lane Magill</strong></h2>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>As many of you may know or may not know, November is what we in the law enforcement business consider, "Veteran's Month." As I was reflecting about this subject I wanted to write an article giving you, the general public, an idea of what veterans have to go through, as well as providing information so you can assist a veteran in need. I would encourage all of you to read this article completely as I hope it compels you to become involved with those members of the community who have served and are currently serving in our armed services.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>On a cool afternoon in October of 2005, I was working in the Patrol Division with the Wasco County Sheriff's Office when I was dispatched to Mid-Columbia Medical Center. I was told by the dispatcher there was a male subject in the emergency room on a Police Officer Hold for wanting to hurt himself.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Upon arrival at MCMC, I was led to the patient's room and introduced to Brian Leavitt. According to reports, Brian had talked about committing suicide and was awaiting an evaluation from staff of Mid- Columbia Center for Living.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>While at the hospital I struck up a conversation with Brian and inquired as to why he would want to hurt himself. Brian indicated he had been struggling with these types of thoughts for the last three to six months and "just wanted help." He indicated to me he was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the U.S. military. He said the readjustment to civilian life had been pretty hard and during this time he had lost his relationship with his girlfriend. He also told me he had asked numerous times for assistance with his suicidal thoughts from the Veteran's Hospital in Portland but was told they did not have any "openings" to speak with someone for at least one month</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>As I listened to Brian's story about serving our country and then returning home, I couldn't help but feel some of his pain. Although I'm not a veteran myself, I felt it was my obligation to assist Brian to the best of my abilities. I felt he had served our great country and sacrificed his personal life to make sure I could be free and safe to live here.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>While at the hospital I asked Brian if he had the phone number for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Portland. He provided me with the phone number he had been using and I called. When I reached the switchboard I requested to speak with a member who would know Brian's situation. I explained Brian's circumstances and wanting to hurt himself. The person at the VA hospital advised they were aware of Brian's current circumstances but said they did not have any staffers available to speak with Brian if he came to Portland. They additionally told me Brian had an appointment approximately one month later.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>I explained to them that Brian would probably not make it for a month and needed help immediately. Again I was advised by the staff member there was nothing they could do. I told them I would be willing to drive Brian to the hospital if they could just see him. Not to repeat myself but I was told there was nothing they could do for at least a month. I hung up the phone discouraged the VA could do nothing for a person who had sacrificed so much for his country.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Less than five months later Brian took his own life.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>On March 28, 2012, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop sponsored by the Oregon National Guard for the sole purpose of learning about returning military veterans, and the effects of being in the military. The subjects covered during this training event included reintegration, criminal activity, domestic spouse/family issues, financial problems, job selection, and veteran suicides. As I went through these classes I learned a lot of things that I feel would be beneficial to the citizens of Wasco County concerning military veterans.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Here are some interesting statistics with military veterans that everyone should know. This is a limited list of the issues facing all veterans:</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>*There are 23.8 million veterans living in the US. That's almost 10% of the adult population.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* 1.2 million or 0.5% of the US population is currently active-duty military.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* Twenty to 30% of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Only half of these seek treatment. And of those, less than half complete treatment.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* The Army estimates that the total number of members from all branches of service afflicted with PTSD may currently be nearing 500,000.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* Eighteen veterans will commit suicide today. Although only 1% of Americans have served in the military, former service members represent 20 percent of all suicides in the US.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* Young male soldiers commit suicide at twice the national average. Young female soldiers are three times the national average.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* Oregon and Washington veterans are five times more likely to commit suicide than the general US population.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>When reading some of these statistics it becomes very clear our veterans, not only out of the service but those returning, have real challenges facing them in the civilian life. However not all is lost with our veterans and there are a number of resources available to assist those who are having difficulties in the listed areas.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>In an effort to make sure our veterans have services available to them, the sheriff's office would like to provide some information to the community about how to assist our veterans, whether they are returning from active duty or retired from the military.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>As told in Brian's story, one of the main issues veterans face is suicide. The causes of this can be attributed to PTSD as well as having to readjust to civilian life. It has been learned there is a real shortage of medical professionals to assist veterans in this area and, based on that, I believe it is our duty as citizens to step up to the plate and assist in any way possible to stop this trend.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>If you know a veteran struggling with thoughts of suicide or other issues, please get involved. By becoming involved you may be the link that keeps the chain from breaking. I have included a list of resources for military veterans who need assistance with areas of their life:</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* Military OneSource Counseling: Free of charge and available 24 hours per day, seven days a week at 1-800-342-9647 or 800-3429-6477* (*overseas country access codes can be found online). Experts can assist with problem solving, coping with stress, financial management, family issues, marital communications, dealing with family separations, parent child communications, combat stress, deployment and reunion, crisis situations, grief and loss.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>*Oregon Military Assistance Helpline, 1-800-511-6944.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* Suicide Hotline, 1-800-273-8255, press #1.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>* OR National Guard Reintegration Team, 1-888-688-2264.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Several days after Brian committed suicide I received a phone call from his sister telling me he had taken his own life. I must admit, I see and hear a lot of bad and discouraging news being in the law enforcement profession, but this was one of the most difficult phone calls I have ever received. Brian's sister and I cried over the phone with the sadness of Brian's passing but during this conversation we both agreed, "Let us try and turn this into a positive thing." As time has gone by the pain has eased with the loss of Brian, but the memory of how he suffered has never left me. It will be a memory I will never forget and I made a promise to myself and Brian's family I would find a way to help our returning and existing veterans cope with the trials they face here in our communities.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Remember, our veterans are the reason we can live free in this great country and they have earned our respect and provision of all the resources they need to succeed.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>If you know a service member who is in need of assistance you can always call the Wasco County Sheriff's Office at 541-296-5454. All deputies carry an information packet with them while on duty so these resources can be hand delivered to the veteran in need. Additionally, Veterans Packets can be picked up at your local libraries, community centers, some fire departments and the Veterans' Service office in The Dalles, 201 Federal Street.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>If you have any questions or ways you would like to get involved please feel free to call me at 541-506-2592 for assistance.</strong></div>
<strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong><strong><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-52735397793808380222012-12-01T18:55:00.000-08:002013-02-14T18:56:52.810-08:00Gorge Heroes Club Receives Toys For Hood River Oregon National Guard Children<div style="text-align: center;">
THANK YOU LES SCHWAB AND PORTLAND'S FOX 12</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to be the recipient of toys from this years Les Schwab and Portland's Fox 49 Toy Drive. Pictured here, is one of the units from the Hood River Oregon National Guard that will be receiving some of the 100+ toys that were donated to GHC for our Warrior's children this holiday season. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBO9aHHLxtX8IQvdEp3R9AMl9NYyZsqKaP5zfUxSLYhwoeQsTK41RuRdjs3pYwrLgcGZwUq_8_lU3kAHbflZ0-NvPtXB3TLD8mey-r2lAMpmpZkazooBN6veqLYNwl8nOcCKGBsoKvvY/s1600/HRGuardLesSchwab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBO9aHHLxtX8IQvdEp3R9AMl9NYyZsqKaP5zfUxSLYhwoeQsTK41RuRdjs3pYwrLgcGZwUq_8_lU3kAHbflZ0-NvPtXB3TLD8mey-r2lAMpmpZkazooBN6veqLYNwl8nOcCKGBsoKvvY/s400/HRGuardLesSchwab.JPG" uea="true" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-71468858566835787982012-08-22T07:45:00.001-07:002012-08-22T07:47:44.662-07:00Meet Oregon National Guard Member Dr. Mary Deighton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOulLJS7if5POVw6KnPXu_7981CGPGxY4wGnTD8s9aJGZebePRzWBiVlmuETD85Kdd-ufES1NLDxz1FAA4nnKukKZEfQ3vNURTDlsCp6lG__63tDZqloi2_zSacuOZ4XPpicgL853xK8/s1600/2012+08+09+Mary+Deighton+Dog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOulLJS7if5POVw6KnPXu_7981CGPGxY4wGnTD8s9aJGZebePRzWBiVlmuETD85Kdd-ufES1NLDxz1FAA4nnKukKZEfQ3vNURTDlsCp6lG__63tDZqloi2_zSacuOZ4XPpicgL853xK8/s400/2012+08+09+Mary+Deighton+Dog.JPG" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">By RaeLynn Ricarte - The Dalles Chronicle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Dr. Mary Deighton, new to The Dalles, did not follow the path of most physicians from medical school into a clinical setting; she took a detour to Iraq in 2010 to save the lives of wounded warriors.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Deighton left active duty military service in July after deciding it was time to return to the gorge, where she grew up. She relocated from Colorado Springs, Colo., near her former duty station of Fort Carson, to The Dalles and is now working for Mid-Columbia Medical Center and treating patients at Columbia Hills Family Medicine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“My grandmother worked at The Dalles General Hospital and my parents graduated from high school in The Dalles before settling in Hood River so this is home,” she said. “When I was in Iraq, I just felt this incredible call to be back here so the opportunity to work in this community is very welcome.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Deighton hadn’t even finished unpacking boxes before she signed up to serve in the Oregon National Guard, where she retains the rank of major. She will train one weekend a month in Salem with other citizen soldiers in the medical profession.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“I just wasn’t quite ready to leave the military,” she said of that decision. “Everybody I went to Iraq with is now in Afghanistan and I felt like this is one way that I could continue to do my part.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">William Hamilton, vice-president of medical affairs for MCMC, is a Navy veteran and said the wealth of experience that Deighton gained from her service was one of the reasons she was hired. He said it became obvious during the interview process that she was a people-person and would work well with both patients and staff. MCMC has more than 80 providers– including physicians and other specialists -- in its health care system.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“Mary has roots here and that is always very important to us as we look to bring in new providers from a longevity and stability perspective,” said Hamilton. “She knows the area and was enthusiastic about joining our organization. I think being here will really help her grow into her role as a primary care provider for our community.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">In January, Deighton was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for risking her own life to pull an injured man from a burning vehicle that had overturned during a wreck near Fort Knox, Kenn., a base she was visiting. That medal was added to the Bronze Star she received during her one-year deployment for delivering outstanding service to 4,300 soldiers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Her role in Operation Iraqi Freedom was to provide physical and mental health care for the troops and she supervised the activities of seven physician’s assistants, six doctors and 243 medics.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Although Mary is proud to have earned decorations during six years on active duty, but she is ecstatic about being granted ownership of Major Aspen, the retired service dog who was her “battle buddy.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Deighton found Aspen, a mixed-breed dog, in a shelter and arranged for her to receive several months of specialized training so she could provide comfort and care to injured or depressed soldiers. The canine started her military career with the name Iron Maiden and was assigned the rank of sergeant because her handler was a specialist and, by Army protocol, service dogs have to hold a higher rank. Deighton said that custom assures the dog gets top treatment because, to do less, can earn the soldier disciplinary action for disrespecting a superior. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">When Iron Maiden’s original handler broke his ankle and couldn’t deploy, Deighton, then a captain, took charge of the dog, who was immediately promoted to major. Her name was changed to reflect the renowned fall foliage from the state she represented. Several weeks after arriving in Iraq, Deighton was also promoted but Aspen didn’t get to move into a lieutenant colonel slot.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“She can salute and absolutely loved being in formation,” said Deighton. “Aspen’s orders stated that she was to lick soldiers into awareness of their surroundings if they are injured or if they are stressed.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">She said service dogs give soldiers something to love during long separations from their families so Aspen received ample attention after their March 2010 arrival in Iraq. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">She said it was never a problem to get a flight from one base to another, no matter how busy the helicopter crew was, if Aspen was with her. The dog was even served ice chips by pilots, a treat in weather that topped 140 degrees in the summer that was usually denied to human passengers. The purpose of having ice onboard the craft was to cool down the pilots, who were mandated to wear heavy Kevlar protective gear during all transports.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The canine did not cope well with mortar attacks on the base – one time even becoming so distressed she vomited -- and still becomes highly nervous when she hears loud noises. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Three times during the deployment, Deighton was directly exposed to shock waves that left her disoriented and impaired her hearing for days. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“All of a sudden I was on the ground looking up and I remember being so mad because I was going to die that way,” she said about the explosion that occurred while she was visiting Garry Owen, an outpost on the border of Iraq and Iran.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">She said learning how to cope with the injuries and loss of soldiers that she knew and worked with was one of the most difficult aspects of her time in combat. She was devastated to learn about the death of a fellow student from Baptist Christian School in Hood River, now known as Horizon Christian, where she received her early education. She had graduated two years behind Dale Goetz, who became an Army chaplain and also worked out of Fort Carson, Colo. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">On Aug. 2, 2010, she was returning home for leave and ran into Capt. Goetz in Germany, where they were both waiting for flights; hers to the U.S. and his to Afghanistan, where he would start a second deployment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“We hadn’t seen each other since high school and spent 45 minutes talking about our families and our service,” she said. “He was nervous and I tried to give him some encouragement and he reassured me that I would be fine.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">On Aug. 30, 2010, Goetz became the first chaplain to die in a combat zone since 1970, where U.S. troops were engaged in the Vietnam War. He had hitched a ride on a resupply convoy that was headed through the Arghandab River Valley in Afghanistan. Several hours later he and four other soldiers were killed by roadside bomb. He left behind wife, Christina and three young sons. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“That was tough, really, really tough,” said Deighton, who organized a memorial service for Goetz in his hometown of Hood River following his burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The dream of one day being a doctor stayed with Deighton through her years at California State University in San Marcos, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and during seven years when she worked as an insurance underwriter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“I always knew it was what I wanted, I just didn’t have the confidence,” she said.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Deighton’s husband agreed with her pursuing that dream so she enrolled at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, completing the two-year master’s program in one year with a study emphasis on anatomy and neuroscience in preparation for medical school. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">She was then accepted into the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine, and the family, which also included daughter Jessie, now 18, relocated to the East Coast. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Deighton felt called to join the military and assist in national defense. She was commissioned as a second lieutenant during her second year of medical school. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Upon graduation in 2006, she became a captain and began her three-year residency at Fort Bragg Womack Army Medical Center in Fayetteville, N.C., home of the Army’s largest family medicine program. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“Every resident handled all types of cases and our average work week was 100 hours,” said Deighton. “I had been able to coach my daughter’s soccer team and attend all of her activities during med school but for those three years, it was everything I could do to even make a game.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">She drilled for six weeks in trauma surgery techniques at the University of Cincinatti in Ohio, working under the leadership of a U.S. Joint Forces Command Surgeon, who made her run through endless battlefield scenarios.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“That was the single most important training to prepare me for Iraq,” she said.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Deighton remembers treating a soldier from an outpost in Iraq who had been shot in the buttocks by a sniper and then having that same individual end up in the hospital three months later with another bullet wound – this one in the right shoulder -- caused by the same shooter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The strangest medical scenario she faced involved members of a Special Operation team who dropped in at Garry Owen to have two critically wounded comrades stabilized for further transport. The men wore unmarked uniforms so it was impossible to tell what branch of the military they were from.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“We had no idea they were coming; we just heard helicopters coming toward the landing pad (at the field hospital),” said Deighton. “There was Red Air that day, which meant no one was supposed to fly, so we were pretty surprised.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">She said one of the men was bleeding heavily from a deep kidney laceration and the blood bank on the base was too depleted to provide the transfusion he needed. When a Medevac was denied because of the weather she looked at her lieutenant and said, “If we don’t get this guy out of there, he’s going to die.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Deighton said the lieutenant had been observing the men that he correctly guessed were Navy SEALS and noticed that one seemed to be directing the movements of the others. The junior officer went over to that individual and whispered in his ear that either a phone number had to be provided for someone who could help or one of his men was going to die.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“He gave the lieutenant a number and minutes after that call was made, a bird (helo) flew down and picked those guys up and took them off into the night,” she said.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The next day, the commander of her unit received a call of thanks from a Pentagon official for their care of the SEAL team.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“That happened right after I got there and I thought the whole tour was going to be like that – I’m thankful it wasn’t,” said Deighton.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">It is time, she said, for life to be more peaceful. At the age of 41, she enjoys fishing horseback riding, archery – she was a state champion in high school – and plans on learning how to hunt. She is also trying to figure out how to get her duck, which was raised with chicken, to like water.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“Not sure what to do about that one,” she said. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Deighton looks forward to meeting other veterans and providing medical services to families in the community.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“My experiences in Iraq have made me very resilient and given me a great amount of empathy and compassion; I have become a really good listener,” she said. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-56262197624313319142012-07-16T13:34:00.000-07:002012-07-16T13:36:46.277-07:00Gorge Heroes Club Hosts Veteran's Outreach Representative Cody Standiford From U.S. Rep. Greg Walden's Office<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club will be hosting, Cody Standiford, veteran and active-duty outreach case manager for U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, in The Dalles Wednesday, July 18, he will be available to meet with military families or veterans experiencing issues with benefits, etc. He can be reached for a private appointment that afternoon at (541) 306-0684. It will be held at The Dalles Oregon National Guard Armory. So, if any of you have any issues pertaining benefits, etc now is the time to set up an appointment to meet with Mr Standiford. Special thanks to U.S. Rep. Greg Walden for his continued support of our military Warriors.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Honored -</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Your GHC</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="mailto:GHC@gorge.net">GHC@gorge.net</a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-24703863389467449062012-06-09T11:10:00.001-07:002012-06-09T11:16:20.062-07:00Hon. Greg Walden Presents Congressional Record Tribute To Warrior Kyle McCullough<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Congratulations to Warrior Kyle McCullough for receiving a Congressional Record Tribute from Hon. Greg Walden. </span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">On behalf of the Gorge Heroes Club and the Warriors we support world-wide we would like to thank both Hon. Greg Walden and Warrior Kyle McCullough for your continued support. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO6BD4XuFt-AoD6j8FovR87tb_qPnUOxCrdL7itN_Ay9ODWN3gvY8koSeif1_2W7KbrQSWQJSQjg5Nl5NMhxogtkIe5MHcyoLZzq0OvygqLQHm6VB3Yo7DePk-D7aiXdrPC2AarsNppE/s1600/WaldenKyleCongRecord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO6BD4XuFt-AoD6j8FovR87tb_qPnUOxCrdL7itN_Ay9ODWN3gvY8koSeif1_2W7KbrQSWQJSQjg5Nl5NMhxogtkIe5MHcyoLZzq0OvygqLQHm6VB3Yo7DePk-D7aiXdrPC2AarsNppE/s400/WaldenKyleCongRecord.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior Kyle McCullough receives his Congressional Record Tribute from Hon. Greg Walden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Record Congressional Reads As Follows: </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>Congressional Record</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Proceedings and Debates of the 112th Congress, Second Session</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>House of Representatives</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Hon. Greg Walden</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Of Oregon</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>In The House Of Representatives</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, June 08, 2012</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">TRIBUTE TO KYLE MCCULLOUGH</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to Kyle McCullough. Kyle, a 28-year old Wasco County resident, is a former Army Special Forces soldiers who served this country with honor and distinction. In Ramadi in 2006, he fought in one of the toughest engagements our forces encountered during Operation Iraqi Freedom. And now Kyle is currently in the process of reenlisting in the Army. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">While at home, his mind is not far from his comrades in harm’s way overseas. In recent conversation with his little brother, USMC 1st Lt Kristopher “Turf” McCullough, currently serving in Afghanistan he was asked: “Do people even remember that we’re over here?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Kyle, as ever his nature, jumped into action. In May, Kyle walked a distance of 198 miles over eight days from his home in Dufur to the Oregon coast in Seaside to raise awareness for the troops. That’s an average of 24.5 miles every day, or two miles longer than the driving distance between Hood River and The Dalles. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">During the trek, Kyle not only raised a few blisters on the bottom of his feet, but he also raised money for the Hood River-based Gorge Heroes Club, which provides care packages to deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the money Kyle raised, the Gorge Heroes Club will be able to provide 1,250 soldiers overseas with morale-boosting care packages from home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Media throughout the northwest covered Kyle’s walk - and it was not lost on deployed servicemen and women overseas, either. Oregon National Guard Major Jack Gillentine, stationed in Kabul, said in a recent letter to the Gorge Heroes Club, “Thank you very much for the packages you sent us. Some of the non-perishable food goes on our trucks for missions when we cannot get to the chow hall. I especially wanted to say thank you to Kyle McCullough. I read this article and I appreciate the huge effort. Thanks for all you do.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club supported more thank 5,000 troops last year alone. As a direct result of Kyle’s dedication and willingness to persevere through pain and exhaustion, troops deployed around the globe will continue to receive these much needed morale boosting care packages. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in recognizing Kyle McCullough. He has earned the thanks of a grateful nation not only for his courage on the battlefield, but for his homefront support</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">of his fellow servicemen and women who every day put their lives on the line for our way of life. </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchEZozSBrEd3oZEfxNt5prUdKQLXmpOk2wYSw8WrwiEOrw6Deup4vcotKr9X7SGkLy9fjI7wUUP_3478Ke6uCaidjCDbwrv2eDCvkyPNbJ-Fp6Cqsp6sxtsBoTc5C-qBheco7rLzpmps/s1600/CongressRecordFull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchEZozSBrEd3oZEfxNt5prUdKQLXmpOk2wYSw8WrwiEOrw6Deup4vcotKr9X7SGkLy9fjI7wUUP_3478Ke6uCaidjCDbwrv2eDCvkyPNbJ-Fp6Cqsp6sxtsBoTc5C-qBheco7rLzpmps/s400/CongressRecordFull.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congressional Record</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06ZrPL753uhA-giQxMuDCaroFawyjQS21lvOxt5QhFcAhyphenhyphenqkSImIeM27t7oanxEyAgZX1tBxHt_sfr4KEMsZoQLEo9VhpaFK81bK1nMcIgaaBlv16YwyS0RpgAVcw7ElMbth6G1YEQBs/s1600/CongRecordUpClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06ZrPL753uhA-giQxMuDCaroFawyjQS21lvOxt5QhFcAhyphenhyphenqkSImIeM27t7oanxEyAgZX1tBxHt_sfr4KEMsZoQLEo9VhpaFK81bK1nMcIgaaBlv16YwyS0RpgAVcw7ElMbth6G1YEQBs/s400/CongRecordUpClose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDgXUKmW7ZeKMJKfdDGcEbP1nPZrTcinsaYS8j0WfkntNah4TjkW0Is3ucF-lFyjr4zKBU5a7HSMUgVWA7GBfexb0HlZN8_KsE5Zf-writ-th5bb2qQzmgVnThZlx_CPtvWc3IEBHSAA/s1600/CongressRecordUpCloseTOpHalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDgXUKmW7ZeKMJKfdDGcEbP1nPZrTcinsaYS8j0WfkntNah4TjkW0Is3ucF-lFyjr4zKBU5a7HSMUgVWA7GBfexb0HlZN8_KsE5Zf-writ-th5bb2qQzmgVnThZlx_CPtvWc3IEBHSAA/s400/CongressRecordUpCloseTOpHalf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31iSO0xaTpLLsKOpd3Wbst3ihUGv5PBhDcEVTQ0VbzTqBScdV72awJKh-42Zf8L3RA9DuvIpe8tfxxsuhpyPUWOS4y3OgD2Ho8iiIxQXPo4IkJcLtE5of7mf9ganG_Xi22D8oJD0TBsQ/s1600/WaldenKyleAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31iSO0xaTpLLsKOpd3Wbst3ihUGv5PBhDcEVTQ0VbzTqBScdV72awJKh-42Zf8L3RA9DuvIpe8tfxxsuhpyPUWOS4y3OgD2Ho8iiIxQXPo4IkJcLtE5of7mf9ganG_Xi22D8oJD0TBsQ/s400/WaldenKyleAfter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hon. Greg Walden visits with Warrior Kyle McCullough and GHC member Bobbie Reisner after the Town Hall presentation. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-13316329528626337202012-06-06T16:00:00.001-07:002012-06-06T16:37:35.791-07:00U.S. Rep. Greg Walden To Recognize Warrior Kyle McCullough<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7FBdNoX5i29RCvepZk-F2pw5fBuPbNqJf8U2V3hA1dusFFG5bcPTInfZ6q16NnVZZ7L8TfS_W35JWVJBQjEaWi7YejIipVDGli-o7cjzgvmoWztc6-X4SHoV1XpDdl-CswGMZ8nULLA/s1600/Walden+and+Boys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7FBdNoX5i29RCvepZk-F2pw5fBuPbNqJf8U2V3hA1dusFFG5bcPTInfZ6q16NnVZZ7L8TfS_W35JWVJBQjEaWi7YejIipVDGli-o7cjzgvmoWztc6-X4SHoV1XpDdl-CswGMZ8nULLA/s400/Walden+and+Boys.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">U.S. Rep. Greg Walden with members of the Oregon National Guard, Hood River, Or Unit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Please join us at the Pine Grove Grange in Hood River County this Saturday, June 9, at 8 a.m. where U.S. Rep. Greg Walden will publicly recognize Kyle McCullough, our Army veteran, for his troop-support efforts. The town hall provides a great way for you to help thank Kyle for walking nearly 200 miles from Dufur to Seaside to raise money for our cause! He not only collected $3,500 in donations, but also boosted morale for active-duty service personnel in Afghanistan, who cheered his efforts and have benefited from the care packages that followed his week-long walk in May.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">This is also a great opportunity for you to thank Rep. Walden for his steadfast support of America's men and women in uniform, veterans and their families. He will give a brief update on Oregon and the nation's capital at the one-hour forum so you can take advantage of the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.</span><br />
<br />
Honored, <br />
Your GHC</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-5352062252687867192012-05-31T23:06:00.001-07:002012-05-31T23:08:11.491-07:00GHC Receives "Thanks" From 1-143rd Infantry Regiment - Rhode Island National Guard<span style="color: black;">Hello from Afghanistan!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">My name is Jeremy Aucoin, and I am a US Army First Lieutenant, currently stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. My platoon just received your much needed care packages, and wanted to thank Kyle McCullough and the rest of the Gorge Heroes Club. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The platoon I lead is part of C Company, 1-143d Infantry Regiment, Rhode Island Army National Guard. We were recently were assigned to the Oregon National Guard 1186th MPs here in Kabul...just in case you were wondering why a bunch of Yankees got their hands on your care packages! Our mission here is to advise and mentor local police in the capital.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">We really appreciate your dedication and support. The packages were a definite morale booster, not only because of the great snacks, but also because of the story behind them. Please pass along our gratitude to the club, and all that were involved.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Jeremy Aucoin, 1LT</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">----------------------------</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">1LT Aucoin, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">It is our honor to be able to support you during your deployment. We will forward your "thanks" onto Kyle McCullough. He is an incredible Warrior - just as you and your entire unit are. Please continue to know that we support your efforts to defend our freedoms 110% and please also convey our "thanks" to everyone in your unit. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Hugs from home!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Honored, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">YOUR GHC</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-20442530482852554992012-05-29T11:00:00.000-07:002012-05-29T11:00:15.405-07:00GHC Receives "Thanks" From Oregon National Guard 1186 MP<span style="color: black;">Gorge Heroes Club,</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Thank you very much for the packages you sent us. Some of the </span><span style="color: black;">non-perishable food goes on our trucks for missions when we cannot get </span><span style="color: black;">to a chow hall. I especially wanted to say thank you to Kyle </span><span style="color: black;">McCullough. I read the article and I appreciate his huge effort. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Thank </span><span style="color: black;">you for all you do. I would like to have </span><span style="color: black;">you at our final formation if possible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Respectfully,</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Jack Gillentine</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">William "Jack" Gillentine Jr</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">MAJ, MP</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Commanding</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1186 Military Police Company</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Oregon Army National Guard</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan</span><br />
<br />
------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Dear MAJ Gillentine, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">The members of the Gorge Heroes Club take great pride in being able to support you and the members of the Oregon National Guard 1186MP Unit during your deployment. We are sending to you our deepest appreciation for all your dedication and commitment in preserving our freedoms. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">We will be honored to be present at your final formation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Respectfully, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Terri Hansen, VP GHC</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-64341943932670816282012-05-27T11:08:00.000-07:002012-05-27T11:08:30.589-07:00Bob Stone Freeway Autocenter Donates to GHC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSJ6Ht9Irv2UJqKpUMwEn-fN_gxZnSgswuntrzIunbQGq4a2we_3o9v_EYAuxa2-GPHZxlB9oM6CI4KqB9HhyDBwpz6YNr5GLbWdg_yGJY6c1ZxfrEOMEtCjV_DPpoAI0qokgB83eFcM/s1600/Bob+Stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSJ6Ht9Irv2UJqKpUMwEn-fN_gxZnSgswuntrzIunbQGq4a2we_3o9v_EYAuxa2-GPHZxlB9oM6CI4KqB9HhyDBwpz6YNr5GLbWdg_yGJY6c1ZxfrEOMEtCjV_DPpoAI0qokgB83eFcM/s400/Bob+Stone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">Support our Troops Sale</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">Bob Stone Freeway Autocenter - The Dalles, Oregon </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">Subaru Memorial Day Weekend Sale-Abration!</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Bob Stone will donate $100 to the Gorge Heroes-Club for every vehicle sold during this event</strong>!</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
---------------------</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">WE THANK YOU AND OUR WARRIORS THANK YOU!</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-74189876109934130112012-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:002012-05-21T09:00:55.127-07:00Not On Our Watch - America's Mighty Warrior's Joins Efforts Against Motel 6<span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club received the following letter of support from America's Mighty Warriors Organization in response to the horrible treatment Warrior Kyle McCullough received from Motel 6 in Troutdale, Oregon during his mission to support his deployed Marine brother and his unit. Please read on..... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Dear Gorge Heroes Club,<br />One of our missions at America's Mighty Warriors is to defend our defenders when there is an injustice. I take it very personally when our troops are dishonored and this one hits closer to home as Kyle is from where I raised my children and he was actually fighting in Ramadi when Marc died. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"We'll leave the light on for you" is a warm welcome that didn't apply to Army veteran Kyle McCullough, 28, when he arrived at Motel 6 in Troutdale, Ore., on May 8 after walking 75 out of 200-miles to raise public awareness about the need to boost troop morale in Afghanistan. He showed up at the motel on feet made sore by 10 blisters and the beginning of shin splints. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">His room reservations for the night had been made by the Gorge Heroes Club, a pro-troop group serving the Mid-Columbia region. Kyle gave the manager his confirmation number but ended up being turned away after she refused to allow him to register without GHC faxing over a copy of their Visa debit card and the signature of the organization's president. That requirement was not stated when financial information was taken by the reservation center, nor was it listed in the confirmation email. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Instead of offering the former Green Beret, who is in the process of re-enlisting, a chair and making a phone call to GHC to get the matter resolved, the manager became rude so Kyle left the premises because he was exhausted and didn't want to get into an argument. He had tried to explain that the trip from Dufur to the Oregon Coast was to honor his brother, USMC 1st. Lt. Kristoffer "Turf" McCullough, 26, who is currently serving as a company commander in Afghanistan and other troops in harm's way. The manager was not interested in what he had to say and defensive about her actions when called by GHC President RaeLynn Ricarte later that night.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Arrangements were made over the telephone (the same as with Motel 6) at Comfort Suites that night and Kyle had to backtrack one-half mile on his sore feet to arrive there but was treated like a king. Despite adverse treatment by Motel 6, his spirits remained high. and he achieved his mission by arriving in Seaside about 6 p.m. on May 14.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Numerous phone calls by Raelynn of Gorge Heroes Club and myself have been made to Motel 6 and they have been given a chance to make this right and the last correspondence was "we will investigate and get back to you in 15 days." They weren't apologetic, remorseful and they just don't get it!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I need you to bombard them with phone calls and emails and share this email with all you know. Our men and women in the military are willing to give their lives fighting in the battlefields, willing to give their lives for you and I, and then they come home and are treated this way. NOT ON MY WATCH!!!!! Please I need your help to stand for Kyle.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Accor International (owns Motel 6 chain): (972) 360-9000</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Tammy Horsley</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Senior manager, customer care</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">thorsley@accor-na.com</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">972-360-9000 </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Chief executive </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Olivier Poirot</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">CEO</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">opoirot@accor-na.com</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">and the regional office, which oversees the Troutdale motel, is (469)-521-3000. The motel itself can be reached at (503) 665-2254. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">On the positive front, please email Camp 18 at www.camp18restaurant.com to thank them for providing a free dinner, dessert and ice pack for Kyle's ankles with the greatest of all possible attitudes.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Comfort Suites in Troutdale should also be thanked for taking such good care of Kyle after he was turned away from Motel 6 and can be reached at (503) 669-6500.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">It is important that we let all parties know what we think about their support of our Hero or lack thereof.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Standing strong for our troops,</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Debbie Lee</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-9837912566358461792012-05-16T08:48:00.000-07:002012-05-21T08:49:07.164-07:00Warrior Kyle Arrives At The Oregon Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PzUemml1FeqsUAgJ3aJW93PGscXC0RSp5mWX0qojyeYFtT5WKXBhIOx30icDdh4kprcSZQFyWDfez7uiWTcaYDr8cfE7kRzgpWMGpW5SkCoU58JjuSvBkzdLwyDiTuOZ01031WyHgAo/s1600/2012+05+15+Kyle+Photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PzUemml1FeqsUAgJ3aJW93PGscXC0RSp5mWX0qojyeYFtT5WKXBhIOx30icDdh4kprcSZQFyWDfez7uiWTcaYDr8cfE7kRzgpWMGpW5SkCoU58JjuSvBkzdLwyDiTuOZ01031WyHgAo/s320/2012+05+15+Kyle+Photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">By RaeLynn Ricarte, The Dalles Chronicle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Army veteran Kyle McCullough arrived in Seaside May 14, completing a 200-mile journey that was filled with pain from blisters and shin splints but also a surprising amount of kindness from complete strangers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">McCullough, 28, set out on May 5 on a walk that began in Dufur and was intended to public awareness about the need to support deployed troops and provide funding for the Gorge Heroes Club. The local group sends monthly care packages to members of the armed forces from the Mid-Columbia region, including Kyle’s brother, USMC 1st Lt. Kristoffer “Turf” McCullough, company commander of a combat unit in Afghanistan.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Although McCullough brought in about $3,500 for the cause, he said the trek became something of an ambassadorship.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“When I first came up with this idea, I did not know it would transform into something so big,” he said. “It went from being a small and local event to something that people across the state – and even the troops in Afghanistan – have taken note of. I’ve been able to see and experience things on this walk that I would never have encountered if I had driven.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">During his travels, McCullough received daily texts, emails and phone calls of encouragement from military families, including soldiers and Marines serving in Afghanistan. He was also provided with motivational messages from Marines in Okinawa, Japan, where his brother is stationed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">He was surprised by the number of motorists who honked to boost his morale and by the offers of help when he passed through or stopped in populated areas.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“I’ve seen the good in people as they waved when they noticed the flag in my pack, asked why I was walking and listened to my story. Sometimes they thought I was homeless and offered me rides, food and money,” he said. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">On May 9, McCullough took time from his walk to meet with Monica McNeal, mother of USMC Lcpl. Eric Ward, 19, who died from an IED explosion on Feb. 21, 2010, in Afghanistan. McNeal, who resides in Redmond, Wash., was in Portland on a business trip and wanted to thank the soldier for also walking to help people remember the fallen. He agreed to wear a black reminder band that listed the date of her son’s birth and death during the remaining 100 miles of the trip.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">McCullough carried the heroes club Homefront “Homey” Gnome on the walk and said many people approached him just to ask about the mystical creature and what it represented. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“I did this for so many reasons but it’s everyone who chose to notice what I was doing that made the difference. Oregon is really a remarkable place and when I go back to the Army, leaving this area and people will be something I’ll hate doing,” he said. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Elks Lodge 1748 in Seaside organized a celebration for McCullough near the marker for the end of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He then went to rest – and shower – in a condominium donated by Mark and Shari Freeman of Mosier but will return Thursday to The Dalles to help heroes club members pack boxes at 7 p.m. Thursday in The Dalles Armory, 713 Webber Street.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">McCullough’s mother, Kim, said driving the route her son had taken to deliver supplies made her realize the depth of his determination and endurance. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“The drive made me tired, I can’t imagine walking it,” she said. “I am so proud of him! What a great ‘mom’ moment.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">McCullough, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, is returning to military life in the near future and said the walk was good training for the Special Forces way of life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">“To achieve anything great you have to be willing to put something out there a little,” he said. “So, a little physical discomfort is nothing.”</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-45669306485518825932012-04-25T09:33:00.003-07:002012-04-25T09:50:50.048-07:00Walking For Troops<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlVEsAatGGLk-UKhrBZTqz4mj2hnkpATB4una_XNERJrt0yluZy9VGc0iC3oKWMxstWfJDilhdXcCzFprHPWYvjb41CfR_fobz3xoSC8eM95l1f1_vVCYtlSZuXbiF20FJeAg3RDqnrc/s1600/2012+04+24+Lt_+McCullough.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlVEsAatGGLk-UKhrBZTqz4mj2hnkpATB4una_XNERJrt0yluZy9VGc0iC3oKWMxstWfJDilhdXcCzFprHPWYvjb41CfR_fobz3xoSC8eM95l1f1_vVCYtlSZuXbiF20FJeAg3RDqnrc/s320/2012+04+24+Lt_+McCullough.GIF" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> USMC 1st Lt. Kristoffer "Turf" McCullough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">By RaeLynn - The Dalles Chronicle</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Army veteran Kyle McCullough, 28, a gorge resident, is literally walking his talk about supporting U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">By the end of the first week in May, McCullough, a former Army Special Forces operative, will set off on a 198-mile journey from Wasco County to Seaside on the Oregon Coast.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">On Monday, he began visiting businesses in The Dalles and Hood River and asking them to support his venture by donating to the Gorge Heroes Club, a local troop support group.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"I don't care if someone gives me $5 or $10,000, whatever they have works," he said. "I know a lot of business owners in both of these communities so I don't think that I'll have any problem getting help from them."</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">All proceeds raised by McCullough will be donated to the heroes club, which is currently sending care packages to troops from the Mid-Columbia region, including his brother, USMC 1st Lt. Kristoffer "Turf" McCullough, 26, also a native of the gorge, who is currently serving in Afghanistan.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"I wanted to do a walk and I was thinking about what organization I could do that for. I know the Gorge Heroes Club can use the funding and I want people to be more aware of what's going on over there so this was the right choice," he said.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">McCullough was swayed toward doing something for troop support after his brother asked in a recent telephone conversation from the combat zone, "Do people really remember that we are over here?"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"I think about him every day and I know that is a huge morale booster to get packages that show the folks back home still care," said Kyle. "It means a lot when people say thanks and sending boxes is a tangible way to do that."</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">McCullough said there is a lot of ribbing that goes on between brothers when one is in the Army and the other a Marine. However, he said, all jesting aside, he is very proud of Turf and the responsibility he carries as the company commander of a Marine unit in Helmand Province.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"He might be a Marine, which makes him a little misguided, but I respect what he's doing," he said.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Donations made to the heroes club in support of McCullough's walk are tax deductible and can be left at the Hood River News, 419 State Street, The Dalles Chronicle, 315 Federal Street or the Y102 Studio of Haystack Broadcasting, 620 E. 3rd Street in The Dalles. Contributions can also be deposited in the heroes club account at CenterPointe Bank in Hood River, 2500 Cascade Ave., and The Dalles, 1100 West 6th Street.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">McCullough, a former staff sergeant in the unit known as Green Berets because of their distinctive headgear, is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom with more than eight years of military service. He and his fellow soldiers were tasked with missions that often required them to live rough and do without amenities the American people take for granted.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"It was a huge cultural shock when I got home because the world had moved on and I was basically a year behind in everything going on," he said.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">McCullough said America showed strong support for the troops after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and during the build-up to the war in Afghanistan and the months after ground operations began. He said a decade later, many people don't spare a thought in the course of a busy day for those still in harm's way.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"Military families are the ones supporting the troops but not the general populace and I think that needs to change," he said. "We shouldn't have only people with some connection to the military doing things for our troops; these families are already making a sacrifice."</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">His departure date next week is based upon the level of activity at the cherry orchard where he is now working, said McCullough.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">He has given himself 10 days to make the journey but intends to do it in seven if nothing unforeseen happens. He has not yet decided whether to walk forest roads over the south side of Mount Hood or follow the Columbia River to Portland and then journey on main arterials.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">On Monday, McCullough was leaning toward time in the wilderness and planning to travel light, with a water filtration system for hydration and protein bars, nuts and other high-energy foods.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">He views the adventure as a new life challenge and training for a return to military life since he is in the process of re-enlisting.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Although McCullough has the training for many career options in the civilian world, he is returning to Special Forces because being a warrior is the best way for him to give back to the country he loves.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"Being a soldier is not just what I do, it is part of who I am," he said.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club plans to post updates about McCullough's progress on its Facebook page and gorgeheroesclub.blogpost.com. The nonprofit email <a href="mailto:ghc@gorge.net">ghc@gorge.net</a>.</span> <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-60952919759253982422012-04-23T16:53:00.003-07:002012-04-23T16:57:44.602-07:00Former Green Beret Warrior "Ready To Stride" For His Deployed Brother<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21N32wvo8pB-X6yJOhRTZ4SmsuxK8f2RRZuKVnp55Cvcx1FGX4wr0QBwCuSWSx1AXNRxYacisUO7c1GWQvQhqLfjW9-abx6aQhCFGJH03Jzfn4H6IXnc29xvBo5mEOQITIPZQAVm-0OA/s1600/2012+04+24+McCullough.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21N32wvo8pB-X6yJOhRTZ4SmsuxK8f2RRZuKVnp55Cvcx1FGX4wr0QBwCuSWSx1AXNRxYacisUO7c1GWQvQhqLfjW9-abx6aQhCFGJH03Jzfn4H6IXnc29xvBo5mEOQITIPZQAVm-0OA/s400/2012+04+24+McCullough.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle McCullough, Former Green Beret </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">While we are all adjusting to the work week today, Kyle McCullough, a former Green Beret who is in the process of re-enlisting, is visiting businesses in The Dalles and Hood River to gain donations for his walk to the coast next week on behalf of the Gorge Heroes Club. McCullough, 28, is the brother of USMC 1st Lt. Turf McCullough, 26, who is currently serving in Afghanistan and one of the Heroes we support.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">The elder brother decided to help GHC out before going back into the military because he thinks the work we are doing is important to the morale of the troops. During a recent phone call, he was asked by Turf, "Do people really remember that we're over here," and that statement made us the choice for beneficiary in this challenge that he had been thinking to take on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">GHC is working to get Kyle as much publicity as possible because this 198-mile hike should be as prosperous as possible. We are hoping to be able to get regular updates from him after sets off next week and makes progress on what he expects to be a seven to 10-day journey.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">A Hero helping Heroes, doesn't get any better than that!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Please check back tomorrow to this site for a full story on this amazing journey!</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-73436738606737944552012-04-20T17:00:00.000-07:002012-04-23T17:02:00.219-07:00GHC'S The Dalles Chapter Collecting Donated Items For Community Sale<div style="text-align: justify;">
The members of the The Dalles Chapter of GHC is currently collecting items for their upcoming Community Rummage Sale to be held at the Oregon National Guard Armory in The Dalles, Oregon on Saturday, May 19th. Two drop off points have been set up in The Dalles. Please contact us for drop off information/locations. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
GHC is a non-profit organization, so all your donations are tax deductible. We have an entire Armory to fill, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go towards GHC's Troop Support Programs. </div>
<br />
We thank you and our Warrior's THANK YOU!<br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:GHC@gorge.net">GHC@gorge.net</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-53387088053458769772012-03-02T09:15:00.001-08:002012-03-02T10:16:08.169-08:00The Gorge Heroes Club Schedules Community Rummage Sales For Troop Support<span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club is seeking donations for two upcoming Community Rummage Sales. Do you, your club, church, business or organization have items to donate? GHC has set up drop off points in the communities of Hood River and The Dalles. GHC is a non-profit organizations, so all your donations are tax deductible. </span><br />
<br />
<strong>Event Information:</strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>GHC Hood River Chapter Community Rummage Sale</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday, March 24th from 8AM to 5PM</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Hood River National Guard Armory - Hood River, Oregon </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Donations may be dropped off starting Friday, March 23rd at Noon at the back entrance to the Armory.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>GHC The Dalles Chapter Community Rummage Sale</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday, May 19th from 8AM to 5PM</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Dalles National Guard Armory - The Dalles, Oregon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">If you need to drop items off early, please drop us an e-mail at: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:GHC@gorge.net">GHC@gorge.net</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">And we will provide you with drop off locations in both communities. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">All proceeds from the event will go towards troops support programs. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">We thank you and our Warriors thank you!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-90702173989372617622012-02-15T09:18:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:26:47.546-08:00Gorge Heroes Club Sends Support To Marines In Afghanistan<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank it's members and community supporters for helping GHC purchase dual-fuel stoves, cooking utensils and food to send to a group of Marines stationed in a remote outpost in Afghanistan. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">GHC received word that this unit had not taken any showers in over three months or had a way to cook hot meals. So, GHC rallied their members and community supporter to supply the unit with stoves that they can cook hot meals with and to also heat water for hygiene purposes. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">GHC is happy to report the stoves have arrived and the Marines are delighted to receive them! </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ52GPHt86l8AWmVVAl-Pe4-gSFysKoAepcTtnj_hEFW8vupX7cj5qOTS8_PjztVV9BvGNd9-3Gcv_SDpvZUJziOUkHsbXI8q7kVJD5TXzRfvaubxGE4gmDQOaPCiKb48OtwSURPnqmg/s1600/Marine+Boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ52GPHt86l8AWmVVAl-Pe4-gSFysKoAepcTtnj_hEFW8vupX7cj5qOTS8_PjztVV9BvGNd9-3Gcv_SDpvZUJziOUkHsbXI8q7kVJD5TXzRfvaubxGE4gmDQOaPCiKb48OtwSURPnqmg/s320/Marine+Boxes.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSduIKSehu4GZd-r0abRYrc6xYMBIWj5Y3CQs3rk-j0ZKLPns8r867qe6rbaktK5ied8DV0MGJUgWNVhGQxYJaUpo-g4Z5yONjvRMXUXeBtoyaRMmoeTobpS-mlLQo6MgVmHyHvDuJaWg/s1600/Marine+DualFuel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSduIKSehu4GZd-r0abRYrc6xYMBIWj5Y3CQs3rk-j0ZKLPns8r867qe6rbaktK5ied8DV0MGJUgWNVhGQxYJaUpo-g4Z5yONjvRMXUXeBtoyaRMmoeTobpS-mlLQo6MgVmHyHvDuJaWg/s320/Marine+DualFuel.jpg" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">We thank you and our Warriors thank you! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-71355329612659934682012-01-12T09:27:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:35:19.174-08:00Oregon National Guard 1186 MP Unit Receives Support From GHC<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">The shipments have arrived! The Gorge Heroes Club received a huge "Thanks" from the members of the Oregon National Guard 1186MP Unit for the monthly care packages GHC sends to the unit that is currently stationed in Afghanistan. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oregon National Guard 1186MP Unit on patrol in Afghanistan.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzLATEExzMO3liKK55eqL6XxAghBFCfHaWsJ25A40cANHFhfSWiOF6iFpaIgiRn1aHJMvVAaXM3vNfO1y_7_dd7Iu2cvv6yHkwwoFwq8uANhcNbEAQ-VCN_Fn-1iRGxpFZrgquXBAINM/s1600/1186-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzLATEExzMO3liKK55eqL6XxAghBFCfHaWsJ25A40cANHFhfSWiOF6iFpaIgiRn1aHJMvVAaXM3vNfO1y_7_dd7Iu2cvv6yHkwwoFwq8uANhcNbEAQ-VCN_Fn-1iRGxpFZrgquXBAINM/s320/1186-1.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgyu19-aZGNy2q-MM2B1jYMIHrzlorySDVug8Tvofu36zb7KillXKs0-z2XBaswGYjXc3ReFlWOxzEAY58ceXD1bD6ktq01vRIrEhWkje3aH8rUKNF07eoWOKlC5WfeBeb5zljNLk4d4/s1600/1186-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgyu19-aZGNy2q-MM2B1jYMIHrzlorySDVug8Tvofu36zb7KillXKs0-z2XBaswGYjXc3ReFlWOxzEAY58ceXD1bD6ktq01vRIrEhWkje3aH8rUKNF07eoWOKlC5WfeBeb5zljNLk4d4/s320/1186-2.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GHC is honored to be able to send you support from home!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-49156018976550962682012-01-05T09:37:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:40:27.907-08:00GHC's Warriors Receive Happy New Year's Cards From Cape Horn-Skye Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBiKl3a0u73im0Xr8uULuVmoFa090dK6f8VjEBZWFNVNN2gx7TIbIX6GxAANlOiTu_GplnWGKjQWc8gPpNrJEyh6dM5inrYiTsgOzHzkfkXjReyZEn-0vFpZQqolvMQoFppDs8g9i-H0/s1600/CapeHorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBiKl3a0u73im0Xr8uULuVmoFa090dK6f8VjEBZWFNVNN2gx7TIbIX6GxAANlOiTu_GplnWGKjQWc8gPpNrJEyh6dM5inrYiTsgOzHzkfkXjReyZEn-0vFpZQqolvMQoFppDs8g9i-H0/s320/CapeHorn.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"> Many thanks to the Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School in Washougal, WA they are awesome! Our Warriors will love them!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">These awesome cards will be sent out in our January shipment of monthly troops care packages! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-68232538956777766192011-12-05T10:03:00.001-08:002012-03-02T10:11:04.695-08:00The Gorge Heroes Club Sends Christmas Cheers To Our Warriors<span style="color: black;">The members of GHC in both communities of Hood River and The Dalles, Oregon held their Holiday Box packing for our Hometown Heroes. GHC send holiday cheer to 172 Warriors this holiday season!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">GHC would like to thank the it's members and community supporters for helping send holiday cheer to our Warriors this holiday season. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJJrAozFLroSbcVPn0nd8QET4YtiPyM2HU_Rq0GDRNzkDWKBfSwESCOxVkXt9nnHVzwtAGpbOU9b76WhyphenhyphenXF7P076amNb-QKWAo84BYjp9LZerHwsEgtJFOXBy_rXEN7JkElhaI30Ql34/s1600/GHCxmas1line.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJJrAozFLroSbcVPn0nd8QET4YtiPyM2HU_Rq0GDRNzkDWKBfSwESCOxVkXt9nnHVzwtAGpbOU9b76WhyphenhyphenXF7P076amNb-QKWAo84BYjp9LZerHwsEgtJFOXBy_rXEN7JkElhaI30Ql34/s400/GHCxmas1line.JPG" uda="true" width="238" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Holiday Box Packing and WAAAM in Hood River. Each Warrior GHC supports received a hand made fabric stocking made by GHC's Sewing Team Members, wrapped in tissue paper and full of goodies!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDBx7sg9-EcZEpUhpy0twp4s1x7wG2HW_kqDxBpJ5BrsJjt6jJjqvHl3AnMHkmVkQmI3jEbJLa_xkXFnZK8Mhq3PjHtocNobeB6GUXHge22fA2IisS1-qmtBCz1lhzX72H74WIZ6KIcw/s1600/GHCxmasCard1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDBx7sg9-EcZEpUhpy0twp4s1x7wG2HW_kqDxBpJ5BrsJjt6jJjqvHl3AnMHkmVkQmI3jEbJLa_xkXFnZK8Mhq3PjHtocNobeB6GUXHge22fA2IisS1-qmtBCz1lhzX72H74WIZ6KIcw/s400/GHCxmasCard1.JPG" uda="true" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">GHC members and community supporters signing the cards each Warrior received. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k3I7OSDw0mNA_SSP7WzDYmHHO4RqDMGJ_30bGecMHMPrVj8gzZ-NdjLQQleMnV1nMMlv_SiJsaGJLtubWYrlVEf-G8H5S9srr1OIRjmpGePrXr3lSd_xvoJYUmFeb3HBZ_hD2tmZIzs/s1600/GHCxmasgoodies1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k3I7OSDw0mNA_SSP7WzDYmHHO4RqDMGJ_30bGecMHMPrVj8gzZ-NdjLQQleMnV1nMMlv_SiJsaGJLtubWYrlVEf-G8H5S9srr1OIRjmpGePrXr3lSd_xvoJYUmFeb3HBZ_hD2tmZIzs/s400/GHCxmasgoodies1.JPG" uda="true" width="238" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">The holiday goodies!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">GHC would like to thank it's members and community supporters for their continued support of our Hometown heroes. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3762885655059949843.post-83293112206223083622011-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:002011-11-30T09:03:40.887-08:00Oregon National Guard Alpha Company Invites Community To "Operation Warm Welcome"<div style="text-align: center;">Guns, music and chili dogs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eclectic event offers something for everyone with a special appearance from Santa himself!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By RaeLynn Ricarte - The Dalles Chronicle</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Alpha Company soldiers invite community members to visit The Dalles Armory on Saturday, Dec. 3, and view an exhibit of weapons and gear that are carried by troops on the battlefield.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The display will include everything from assault rifles to a rocket grenade launcher and the heavy Kevlar vest that is worn for protection in combat zones. Soldiers will be present from 10 a.m. to noon to explain how each item works and answer questions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We want to provide people with an opportunity to learn a little bit more about the recent deployment of our unit and the role these soldiers have played in Operation Iraqi Freedom and, more recently, Operation New Dawn," said SFC Benjamin Hall.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He recently returned with the 3rd Battalion 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team from a 10-month tour of duty in Iraq. He is now overseeing operations at the local armory with the transfer of SFC Alex Porter to battalion headquarters in La Grande.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Gorge Heroes Club will be selling baked goods and chili dogs at the armory on Dec. 3 in support of Operation Warm Welcome, which is intended to help soldiers without jobs and, in some cases, a place to live. Area residents are urged to make monetary donations that will provide the soldiers with shelter during the cold winter months or contribute coats, sizes large through 2X, sleeping bags, food and business clothing for interviews.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"The unemployment rate for veterans right now is almost twice as high as that for civilians and we believe the patriotic thing to do is to give back to these soldiers who were sent to war by their country," said Terri Hansen of Hood River, vice-president of the heroes club.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A silent auction will take place on the morning of Dec. 3 and the featured items include two gift certificates for a three-night stay at a Newport Bay condo, ski passes at Mount Hood Meadows, back packs, a DVD player, pottery and a hand-loomed rug.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Holiday care packages for troops serving in Afghanistan will be assembled in the armory at 11 a.m. Saturday and people are invited to help fill those boxes. Daphne Blanchard, mother of two Army soldiers, has designed holiday cards that area residents can sign if they come a little earlier. Snack and hygiene items for the boxes that are sent to military units in Afghanistan each month will also be gratefully accepted.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To add to the festivities of the day, The Dufur Boys have donated their services and will be performing Christmas and patriotic music in exchange for a hot bowl of chili prepared by Carol Roderick of The Dalles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"This is definitely a program with something for everyone and a great way for people to say 'Thank You' to our troops and help make their holidays a little merrier," said Roderick, a member of the heroes club who is helping to organize the event.</div><br />
For more information email <a href="mailto:ghc@gorge.net">ghc@gorge.net</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com