The Gorge Heroes Club

Oregon National Guard Alpha Company Invites Community To "Operation Warm Welcome"

2011-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Guns, music and chili dogs!

Eclectic event offers something for everyone with a special appearance from Santa himself!

By RaeLynn Ricarte - The Dalles Chronicle

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

For more information email ghc@gorge.net

Trunk-or-Treat For The Troops

2011-10-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

By RaeLynn Ricarte - The Dalles Chronicle

A group of Dalles Wahtonka High School students will be passing out candy to children on Halloween and also providing information about how their parents can make the holidays merrier for military personnel serving overseas.

National Honor Society members have teamed up with the Gorge Heroes Club to collect items for care packages that will be filled on Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11. These boxes will then be shipped off to soldiers and Marines at primitive outposts on the front lines in Afghanistan.

“I’m just grateful for all of their service and this is a way we can give back,” said Logan McDowell, a senior and officer for the student-led organization who is organizing the event.

He and other members of the honor society will be handing out informational cards about the donation drive for the troops at their Trunk-or-Treat event on Oct 31 in downtown The Dalles. The teens will have vehicles decorated in themes, such as the Batmobile and a Clown Car, and a trunk full of candy to give to children trick-or-treating at local businesses from 3-5 p.m. on Halloween.

A collection is taking place in Hood River on Halloween, with high school students passing out the same cards that provide donation information and refer people with questions to the online site gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com or Facebook.

Logan said several members of his family are veterans and he has heard enough of their experiences to know that support from home is important to service members stationed overseas. He said community members are invited to help students with the troop support effort by dropping off snack and hygiene items at the schools’ front office, 220 E. 10th Street, for the next two weeks.

The list of treats most requested by the troops include individually packaged, nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, hard candy, fruit snacks, granola bars, fruit bars, dried fruit, cheese and crackers, cookies and peanut butter with crackers.

Hygiene items most sought by those in combat zones include wet wipes, body and hair wash, razors, shave gel (no aerosol cans), foot powder, hand sanitizer, anti-fungal foot cream, high black socks, Motrin, and hand sanitizer.

Tegner Weiseth, the honor society advisor, served in the U.S. Coast Guard for seven years and said that, having an understanding of military life, he was supportive of the students’ decision to take on the project. He said the teens will be writing letters to the troops, either individually or as a class, and including these in the boxes they fill.

“My interest in this is as a veteran. I was only 18 when I enlisted and getting a care package from home really meant a lot to me,” he said.

Weiseth said if students get strong participation from the community, he plans to encourage Trick-or-Treat for the Troops as an annual activity

Homey Gnome's Bro Perishes in Training Exercise

2011-09-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Gergnome getting ready for a mission - putting on his "Gnome Dome"

It is with great regret that we report a third casualty within the ranks of our combat gnomes. Gergnome was last seen experimenting with explosives as a GIED and practicing his ambush techniques with 2nd Platoon of the Oregon National Guard 1186th MP Company that is under the command of 2nd Lt. Brian Fike.

A spokesperson for the Oregon National Guard would say only that Gergnome will receive posthumous decorations for his valor, 'can-do' attitude and ability to boost the morale of soldiers in his unit.

The platoon leader's casualty report stated: "A prototype restraint for micro soldiers was being field tested but failed initial live tests and engineering data is being reviewed to prevent further tragedies."

Gergnome was known to friends and family members as a gnome with a tough attitude who readily called people up short (no pun intended) for wrongdoing but was also willing to go the extra mile for those he cared about, although it took him longer than most to get there. His favorite phrase was "moto" and he lived by that creed every day of his undersized life.

According to reports, Gergnome was greatly respected by soldiers within the unit and was expected to deploy to Afghanistan later this year with his human comrades.

Upon learning of Gergnomes death, Homey Gnomes two younger twin brothers have requested reassignment to the 1186 MP Unit to carry on Gergnomes mission of boosting troop morale.

-The following is a photo tribute of Gergnome's last mission and Memorial Service-

Gergnome training with the 1186 MP Unit - Learning combat techniques.

And more combat techniques.

Gergnomes last mission - He loved watching things get blown up!

Gergnomes Memorial Service

Gergnome receiving honors.

Gergnome, small and mighty as he was - received the largest casket they could find.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Homefront "Homey" Gnome and the 13 other members of the grief-stricken family, who also lost two brothers in Iraq this summer.

Those wishing to send condolences to Homey Gnome and his family can do so at the following address:

Homey Gnome
C/O GHC
1767 12th Street #113
Hood River, Oregon 97031

Welcome Home Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV

2011-09-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

With cheers and tears of joy, families from across the state greeted Oregon National Guard soldiers upon their return home during the past two weeks. The 2,700 members of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team included more than 500 soldiers from Oregon, with 135 from The Dalles and 35 from Hood River. These units deployed to Iraq in November of 2010 after spending two months of training at Fort Shelby, Miss. They were flown to Fort Lewis, Wash., between late August and early September for medical exams and the processing of paperwork before being bused to the armory nearest their respective homes.

During the past year, GHC provided monthly care packages for 700 heroes, including more than 500 3-116 CAV soldiers from the Gorge, Pendleton, Hermiston, Le Grande, Baker and Redmond.

The Gorge Heroes Club is truly honored to have supported the Guard during their deployment. We would like to thank all the community members from Hood River and Wasco counties who stood on the I-84 overpasses after receiving only a moment's notice to welcome our warriors home as they passed through these communities. We would also like to extend a huge, "THANK YOU" to the First Responders from both counties that met the buses carrying soldiers from the Hood River and The Dalles units and proudly escorted them from the freeway to the cheering crowds of supporters and family members waiting at the armory's.

~The following is a collection of photo's of their WELCOME HOME~

Ah.... first hugs! Spec Chris Haskins of 3-116 CAV, F Co from Hood River gets a hugs welcome home hug!

"Returning the Special Good Luck Coin" - Spc Haskins member of the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV, Fox Co from Hood River returns a lucky coin given to him on the day he deployed a year ago from Hood River resident Dyrk Pritchett as friends and family members look on. Welcome home Spec Haskins!

"Welcome Home Dad" - By Branden Fletcher

"Soldier Husband Hero" - By Wendy Barge'

"Welcome Home Warrior" - by McKaley Wafford

"Hugs and Smiles" - by Angi Landreth

"We are so proud of you" - by Debbie Noland

"My Son. Hoorah!" by Kathy Wells

CSM Brunk Conley welcomes home soldiers as they depart the bus at The Dalles Armory.

Photo courtesy of The Dalles Chronicle

Spec John Winters from Alpha Co, The Dalles receives a welcome home hug from his Dad, Scott Winters. Photo courtesy of The Dalles Chronicle

Little Finnegan Sherburne from The Dalles cheers as he waits to give his Daddy a welcome home hug.

Photo courtest of The Dalles Chronicle

And.... My Daddy's Home!

Photo Courtesy of The Dalles Chronicle

If you have a "Welcome Home" picture you would like to add to this post, please e-mail it to: GHC@gorge.net

Honored,

Your GHC

Tribute To Hood River County Firefighters - We Salute You

2011-09-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

During the Hood River County 9/11 Memorial, the Gorge Heroes Club paid tribute to the Hood River County Firefighters for their dedication and commitment to our safety and also to their continued support of their deployed military Brothers-In-Arm.

Working with U.S Congressman Greg Walden, each of the county Fire Departments were awarded a certificate that read:

Flag flown over the United States Capitol

This certificate entitles the bearer to one U.S. flag flown over the United States Capitol at the request of

U.S. Congressman Greg Walden.

The flag has been dedicated in your honor because you have stepped forward to protect and serve American citizens in continuance of the tradition of heroism exhibited by firefighters on September 11, 2001, and military personnel in the decade since that tragedy.

The dedicated flags were flown over the United States Capitol on September 11, 2011 for each of the Hood River County Fire Departments.

The following pictures are of the 9/11 Memorial and Tribute to Hood River County Firefighters.

Preparations for the 9/11 Memorial and Tribute get underway at Anderson Tribute Center. GHC would like to thank Anderson Tribute Center and their staff for their hard work in helping coordinate the event.

Homey arrives to pay tribute to our County Firefighters.

West Side Fire Department arrives with Engine 55.

West Side Crew: (L to R), Chaplain David Hancock, David Stolhand, Greg Clarke, Chuck Walston, Rachal Hansen and Gus Fletcher.

Hood River crews arrive.

Stabilizing Tower 3 - At the controls is Hood River Fire Department member Nathan Smith as Cpt McCrea looks on.

Hood River City Fire Department Cpt Clay McCrea readies the Tower.

Side view of Hood River City Fire Department's Tower 3 bucket. In remembrance of the 343 Firefighters who were lost on 9/11/2001.

West Side Fire Department member Rachal Hansen stands ready with the flag that will be flown on the bucket of Tower 3 during the service as Hood River Fire Department member Gary Stalling readies the ties.

Hood River Fire Department member Nathan Smith, left and Gary Stalling right prepare the flag for the tower.

Up she goes!

Flying PROUD!

Tower 1 flying our Nations Colors with PRIDE!

The ceremony began with a "Welcome" for Jim Trammell West Side Fire Marshall.

West Side Fire Department Chaplain David Hancock leads service members in prayer.

Posting of Colors by Oregon National Guard SFC Gary Norris and Hood River Fire Department Chief Wells.

The Emergency Responder Role During Crisis was presented by Chief Devon Wells of the Hood River City Fire Department.

Oregon National Guard SFC Gary Norris thanked the local Hood River County Fire Fighters for their dedication and commitment to our safety and for their support. SFC Norris told the crowd, "Our county firefighters are true heroes".

On behalf of the U.S. Congressman Greg Walden, the Oregon National Guard and the Gorge Heroes Club, SFC Norris presented the above certificates to representatives from each of the Hood River County Fire Departments.

After the ceremony, Homey greeted those at the service. Pictured here (L to R) are GHC member Emily Hansen, West Side EMT/Firefighter Rachal Hansen and Oregon National Spec Ryan Young.

The cake honoring Hood River County's finest!

Cake, close up and side view.

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank members of the Boy Scout Troop #282 and Troop Master Jeff McCaw, pictured above for serving as Ushers during the event. Here, they had just finished folding the flag after it was taken down from Tower 3.

All men were created equal,

then a few became firemen.......... Anonymous

At the end of the service the Gorge Heroes Club presented them a gift of the following video:

A TRIBUTE TO HOOD RIVER COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS

9/11 CEREMONY TO HONOR HOOD RIVER COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS

2011-09-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club, in partnership with Anderson’s Tribute Center, will honor firefighters from Hood River County on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the east coast.

“Ten years ago 343 firefighters died trying to save the lives of American citizens after planes flown by terrorists crashed into the Twin Towers in lower Manhattan. We planned this event to pay tribute to their sacrifices and out of recognition that the same level of dedication to public safety exists within our local fire departments,” said RaeLynn Ricarte, GHC president.

She said community members are invited to Anderson’s, 1401 Belmont Ave., at 6 p.m. Sunday for a short program that remembers 9/11 and the acts of heroism that took place on that tragic day. She said those attending will have an opportunity to thank area firefighters from six agencies and honor the 3,000 victims of the attacks and the 6,000 military personnel who have died in the two wars that followed that day.

“All too often our firefighters go without being thanked for stepping forward to risk their own lives to save others and we felt the 10th anniversary of 9/11, when memories resurface of lives lost in the line of duty, is the right time to pay tribute to our emergency responders,” said Jack Trumbull, owner of Anderson’s.

Firefighters will be attending from Pine Grove, Odell, Parkdale, West Side, Hood River and Cascade Locks departments. Refreshments will be served at the event and Oregon National Guard SFC Gary Norris will present, on behalf of military families and GHC, a special award to each agency that recognizes the dedication and professionalism of their respective crews.

The program will open with a welcome by Jim Trammell, fire marshal for West Side, and end with a reading of the emergency responder role during the crisis by Devon Wells, fire chief for Hood River. The National Anthem will be sung by vocalist Jo Herring of Hood River with accompaniment by Perry Cole. The Guard will post the colors and a video depicting the 9/11 timeline will be shown.

“I think it’s important that parents bring their children to this observance because 9/11 was the day that changed America forever and we need to never forget those who died and those who are fighting today to stop terrorists from being able to pull off another attack,” said Terri Hansen, GHC vice-president.

The Gorge Heroes Club Gathers To Show Support For The Oregon National Guard 1186 MP As It Deploys

2011-08-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

GHC, community and PGR members lining the overpass in support of the Oregon National Guard 1186 MP Unit. Photo by GHC member Carol Roderick.

Members of Oregon National Guard 1186 MP unit got a welcome surprise as they passed through the City of The Dalles yesterday afternoon. The Gorge Heroes Club invited members of the community to come and line the overpass to show their support for our Warriors who are being deployed to Afghanistan.

GHC planned the event but never shared it with the unit. We wanted it to be a total surprise... and it was! Their supporters stayed on the overpass until every one of the 40+ unit vehicles had passed, spanning several hours. GHC received thumbs up and a huge "You Rock" from the unit members and 2LT Fike.

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to be supporting the Warriors of the 1186 during their deployment.

With pride,

Your GHC

SGT Richard Chance of the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Receives Combat Infantryman Badge

2011-08-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

SGT. RICHARD CHANCE receives the Combat Infantryman Badge from Lt. Col. Phil Appleton at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Contributed photo Staff Sgt. Pat Caldwell

By Staff Sgt. Pat Caldwell

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — The day Sgt. Richard Chance’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle crew ran out of water, the enemy did not arrive in the form of an improvised explosive device, but instead appeared as invisible waves of heat on a stretch of Iraqi roadway more than 7,000 miles from home.

Chance, a member of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, 77th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, remembered the day well, even though the episode occurred two months ago.

“Coming back from [Victory Base Complex, Iraq] near Baghdad, the AC in our truck went out before we got out of the gate,” he said.

Chance, a resident of The Dalles, and his crew were suddenly enclosed in a 30,000-pound metal oven. The same armor that kept them safe from roadside bombs and small-arms fire was now burning hot.

“I figure in the truck, it was 150 degrees,” Chance said.

The crew, Chance said, did not have a lot of options. Their mission of escorting a logistics convoy was the number one priority. The mission came first, so they toughed it out.

“We went through four cases of water in 2.5 hours,” Chance said.

The air conditioning in Chance’s MRAP was fixed after the mission, but the episode underscores the harsh conditions soldiers from the 3rd Battalion deal with on a daily basis. Chance said air conditioning in an MRAP is crucial during the Iraq summer, when temperatures routinely hit 115 or 120 degrees during the day. But he said no amount of air conditioning can take the heat away.

“It doesn’t matter. You’re still going to sweat,” he said.

Chance, who came to live in The Dalles when he was eight years old, is one of the veterans in Alpha Company. Chance served with the 3rd Battalion when it first came to Iraq in 2004. He emerged from the 3rd Battalion’s first deployment with plenty of accolades. He earned a Bronze Star with V device, a Purple Heart and a Combat Action Badge during the battalion’s 2004-2005 deployment.

In June, Chance earned another honor. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in the wake of a roadside bomb attack earlier that month. Chance received the honor during a ceremony at Joint Base Balad. The roadside bomb attack happened just after Chance returned from his leave.

“Yeah, welcome back to Iraq,” he said with a smile.

Chance said while the roads his company travels on during its convoy escort missions are still dangerous, the MRAPs proved to be a game-changer in terms of survivability for soldiers.

“The MRAPS, they are saving a lot of Joes,” Chance said.

Chance spent eight years in the U.S. Navy as a jet mechanic. He left the Navy, and after the deadly terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, he decided to get back into the fight.

“I found out the [3rd Battalion] was getting ready to deploy, and I joined,” he said.

With two tours of duty in Iraq under his belt, Chance secured the opportunity to see the strengths of the modern U.S. military. He has formed some definite opinions during two deployments, he said.

“I think we have the best military in the world, but that is because it is all volunteer,” he said.

Chance also said he believes his unit performed well while deployed. “I think Alpha [Company] has done well with the mission it got,” he said.

With his current deployment winding down, Chance said he plans to keep his crew vigilant. He also added there is a checklist of items he wants to complete when he returns home.

“I want to spend some time with my grandma in Baker City. Then go hunt elk, second season,” he said.

--------------------------

Congratulations SGT Chance! It has been an honor to have supported you during your deployment.

Your GHC

GHC Receives "Thanks" From 1249 Eng Battalion, Afghanistan

2011-08-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to receive this "Note of Thanks" from the 1249 Engineering Battalion serving proudly in Afghanistan.

The letter reads:

Thank you again for the gift boxes we recently received from your here at FOB Sharana. The operation of the Agape Store will continue to benefit the soldiers at this location due to your generosity. As you know, we have soldiers from all over the post coming for free gifts. It is uplifting to see the support of all of us from home and here on the FOB. Thank you for everything you have done and your support in the future!

Signed,

CPT Richard Barnes, Chaplain

HHC 1249 EN BN

------------------

Dear CPT Barnes,

It is our great honor to be able to support the members of the 1249 Engineer Battalion. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to ensure those serving proudly on the front lines receive our support from home.

Honored,

Your GHC

Gorge Heroes Club President, RaeLynn Ricarte Is Featured On "Localite" Television Show

2011-08-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Gorge Heroes Club President, RaeLynn Ricarte pays a visit on a recent Localite Television Station! Check out how GHC is working hard every day to continue support for our hometown heroes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPNvAufCuCE&feature=related

GHC Receives Appreciation Of Support From Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Alpha Company - JBB, Iraq

2011-08-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to receive appreciation from the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV, Alpha Company currently station in Joint Base Balad, Iraq for our support during their deployment.

The accommodation reads:

From: 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade, A Company, Joint Base Balad, Iraq

Certificate of Authenticity

is presented to

Gorge Heroes Club

In appreciation of your patriotism, this American Flag was flown for you on the 31th on May 2011 at the A Company 3rd Battalion 116th Cavalry Brigade Headquarters located at Joint Base Balad, Iraq during operations in support of Operation New Dawn. In the waving folds of the Stars and Stripes lies the history of a mighty Nation and it's people" in its shadow stand the heroes who make history.

Throughout the history of our nation, many have fought, received wounds, and sometimes dies, the American Flag was always there. Just as then, the Soldiers of this Battalion stand now beneath our Nation's Flag on foreign soil securing freedom for fellow mankind. Thank you for your dedication, sacrifice and service to the people of the United States of America and the 3rd Battalion 116th Cavalry Brigade.

Signed,

1SGT Brian Nation

and

CPT Noah Siple

-------------------

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to receive this certificate and Flag of The United States of America. We are proud to be supporting you during your deployment and will continue to support America's Mighty Warriors.

Be well, be strong and come home PROUD!

Honored,

Your GHC

National Guard 422 SIG BN, Afghanistan - Honored To Be Supporting You!

2011-08-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

Today's frontline pic comes from the National Guard 422 SIG BN stationed in Afghanistan. Honored to be supporting you! Go Guard!

News From 3-116 CAB (CAV) HBCT

2011-08-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

From Iraq - 3-116 CAB (CAV) 116 HBCT

As we begin our transition to JBLM communication with our families may become a little more challenging. Know that we will keep you up to date with the latest information possible keeping in mind operational security. Please bear with us it wont' be too much longer. Viper 6

Greetings From Iraq: Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV the Freedom Fightin' Fox Company

2011-08-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Freedom Fightin' Fox Company unit pic from Iraq. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our freedoms. Be well, be stong and come home proud. It has been an honor to have supported you during your deployment. (Photo by Joanna Smith)

Community Invited To Help With 3-116 CAV ALPHA Company Homecoming Preparations

2011-08-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Reminder from 3-116 CAV A Co Family Members- This Thursday and Friday we will be putting up yellow ribbons on 2nd and 3rd Streets. Gorge Heroes Club members, family members and the community is invited to particpate in the welcome home activities. Please meet at the Oregon National Armory on Webber Street in The Dalles Oregon at 6PM.

GHC Holds Weekly Auctions On Our Facebook Page

2011-08-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Homey The Homefront Gnome With Auction Items Donated By Dutch Bros Coffee!

Each Tuesday, GHC will be auctioning off items donated by businesses/individuals/organizations. The funds will go to help GHC purchase care package supplies and shipping costs for our monthly shipments to America's deployed warriors. You are welcome to bid two ways, on our Facebook Page or e-mail your bid direct to us at: ghc@gorge.net Auctions will be held every Tuesday morning and run for 24 hours. We have some really exciting items coming in like free passes to the Enchanted Forest, Oil Changes, Ceramic Vases....

Facebook Family Addy: Gorge Heroes-Club

Payments can be made by mail to:

GHC

1767 12th Street, #113

Hood River, Oregon 97031

Or by our secure paypal link on the right hand side of this webpage.

If you, your business or association has an item you wish to donate to GHC please drop us a line at: ghc@gorge.net

So, mark your calendars each week and let the fun begin! Questions can be addressed to: ghc@groge.net

We thank you and our heroes thank you!

Welcome Home Soldiers of the 3-116 Information - Baker City, Or

2011-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

GHC has been asked to pass on this information:

Time: Friday, October 7 · 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: Baker City Armory

Any and all soldiers and there families are welcome. We want this to be a fun night for all so no alcohol. We also hope to have a live band and please pass this invite along.

For more information please visit the event post on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=130098543738924

Oregon National Guard Command Sgt. Major Stan Getz Receives Appreciation Of His Service

2011-07-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Oregon National Guard Command Sgt. Major Stan Getz, left, shares a moment of camaraderie with Sergeant First Class Alex Porter, whom he chastised moments earlier for tricking him with a public retirement announcement. Getz, a native of The Dalles, was part of an honor guard at The Dalles Pro Rodeo Friday and had been asked by announcers to step forward with the U.S. flag after the National Anthem was sung. He had been requested to remain at attention during the reading of a cowboy poem, which he thought was a strange rodeo tradition but nevertheless agreed to assist. Instead, Porter had arranged for the announcer to read a short bio of Getz' distinguished military career, which began in 1989 and included numerous citations and awards for leadership, such as the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters and the Combat Infantry Badge. The crowd in the stands around the arena gave the embarrassed soldier a round of applause on July 15 in appreciation of his service, which ended last weekend, and Porter was subjected to an earful of colorful comments after Getz exited the stadium.

GHC Receives "Thanks" from 7th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron

2011-07-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Dear GHC,

Thank you again for the support and the care packages. My crew of airmen and I enjoyed having the individual packages and the books. We will be leaving shortly and heading back to our home base of Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. It meant a lot for knowing people back home still remember that there are troops here.

Major Kenneth Ebi
Mission Crew Commander
7th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron
SW Asia

---------------------------------

Dear Major Ebi,
It has been our honor to be able to support you and your unit. We appreciate your commitment and dedication in defending our freedoms. We wish you a safe journey home!

Proudly,
Your GHC

Gorge Heroes Club Sends "Thanks" To PGR For Upcoming Oregon Veteran's Home Event

2011-06-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

A CALL TO ACTION - Patriot Guard Riders

SATURDAY, JULY 16th, 2011 “4th Annual”

11am – 4pm

Oregon Veteran's Home - The Dalles, Oregon

“A Visitation – A Gathering – A Salute to All Veterans”

Special Invitation to all NW Veterans Motorcycle groups

THE DALLES, OREGON

Spread the word about this Motorcycle visitation. An amazing gathering of respect. There is no fee. That cost has been paid with honor by all of you who have served. This event is a meet and greet and open to everyone, whether they ride or not. We will visit with residents of OVH and with each other. Arrive when you want and stay as long as you are inspired to do so. Bring your flags. It is our hope that OVH will be totally surrounded by a Motorcycle cordon of pride.

Distance to The Dalles from: (miles) Salem 132, Gladstone 93, Gresham 71, Vancouver 87, Pendleton 127, Kennewick 131, Bend 130, Yakima 103. Join us for a great day ride with honor.

Directions

From I-84 to The Dalles Exit 87, South to Hwy 197 junction, left 1/4 mile, left on Columbia View and back up the hill. From Central Oregon Hwy 97 to Hwy 197 to The Dalles. Just past the Auction Yard turn right on Columbia View. Up the hill to 700 Veterans Drive.

Also plan to visit the Multi-Conflict War Memorial at Sorosis Park, just 4 miles from OVH.

Hosted by local members of the Patriot Guard Riders. “4th Annual”

Contact info: 541-993-6413 e-mail: reckless.1@hotmail.com

www.oregon.gov/ODVA/OVH.shtml 541-296-7190 / 800-846-8460

www.patriotguard.org

Gorge Heroes Club Receives Certificate of Appreciation from Delta Company of Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV- Iraq

2011-06-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to be the recipient of a certificate of appreciation for our support of the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV, Delta Company.

The certificate reads: "Certificate of Appreciation - Delta Company 3-116 - The Soldiers of the Delta Company 3-116 would like to recognize the Gorge Heroes Club. Your support increased unit morale during our deployment in Operation New Dawn 2010-2011.

Signed: CPT Jamie J Roscoe, Commander - Delta Company 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment
and
1SG Daniel J Ishaug, First Sergeant - Delta Company 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment

The Gorge Heroes Club extends our thanks the Delta Company of the 3-116 CAV for this recognition and we are honored to be supporting you!

Proudly,
Your GHC

Gorge Heroes Club Receives Certificate of Appreciation From Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV G Company

2011-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to have received a "Certificate of Appreciation" from the Oregon National Guard G Company 145th BSB, 3-116 CAV.

The certificate reads: "Certificate of Appreciation in honor of your outstanding performance and dedication we gladly present Gorge Heroes Club - For performance excellance in Supporting G CO during Operation New Dawn 1.

Signed: Shawn L Reiss, CPT FA Commanding
and
Peter Fitzgerald, 1SG, USA

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to have received this certificate of appreciation and we also honored to be supporting your unit!

With pride,
Your GHC

GHC To Hold Special Mid-Shipment Care Package Assembly

2011-06-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club will be holding a mid-shipment box packing on Thursday, June 9th, 7PM at the Oregon National Guard Armory in The Dalles, Oregon. We will be packing care boxes for both the Hood River and The Dalles GHC Chapter's. With temperatures in both Iraq and Afghanistan are on the rise, GHC has received request for additional individual drink mixes and freezer pops from our hometown heroes. Can you, your business or organization help GHC provide for our heroes by contributing the requested items or helping pay for the shipping costs? GHC is a non-profit organization, so all your contributions are tax deductible. We thank you and our heroes thank you! If you can help, please drop us as line at GHC@gorge.net.

Proudly,

Your GHC

Operation "Day In The Life Of A Miltary Gnome" Has Begun!

2011-06-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club's, Operation "Day In The Life Of A Military Gnome" has begun! Over the past few weeks, GHC has made contact with our hometown heroes stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan and letting them know of our fun filled Gnome contest. All units are reporting that they are "ready" for the mission! Each vying to outdo the other units!

Here are the details of the contest:

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to enter a photo challenge with the Gorge Heroes Club Combat Gnome other prizes for your unit.

Twelve gnomes will be embedded with Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine units at duty stations across Iraq and Afghanistan. You will be competing against these units for the grand prize or a second or third place finish, which will provide your squad, team or platoon with extra snacks and supplies.

To qualify a photo, you must follow these rules of engagement:

1) Don't risk your life for your gnome; the mythical creature is replaceable and you are not.

2) You must name your gnome and that name should be included with every photo (please number them) that is submitted by your unit.

3) Pictures submitted to ghc@gorge.net will be posted on our website and Facebook pages.

4) Creativity is a plus in this assignment so feel free to portray your gnome in combat settings that are both real and fictitious but grounded in reality. This includes any awards that your embedded gnome has earned, i.e., decorations for valor, etc. You should also truthfully state if your gnome has been subjected to disciplinary action.

5) All photos should be submitted to GHC by midnight (Pacific time) on Sunday, July 31, for consideration. If your unit is in the process of returning to the states so that prizes cannot be mailed, they will be furnished to your base so the tournament can take place there.

6) Your gnome should be inherited by your replacement unit and these Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or Marines should be notified about how to contact GHC for eligibility in future competitions.

We hope these gnomes will help you find some enjoyment during the hot summer months and boost the morale of your unit. We also hope that they bring you luck during the times when it is most needed.

Be well and know that you are greatly appreciated by GHC and this is our way to show support for the sacrifices that you are making on behalf of a grateful nation. Let the fun begin!

Proudly,

Your GHC

The Dalles Chapter of The Gorge Heroes Club Sends Care Packages To The Oregon National Guard

2011-05-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Toothbrushes? Check. Toothpaste? Check. Neck coolers? Check. Freezer pops? Check. Squirt guns? Check. Wait, stop! Squirt guns?

You read that right! The members of GHC'S The Dalles, Oregon chapter met last Thursday evening for our monthly box packing. This month, GHC decided to send a "little fun and relief from the heat" to the 150 members of the Oregon National Guard 3-116th CAV Alpha Unit that GHC supports. The unit is deployed to Iraq and reports are coming in that the summer heat has hit and the sandstorms have begun.

GHC members signing the handmade cards that each hometown hero receives each month.

Special thanks goes to GHC'S Card Team member Daphne Blanchard for her beautiful creations! This particular card is going to Oregon National Guard unit member Warren Webb who is stationed in Iraq and member of the Alpha company from The Dalles, Oregon.

GHC Member packing up the freezer pops!

GHC members preparing the items that go into each package.

The production line is off and running!

GHC would like to thank it's members and visiting community members for their continued support of our heroes!

The Gorge Heroes Club "Help Our Heroes" Art Auction Highlights

2011-05-23T14:35:00.001-07:00

The Historic Granada Theatre - The Dalles, Oregon

The Gorge Heroes Club "Help Our Heroes" Art Auction was held Saturday May 14th at the Historic Granada Theatre in The Dalles, Oregon. Huge thanks goes out to the Hood River Art club, local artists and businesses that contributed items for the auction. Special thanks as well to Auctioneer Marcus Morgan, Master of Ceremonies, Lynn Gunther and the members of the Alpha and Fox Company of the Oregon National Guard 3-116th CAV units for helping make our event a success.

Members of the Oregon National Guard Alpha and Fox Company getting ready to meet their well wishers.

Pictured above are members of the Oregon National Guard getting ready for the "Support our Troops" public meet and greet. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders, lead by ride captain Rod Runyon arrived to show their support for our heroes as well.

Some of the artwork that was auctioned off.

More artwork.

This picture is of the stage. During the event, a video was played showing pictures of our deployed heroes.

Auctioneer Marcus Morgan during the event.

Some of the silent auction times prior to the event starting.

All proceeds from the event will go towards The Gorge Heroes Club troop support programs. For the month of April 2011, GHC proudly supported over 690 hometown heroes.

Honored,

Your GHC

Congressman Walden Donates September 11, 2011 Nation's Capital Flag To GHC

2011-05-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 14th - Historic Granada Theatre- The Dalles, Oregon

Thank you Congressman Greg Walden for your donation to our Help Our Heroes Art Auction! Congressman Walden has donated a certificate for a USA Flag that will be flown over our nation's capitol on September 11, 2011. The flag comes with a certificate with the auction winner's name and will be signed and registered by the Architect of the Capital.

Texas Hold'em Poker Tourament - A GHC Benefit

2011-05-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Poker anyone? On Friday, May 13th Clock Tower Ales will be hosting a Texas Hold'em Tourament - 8PM @ 311 Union Street - The Dalles. Buy in is only $25!!! All proceeds will go towards GHC's Troop Support Programs. Please spread the word!

Thank you Clock Towser Ales for hosting this awesome event! We apreciate your support!

Proudly,
Your GHC

GHC Announces Locations To Purchase Art Auction Gala Event Tickets

2011-05-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

An Oregon National Guard member sharing his food with a village child.

Have you purchased your tickets to GHC's Art Auction Gala? It is coming up quickly! There will be awesome art items and non-art items to bid on in both the live and silent auctions taking place that evening. Admission is only $15 per person (adults only) or $20 per person at the door. You can purchase tickets online on our webpage or at the following businesses:

The Dalles - Klindts, The Mid-Columbia Senior Center, Bob Stone Freeway Auto, The Dalles Country Club, CH Urness Motors and High Hills Salon.

Hood River Tickets: The Gorge White House, Hood River News, Waucoma Bookstore, Sears of Hood River, Brian's Valley Auto Supply, CenterPointe Bank.

Please click here for more details about our upcoming Art Show Gala Event:

http://gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com/p/fundraiser-help-our-heroes-art-auction.html

Questions about this event can be e-mailed to: GHC@gorge.net

Meet The "Smith Ladies" Three Sisters Follow in the Flight Path of a Family of Pilots

2011-04-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

GHC is a proud supporter of these three sisters, Amber, Kelly and Lacey Smith - From White Salmon, Washington. You can watch the two videos about your hometown heroes by clicking on the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bwYI8lHtc0
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqA2Z6zKa_0
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFcwPxb7gyA
Honored to be supporting all of you!

Proudly,
Your GHC

Portland Timbers Army - The Oregon National Guard Way!

2011-04-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

In the wee hours of the Iraqi morning, members of the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Unit stationed there gather to watch the Portland Timbers home opener. With the ten hour time difference between Iraq and Oregon, some National Guard members were up as early as 3AM, Iraqi time - making sure not to miss the game or the excitement building up to the game.

Pictured here is SPC John Winters from Hood River, Oregon. SPC Winters writes just prior to the start of the game, "Timber Nation starts tonight in our season opener at home. Timbers Army is getting all settled in Portland, and Timbers Army Iraqi style is settled in. Now we just have to wait for the opening whistle".

After the Portland Timbers won the big game, SPC Winters excitedly reports, "No pity in the Rose City!"

Help Our Heroes Art Auction Saturday, May 14th- The Dalles, Oregon

2011-04-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Help Our Heroes Art Auction

Live & Silent Auction

Saturday, May 14

Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV member saying his final goodbye's to his son at the Mobilization Ceremony

Historic Granada Theater, The Dalles, Oregon

4-7PM - Adults Only

Members of GHC'S adopted Marine unit now stationed in Afghanistan

~Admission~

$15/Per Person When Purchased Online or From a GHC Member
contact: ghc@gorge.net for local ticket purchases
(Your tickets will be held for you at the door- You do not need to be present to win the raffle)
$20/Per Person When Purchased At The Door

Admission includes - Horsd' evours, Wine, Beer

And Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages Available

Each ticket purchased will also be entered into a
drawing for a "Special Getaway Package" at:

Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Pendleton, Oregon

The package includes:

One Night Stay For Two

Two (2) 18 Rounds of Golf

Two (2) Complimentary Admissions to the

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

~Tickets~
To purchase ticket(s) online, please follow our secure link:

The Gorge Heroes Club will be adding artists bios and pictures of both the live and silent auction items as they are donated. The list is growing and GHC urges you to "Save the Date" and plan to attend this gala where you will be provided with the opportunity to meet local soldiers from The Dalles and Hood River armories.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ART AUCTION DETAILS

Clock Tower Ales Holds Poker Tournament To Benefit Gorge Heroes Club

2011-03-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Clock Tower Ales in The Dalles is holding a poker tournament as a benefit to support the troops on Saturday April 2nd, beginning at 7 p.m. The pub, located at 311 Union Street, will have a $50 buy-in and one-half of the pot will go to the players and the other to GHC for shipment of monthly care packages to men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. A silent auction will also offer items such as gift certificates to Clock Tower and the Highway House in The Dalles, as well as other donated items. This is a great opportunity for people to have an evening of fun and take care of our troops at the same time!

GHC Receives Support From The Scouts & Familes of 314 - Washougal, Washington

2011-03-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank the Scouts and Families of the Cub Scout Pack 314 and Boy Scout Troop 314 from Washougal, Washington for their contribution of $100.00.

The letter reads:

"Dear Volunteers of Gorge Heroes:

We were going to bring this donation to you in December but the weather turned cold and slippery so we are now mailing you our donation.

We are a small scout pack and troop but we want to help you any way we can. This money was earned in our Annual Veteran's Appreciation Breakfast held every November (Vet's eat free). Half of our profit went to Homes for Our Troops to help with the house for SSG Bagge in Parkdale and the other half is going to you to help our deployed personnel.

We really appreciate the work you do to help our deployed soldiers while they are serving our country in foreign lands. We agree with you that they are our "Gorge Heroes".

Please let us know when you need more help and we will do all we can to give a hand!

Sincerely, Dave Stanton - The Scouts and Families of 314".......

We know you worked hard to earn it for our heroes. On behalf of our members and the heroes we support, we thank you!

Honored,

Your GHC

Wasco County Commissioner Rod Runyon Challenges Other Gorge Public Officials

2011-03-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

When the Gorge Heroes Club sent out an urgent request for assistance late Friday evening, Wasco County Commissioner Rod Runyon was the first to respond. Not only did Commissioner Runyon donate to GHC to help with the purchase of a stove for our adopted Marine unit - he is also challenging all other Gorge Public Officials to meet or beat his donation!

GHC is happy to report that we received word this afternoon from Hood River Mayor Author Babitz that GHC will be the recipient of this month's Hood River City Council stipend's. These funds will be used for the purchase of dual fuel stoves - care package food/hygiene items and shipping costs.

Thank you both! To find out more about our urgent needs request and how you can help - please see our Saturday, March 12, 2011 post titled:

GHC Receives URGENT REQUEST From A Marine Unit Stationed In Afghanistan

Honored,

Your GHC

From One Brother-In-Arms To Another

2011-03-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club has received a wonderful letter of support from one Warrior to another that we wanted to share with our supporters:

"My dearest friend and mother like figure Terri:

Just wanted to say I got online today after shift, and Gorge Heroes Club news had popped up. The news about my fellow brothers in arms in Afghanistan needing things, made me cry and pull at my heart strings. I know I am soldier, and even though these Marines are not the same branch, they are my brothers. I know I am deployed to the front in Iraq right now, but I want to help my brothers. I know how the packages you guys send bring so much joy to our soldiers here in Iraq. I see it time and time again, day in and day out. I see how much morale booster it brings to us soldiers here on the other side of the world".....

GHC would like to thank this HERO for his kind words of encouragement and we will be forwarding on his e-mail to his Brothers-In-Arms!

Honored,

Your GHC

GHC Receives URGENT REQUEST From A Marine Unit Stationed In Afghanistan

2011-03-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club received an urgent request overnight from a Marine unit stationed in Afghanistan. These heroic Marines are scrounging around for cans to heat food on the engines of their vehicles at the locations they are stationed in outlying areas of Afghanistan.
GHC is sending out an urgent need for the following items:

Monetary funds to purchase dual-fuel stoves for the Marines to use not only for cooking their meals, but for also heating up water for hygiene purposes. In the past, some Marines have reported not being able to shower in over 3 months. And, we have received reports that they are having to ration their MRE's to one per day - some have even gone without for several days because they have given their MRE's to fellow Marines who have gone ever longer without food.

Monetary funds to purchase compact cooking pans and utensils. GHC will send one set of pans and cooking utensils with each stove along with a set of cleaning equipment for the stove. (The cleaning equipment will allow the Marines to clean the stoves when and if some of the burners get clogged with sand).

Monetary funds or donations to purchase the following:

Canned food - chili, soups, stews, fruits, tuna - any canned meal they can heat up without preparations.
Individual packets of oatmeal, crackers, fruit bars, granola bars, drink mixes, spices (the MRE's will become tasteless after eating them for a few day), small bottles of cooking oil, small bottles of maple syrup, small containers of pancake mixes, individual packages of rice or noodles - the kind that you just add water to, Butter Buds, Top Ramon noodles, cup-a-soups, jerky, hot chocolate, hot cider, individual packets of ready made coffee, packets of creamers, packets of sugar, nuts, trail mix, corn beef hash - basically any meal that they can heat and eat or fix with water.
Hygiene items - Toilet paper, gel shave cream, razors, foot powders, foot creams, lip balm (the kind that comes in the tiny jars, or tubes - the sticks will melt in the heat) diarrhea medications, constipation medications, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, hygiene wipes and over-the-calf black socks.

Secure donations can be made by clicking our Paypal link on the right hand side of this page or you are welcome to mail your donations to:

Gorge Heroes Club
1767 12th Street #113
Hood River, Oregon 97031

Drop off points for care package items are:

The Oregon National Guard Armory - The Dalles, Oregon
WAAAM - The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon
Windermere Glenn Taylor Realtors in Bingen, Washington.

Or, you are welcome to drop off your donations at any of our two monthly community box packing's:

The MARCH 2011 THE DALLES box packing will take place on the third Thursday at The Dalles Oregon National Guard Armory, 7PM.

The MARCH 2011 HOOD RIVER box packaging will take place on the fourth Wednesday at WAAAM the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum on Tucker Road in Hood River, 5:30PM.

The Gorge Heroes Club is a 501 C 3 non profit organizations so all your donations are tax deductible.

As failure is not an option for our heroes - nor is it for GHC and those who support us. Let's work together to get these Heroes some support coming in from home.

Proudly,
Your GHC

ghc@gorge.net

Celilo Bowmen Archery Club Fundraiser

2011-03-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank the Celilo Bowmen Archery Club of The Dalles, Oregon for hosting a raffle for an awesome:

Rinehart Target Broadhead Buck 3-D Archery Target

Proceeds from the sale of tickets will be donated to the Gorge Heroes Club to help defray the cost of shipping care packages each month to deployed troops.

The drawing information can be found here:

http://gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com/p/fundraiser-celilo-bowmen-raffle.html

Honored,

Your GHC

GHC Receives Thanks From Oregon National Guard Lt Col Appleton & CSM Wyllie

2011-03-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club received a special thank you letter today from Lt Col Phillip Appleton Battalion Commander and CSM William Wyllie of the Oregon National Guard 3rd Battalion 116th Cavalry unit.

The letter reads, "To Gorge Heroes Club, We wanted to thank you for the care packages you sent us here in Iraq. Whenever an organization like yours steps up and puts in the extra time and effort to show our troops someone back home cares it means a lot for our troops here. We are doing well here thanks in great part due to the overwhelming support from the folks back home. Thank you from Eastern Oregon's Own 3rd Battalion 116th Cavalry".

We are truly honored to be able to support you!

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC'S February Box Packing Fun

2011-03-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Fun was had by all at both the Hood River and The Dalles Chapters of GHC'S box packing nights!

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to extend special thanks to the following for sponsoring our February shipping costs:

GHC'S The Dalles Chapter - East Cascade Electric, The Dalles, Oregon

GHC'S Hood River Chapter - Wasco County Commissioner Rod Runyon and Hood River County Commission Ron Rivers.

We appreciate your support of our organization and our heroes!

Not only did GHC provide support for 385 hometown heroes this month, we were also able to ship out 17 large boxes of hygiene items to the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV HQ in Iraq. Plus an additional 9 boxes of books to the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Alpha Company stationed in Iraq as well.

The Dalles Chapter GHC members

GHC - The Dalles - Signing Cards

Getting the boxes organized and ready to go!

Finishing up the care packages.

Handmade cards made by GHC'S Card Team Members

GHC'S Hood River Chapter - Ready to roll at WAAAM

Box packing fun begins!

The February card made by our Cards Team.

GHC March Box Packing Information:

The MARCH 2011 THE DALLES box packing will take place on the third Thursday at The Dalles Oregon National Guard Armory, 7PM.

The MARCH 2011 HOOD RIVER box packaging will take place on the fourth Wednesday at WAAAM the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum on Tucker Road in Hood River, 5:30PM.

March Urgent Need Items Are:

Plastic Easter Eggs

Easter Candy - Jelly Beans - Peeps, Etc

Individual Snack Items - Crackers, Fruit Bars, Fruit Rolls Ups, Granola Bars, corn nuts,

peanuts, trial mix,etc.

Individual Drink Mixes

Canned: Chili, Tuna, Pull Top Ready Made Soups, Jerky

SPONSORSHIP FOR MARCH SHIPPING COSTS ARE NEEDED

If you, your organization or business can help - please contact us at:

GHC@gorge.net

Thank you!

Honored,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Unit Receives "Special Thanks" From Veteran's

2011-02-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

Members of the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Unit will be receiving a special "Thanks" written inside the homemade cards included in this month's care packages. The Gorge Heroes Club was honored to be able to have our monthly support cards displayed at the Oregon Veteran's Home in The Dalles, Oregon for residents to sign. GHC would like to thank our Veteran's for your support!

Honored,

Your GHC

New Heights Church of Vancouver Washington Donates Care Package Items

2011-02-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank the New Heights Church of Vancouver Washington for delivering care package items to the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV - Alpha Company of The Dalles, Oregon. The care package items are now on their way to selected heroes who do not receive any support from home. We thank you and our troops thank you!

Honored,

Your GHC

GHC'S Hometown Hero MSGT Carla Perez Receives "MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL"

2011-02-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Marine MSGT Carla Perez receives USMC Meritorious Service Medal

The Gorge Heroes Club received word today that one of our Hometown Heroes, MSGT Carla Perez has been awarded the USMC Meritorious Service Medal. Congratulations MSGT Perez - we appreciate all your hard work and dedication to our freedoms.

The medal reads:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL to
MASTER SERGEANT CARLA A. PEREZ,
UNITEDSTATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following citation:

For outstanding meritorious service while serving as the Supply Chief, for 1st Marine Division (Forward), from March 2010 to March 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During this period, Master Sergeant Perez distinguished herself through her unsurpassed proficiency, professionalism, versatility, and leadership. As a member of the Division's Expeditionary Supply and Maintenance Assistance Team, she relentlessly set out to improve supply readiness throughout the division by way of on-site inspections, innovative training, and regular follow-up to ensure sound procedures were implemented and executed. She provided exceptionally well prepared supply readiness briefs to commanders, along with insightful recommendations that improved accountability and ultimately ensured that the Marine Corps can sustain long-term operations. She orchestrated the redistribution of more than 700 combat equipment items and the issue of no less than 13,000 equipment items to support subordinate unit mission requirements. She also coordinated the receipt and distribution of 4,750 items of personal protective equipment for coalition forces and supervised the refinement of coalition equipment requirements. Finally, she supervised the procurement of more than 132 million dollars in contracts providing critical material and equipment, which enabled Marines to conduct successful counterinsurgency operations throughout the unforgiving terrain and climate of Afghanistan's Helmand Province. The exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative and selfless dedication to duty exhibited by Master Sergeant Perez reflected great credit upon her and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and The United States Naval Service.

JOSEPH L OSTERMAN

BRIGADIER GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, 1ST MARINE DIVISION (FORWARD)

------------------------------------

For the President

GHC Ships Hygiene Items To Oregon National Guard Command In Iraq

2011-02-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank it's members and community members for donating enough hygiene items to fill 17 boxes that are headed to the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Headquarters in Iraq for distribution.

Some of the items shipped were: razors, hygiene wipes, hand sanitiser, tooth brushes, tooth paste, gel shave cream, shower gel, dental floss, face wash, foot powder and foot creams.

If you would like to help supply items for care packages, you are welcome to drop them off at the following locations:

WAAAM - The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum - Airport Road, Hood River, Or

Windermere Glenn Taylor Realtors - Bingen, Wa

Oregon National Guard Armory - The Dalles, Or

GHC is a non-profit organization, so your contributions are tax deductible. If you have any questions, please e-mail us: ghc@gorge.net

Honored,

Your GHC

Moving Day For Oregon National Guard Member SSGT Christian Bagge

2011-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Moving Day for the Bagges

By RaeLynn Ricarte

The Dalles Chronicle

“Without further ado, welcome home soldier,” said Spec. Kevin Pannell as he handed the keys of the 4025 Nastasi Drive home in Parkdale to Ssgt. Christian Bagge.

Pannell, 33, and Bagge, 29, are both double amputees who had residences built to accommodate their wheelchairs by Homes for Our Troops, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization.

Pannell lost both legs in an enemy grenade ambush during a 2004 deployment to Iraq and he and his wife moved into their new Sandy home in December. He met Bagge in 2005 when the combat veteran was undergoing medical treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the loss of both legs.

Bagge, who grew up in Mosier, deployed to Iraq in 2004 with other Oregon National Guard soldiers from The Dalles Armory. He lost his legs following the June 3, 2005, explosion of two bombs while on a routine road-clearing mission about 100 miles north of Baghdad.

He said being visited by Pannell, who walked into his hospital room on prosthetic legs, gave him hope for the future. If mobility were again possible, then Bagge, an avid outdoorsman, knew that some normalcy could be restored to his life. Just three months before the tragedy occurred, Christian and Melissa (Eagy), a native of The Dalles, had married and he wanted their plans for the future to continue as unimpeded as possible.

“Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are people who understand sacrifice and what it means to move on; I’m always impressed by people who have served,” said Bagge.

He thanked the many veterans in the crowd of more than 200 people who had come to the key ceremony organized by Homes and Advantis Credit Union of Milwaukie, which raised $150,000 for the project. The volunteer labor force that began working on the home last August was supervised by Kase Construction of The Dalles. The Gorge Heroes Club assisted with meals and other support for the Build Brigade in August and the Feb. 5 key ceremony.

Also present at Saturday’s event were 15 soldiers from Alpha Company assigned to The Dalles Armory. Three of these infantrymen had been with Bagge when the explosion occurred and struggled to keep him alive while awaiting the arrival of a medevac helicopter to transport him off the battlefield.

“I would not be here today if these men from my platoon -- Nick Mendez, Jeremy Kitchen and Adam Campbell – had not worked so hard to save my life,” said Bagge.

He delivered a strong rebuke of a reader board message at The Dalles Wahtonka High School that told students “You are your own hero.” Bagge said heroism was defined by courageous acts that people did on behalf of others and was a title that had to be earned.

“Everyday, when they (Mendez, Kitchen and Campbell) wake up they remember what happened and these guys suffer. I love you all and I’m proud that you are here today,” he said. “I will always be proud of the almost eight years that I served my country.”

He then thanked all of the community members and contractors that had volunteered time to help build the single-story house that provides him with easy access to every room. He and Melissa are now raising two young children, Noah and Brynne, so a home environment that allows him to be easily mobile is even more appreciated.

“It’s just so amazing that so many people I’ve never met are here supporting me and that’s a testament to our country,” said Bagge.

He asked those in attendance to remember as the ceremony took place, and for a moment every day, there were military personnel fighting for America’s freedoms and their lives on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Oregon Rep. Mark Johnson, the father of a deployed Army officer, and Sen. Chuck Thomsen, welcomed the Bagges to Hood River County, where they both reside, and invited him to visit Salem.

“I’d be honored to have you as my guest of honor on the floor of the House,” said Johnson after commenting that the Bagge house stood as a legacy to American generosity and patriotism.

John Gonsalves, founder and president of Homes for Our Troops, said there were a growing number of triple and quadruple amputees at Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., in recent months. He said these injuries were a result of the enemy adapting to America’s armoring vehicles for better troop protection by building bigger bombs.

“Although we should be grateful for their survival, we also have to look into the mirror as Americans and ask, ‘What do we owe them?’” said Gonsalves. “We need to be in a position where every community is doing what we did here.”

He said more than 1,000 homes were needed across the nation for soldiers and Marines with severe disabilities brought by service on the front lines.

The Dalles soldiers had helped the Bagges load the furniture from their The Dalles home into a U-Haul truck on Friday. They stayed after the ceremony to move the family’s belongings into the new 2,600 square foot residence.

"Helping Christian get moved in and being there to honor his family at the key ceremony can't make up for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of this country but will help provide them with an opportunity to re-establish themselves,” said 2nd Lt. Brian Fike, commander of The Dalles unit. “We are his brothers in arms and this is just the right thing to do."

Also pitching in to help the Bagges move in were emergency responders from the Parkdale, West Side, Hood River, Odell Fire and Pine Grove fire departments. They had escorted the family to their new home via fire engine in a Highway 35 processional that was also joined by a vehicle from the Oregon State Police.

The Patriot Guard Riders, under the direction of captain Rod Runyon, a The Dalles resident, had formed a flag line at the entrance to the private road and outside the Bagge house.

Safeway employees from Hood River delivered more than $500 of goods – everything from diapers to cooking spices – and handed the Bagges $300 in gift certificates after the ceremony. Prior to his military service, Christian had worked for the store and Linda Hutson, head clerk, said the employees are honored to have them in Hood River County and plan to continue their support.

“We have adopted them; they are part of the family now,” she said.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Gorge Heroes Club has posted over 70 pictures of this event on our Facebook page: Gorge Heroes-Club

Honored,

Your GHC

GHC Receives "Thanks" From Our Heroes

2011-02-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

GHC would like to share the following e-mails and pictures we have received from our deployed Hometown Heroes. As always, GHC has withheld the names due to the security of our heroes:

"Dear GHC, I greatly appreciate your support and I am glad you do what you do!" - Received from a front line Marine in Afghanistan.

"Dear GHC, I would like to thank you for your support of myself and my unit. Your Christmas package came on the perfect day that we were missing being home and needed the support of knowing someone back home cares about us. You are in my prayers." - Received from a front line Marine in Afghanistan.

Honored,

Your GHC

GHC'S Yahoo E-Mail Hacked

2011-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

GHC learned this morning that our Yahoo e-mail account has been hacked by someone requesting funds sent via telephone to London. Please rest assured that this message is a scam and was not sent by GHC, we do not make requests for funds through mass emails.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused to those on our mailing list and we have alerted the appropriate US Fraud authorities of this discovery. To avoid future problems, we have closed the gorgeheroesclub@yahoo.com address and will be receiving email now only at GHC@gorge.net.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience that this problem has caused our members and followers.

Thank you,

Your GHC

GHC'S January Box Packing Sets New Organizational Record

2011-01-31T13:23:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is pleased to announce that our troop box packing for the month of January set a new record - 404 Hometown Heroes have care packages headed their way thanks to the efforts of our members and community supporters! GHC would like to thank Oregon State Representative Mark Johnson for taking time out of his busy schedule to stop by and help with the box packing and sharing this great achievement with us!

GHC has two chapters - one in The Dalles, Oregon that meets the third Thursday of each month - 7PM at the Oregon National Guard Armory and one in Hood River, Oregon that meets the forth Wednesday - 5:30PM at WAAAM - The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River. (More details located in the right sidebar)

GHC - The Dalles Chapter Box Packing - The fun begins!

GHC - The Dalles Card Signing for members of the Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Unit

GHC - The Dalles Final Touches!

GHC - The Dalles Members - Thank you!

GHC - Hood River Card Signing

Oregon State Representative Mark Johnson - stopped by and helped with the box packing!

GHC - Hood River - Some of the donated goodies!

GHC - Hood River - Handmade Cards, thanks to our GHC'S Cards Team!

Proudly,

Your GHC

Cody Standiford Veteran Liason For Congressman Walden's Office To Visit GHC's Box Packing

2011-01-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

GHC - The Dalles Chapter

Cody Standiford, an Iraqi war veteran and liasion for our troops with Congressman Greg Walden's office invites military families from the Mid-Columbia region to meet with him at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20, at The Dalles Armory, 713 Webber St. Standiford will also hear concerns from local veterans until 7 p.m. that evening, when he will join members of the Gorge Heroes Club in packing boxes for soldiers with the 3-116 in Iraq. Anyone is welcome to join the care package assembly line and help make sure our soldiers know that they matter to the folks back at home. Standiford can be reached for assistance with a question or concern at (541) 389-4408 or cody.standiford@mail.house.gov.

GHC JANUARY BOX PACKING INFORMATION

GHC - The Dalles, Oregon Chapter

Thursday - Jan 20th - The Dalles National Guard Armory

7PM

Urgent Need Items Are:

Individually wrapped -

Crackers

Gum

Fruit Bars

Granola Bars

Chap Stick

Hot Choc

Hot Cider

Trail Mix

Nuts

Small Snack Sized Candy Bars

Hard Candy

GHC - Hood River, Oregon Chapter

Wednesday - Jan 26th - WAAAM- Airport Way, Hood River, OR

5:30PM

Urgent Need Items Are:

Crackers

Gum

Fruit Bars

Granola Bars

Chapstick

Hot Choc

Hot Cider

Trail Mix

Nuts

Small Sized Candy Bars

Hard Candy

Drink Mixes

Hygiene Wipes

Tooth Brushes

Canned Food - Chili, Tuna, Beef Stew, Corned Beef, Etc

Questions: GHC@gorge.net

Honored,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard 3-116th CAV Settles In

2011-01-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

GHC has received some pictures from members of the 3-116th CAV:
(If you click on the picture, it will become larger in another screen)

National Guard - Hood River, OR unit Christmas Tree

Sleeping Quarters

Christmas Day Promotions

GHC would like to thank our heroes for sharing these pics with us and our families. If you have any pictures you would like to share, please e-mail them to GHC@gorge.net

Honored,

Your GHC

GHC Receives Thanks From Oregon's 3-116 CAV Members

2011-01-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

"Thank you for the presents and Christmas cards that we received. During this time of year it was nice to have something to hand out to soldiers during the holidays. The wrapping of the stockings was a nice touch. We gathered our platoon (details omitted) in the motor pool to hand them out before a company photo. It was a good feeling to see everyone receive a wrapped gift on Christmas morning. It is much appreciated from every soldies in our company that there are so many people at home that support us. On behalf of (soldiers in company), thank you for your hard work collecting these items and the support that you continue to give us." 2nd. Lt. Chris Perrotti.

"I would like to take the time to say thanks to all of the members of the Gorge Heroes Club for the Christmas packages that you sent to our company (details omitted). The Christmas stockings that were sent to the soldiers was greatly welcomed and put a smile on the soldiers' faces. We passed the stockings out on Christmas Day and we watched them open them up, and many soldiers were taking photos while this was going on, that was real cool. The daily work load that we do over here is not bad but some days are busier than others -- but that is the life of a soldier. The weather is nice and not too warm and not too cold, but we know the hot season is coming soon, so we take what we can and enjoy it to the fullest. Every day that goes by is a day closer to the time we get to come home. So, I would like to thank you once more for the stockings and keep the wonderful things that you do for the soldiers up." SFC Joseph Lewis

Honored,

Your GHC

GHC Accepts Biggest Challenge In It's Organizational History!

2011-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club has accepted its biggest challenge to date by adopting 142 soldiers in Iraq from the Oregon National Guard 3-116th CAV that need to get mail from home and adding them to the line-up of almost 200 other soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that are being provided with care packages each month in Afghanistan and Iraq.

We are relying upon continued support from Mid-Columbia region communities and beyond to meet this challenge during the next nine months out of the belief that no one in harm's way should ever feel unloved or alone. Donations for shipping are always needed and items for the care packages provided to the troops can be left at The Dalles Armory, 713 Webber St., WAAAM the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, 1600 Air Museum Road or Windermere Glenn Taylor Realtors in Bingen, Washington.

Packages for our new soldiers, plus about 90 other military personnel, will be put together at WAAAM in Hood River at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26, and all interested community members are invited to help with that effort.

The assembly of care packages for about 150 soldiers, most from The Dalles unit, takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday , Jan. 20, at the armory and, again, help will be welcomed and appreciated.

It will take all of us working together to get the job done right and we urge you to support this vital mission.

Here is the current urgent need list for January's box packing for both the Hood River and The Dalles Chapter's of GHC:

Individually wrapped-

Fruit Bars

Granola Bars

Hot Chocolate

Hot Cider

Crackers

Hard Candy

Gum

Honored,
Your GHC

Holiday Wishes To Our Heroes

2010-12-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club started out this year bidding farewell to five Marine assault teams and a separate 50-member Marine support unit that shipped out to Afghanistan. Their respective deployments were followed by the departure of an Army line officer and an Army surgeon to Iraq. Over the course of the summer, these individuals provided us with names of "military orphans" that were not receiving mail from home and the mothers amongst us reached out to adopt these Heroes. In addition to taking care of these troops, GHC was sending care packages or cards to dozens of other military personnel around the globe. But our biggest challenge came in September when 165 soldiers from the Hood River and The Dalles armories deployed to Iraq. Our members rallied to hold a series of fundraisers that would allow us to provide each and every one of these Heroes with a care package every month, and we will soon be adopting 142 more soldiers that are in need of support. In addition, an Army soldier from our area has just headed into Afghanistan and we are going to be providing comfort items for his squad, thanks to the generosity of area businesses, especially Safeway, and community members.

To all of our Heroes in combat zones that are not be able to spend time with family members during the holidays, we pray that God wraps his protective hand around you and provides you with a spirit of peace. To our warriors that have recently returned from combat zones, we hope that you find rest from any burdens on your spirit during the Christmas season and learn to laugh again while re-connecting with family.

Honored,
Your GHC

GHC's Urgent Need Request

2010-12-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

Suggested Brand

GHC has received an urgent need request from a unit of Hometown Heroes in Afghanistan. They are in need of hand/foot warmers. Drop off points are:
The Dalles National Guard Armory from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays

WAAAM - The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum off Tucker Road in Hood River - Open 7 days a week from 9AM to 5PM

Windermere Glenn Taylor Realtors - Bingen, Washington - Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM

Those wishing to make a monetary donation can do so be following our secure PayPal link to the right.

Honored,
Your GHC

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski's Holiday Wishes To Oregon National Guard Members

2010-12-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski delivers his 2010 Holiday message to Oregon National Guard members and their families, from the State Capitol in Salem, Ore. Video production by MSG Thomas Hovie. Produced by the Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office.

Please click on this link to view the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWkQiHMuz2I

Honored,
Your GHC

Congressman Walden Thanks GHC And Families Of Oregon's Deployed 3-116th CAV

2010-12-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was the Christmas Party for the Hood River and The Dalles Oregon Units of the Oregon National Guard and for any families of deployed heroes from the Gorge region. The Gorge Heroes Club would like to share a "letter of thanks" that we received from Oregon's Congressman Greg Walden.

Greetings National Guard members and families of deployed soldiers,

I am sorry that I cannot be with you in person but I am with you in spirit today as you gather. I want to say a special thanks to The Gorge Heroes Club, The Mid-Columbia Veterans Committee, The VFW Auxiliary and the Family Readiness Group headed by Lisa Bishop for coordinating this wonderful event. Google also deserves a big thank you for setting up computers here today, so that folks can see their deployed loved ones. I would also like to thank The Mid-Columbia Fire Department for serving this fine meal that has been provided free of charge by The Sassy Onion who came all the way from Salem for this event. In addition to all of these great folks, Griffith Motors of The Dalles and The Dollar Tree stores of both Hood River and The Dalles have done an outstanding job helping Santa and his elves get the toys ready for all the children here today.

Thank you Randy Haines for providing the music for us here today, and also thank you Bob Davis for taking pictures of the kids with Santa. And let's not forget to thank Santa and Mrs. Claus for taking time from their very busy schedule in the North Pole to come down and spread some cheer to the kids and families of our deployed soldiers. All of these groups and folks deserve a round of applause.

Now it is time to thank the folks that have really brought us all together here today: the families of the soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your service and support of our great nation's fighting men and women. To be a complete soldier, ready to answer the call of our nation, one must have the love and support of people just like you. Keeping a household running, paying the bills, mowing the lawn, raising the children without the presence of significant others...all of these things add to the effectiveness of our fighting forces, and you are the ones providing that support. Taking the time to write a letter, send an email or answer the phone at odd hours keeps our soldiers minds just a little calmer and better able to focus on the mission at hand. Knowing that loved ones are well cared for in their absence makes for an easier separation, adding to the readiness and mindset that is crucial for our soldiers to maintain when deployed. Your support and sacrifice, particularly during the Christmas season, is valued and appreciated. Although you are not deployed to a foreign country, have no doubt that you are serving right alongside our beloved soldiers as they fulfill the mission they have so bravely accepted. Thank you again for supporting our men and women of Alpha and Fox Companies, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, you are critical to the success of their mission.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. God Bless America!

Congressman Greg Walden

Famous Actor Mark Wahlberg Pays A Holiday Visit To GHC'S Adopted Marine Unit

2010-12-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

Msgt Carla Perez (left), Actor/Director Mark Wahlberg

Members of the 1st Marine Forward G4 Unit stationed in Marjah, Afghanistan got a welcome surprise from famous Actor/Director Mark Wahlberg today. The unit got to watch the world premier of his new movie, "The Fighter" with him.

What a wonderful holiday surprise. GHC would like to thank Mr. Wahlberg for taking time from his busy schedule to support our heroes!

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC Receives "Thanks" From The 1st Marine Division - Afghanistan

2010-12-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to have received "thank you" notes from members of the 1st Marine Division currently stationed in Marjah, Afghanistan.

--------------------

Dear GHC,

"Thank you all so much for the stockings, the Marines and Sailors all loved them. I had enough to give to everyone in my office and share with some of the others. You guys are the best. Believe it or not, someone sent us real Christmas trees, a box of lights and ornaments, so we will decorate it tonight. The Marines have hung stockings up and are in the holiday spirit. Thank you again." CP

--------------------

Dear GHC,

"I would like to personally thank you and your family for the Christmas stocking, card and prayers. We really appreciate all your support, it goes a long way when you're out here alone. At least I can say that I have my fellow brethren and sisters here with me. It's really nice to know that there are still people out there who care so much for this great country and those who protect it. Your kind words and selfless act to ensure that we have something for Christmas- really touches my heart. My sincere thanks to you and your family! Take care and may God continue to Bless you and your family for many years to come." RF

-------------------

Dear GHC,

"I just want to say thank you very much for the Christmas socks that we received today. You should've seen all these smiling faces. Little things like this gift makes a big difference for these young Marines out here, it remarkably boosted their morale. Again, thank you very much for all your support. Happy Holidays and God bless!" RM

-------------------

Dear GHC,

"Thanks for the thoughtful gifts. I just wanted to wish you a happy holidays and a big Thank you! for your support. I was raised in Tigard, Oregon, graduated class of 91’ from Tigard High School. I do miss the Northwest dearly and when I retire I plan to move back in the Portland area or Bend Area. I appreciate your prayers and remembering us out here fighting the fight. Semper Fi!" CR

-------------------

Honored,

Your GHC

Griffith Motors Collects Toys For Oregon National Guard Children

2010-12-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

David Griffith, owner of Griffith Motors in The Dalles, stands with boxes of toys that he has collected for children of deployed National Guard soldiers from The Dalles and Hood River armories. About 100 toys for children ages 0-18 have been donated by community members and will be passed out during Saturday's Christmas party for Oregon National Guard families, and the soldiers from the rear detachment, at the Civic Auditorium in The Dalles. Other military families from the area have also been invited to attend.

Toys will be collected through this Friday at Griffith Motors, The Dalles.

GHC'S Festival Of Trees Entry Donated To The Oregon Veteran's Home

2010-12-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

This beautifully patriotic tree sponsored by GHC and decorated by volunteers from the VFW Auxiliary, Red Hats and Mid-Columbia Veterans Committee sold at the Festival of Trees in The Dalles for $1,625 and was donated for the season to the Oregon Veterans Home.

The tree was adorned with small military ornaments, dog tags, military airplanes and memorabilia from all branches of service along with individual pictures of members from the local Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Unit from The Dalles, Oregon.

GHC would like to thank all the individuals and organizations involved in putting together this awesome tree!

Proudly,
Your GHC

GHC's Hood River Chapter Holiday Box Packing Fun!

2010-12-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

With the backdrop of antique military cars and aeroplanes, the Hood River Chapter of GHC recently met to fill the handmade Christmas stockings for this year's gifts to our hometown heroes. Between the Hood River and The Dalles Chapter's of GHC we were able to send out over 266 stockings stuff with goodies this year!

GHC member Julie Benton prepares the stocking contents and prepares the stockings to be stuffed.

The stockings were hand sewn by GHC's sewing team and members of the Columbia River Gorge Quilters Guild and customers of ETC - in Hood River. THANK YOU!

Each Christmas stocking was accompanied with a handmade card made by GHC's Card Teams and signed by GHC members and community supporters.

GHC member's Roberta Clayton and Katie Pritchett are stuffing the stockings with candy canes donated by Safeway of Hood River before they are wrapped and boxed.

GHC members and community supporters line up and start the fun! To add to the festive fun, WAAAM provided antique military vehilcles as seen in the background of this picture adorned with holiday lights!

To find out more about GHC and ways you can help support our hometown heroes, please drop us a line at: GHC@gorge.net -

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC To Receive 2% Of Sales From Hood River Sears Store This Saturday, Dec 4th

2010-11-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is proud to announce that the local Hood River Sears Store will donate 2% of their daily sales for this Saturday, December 4th to GHC!

"Want to do something great for others, and also get something for yourself? Stop by your Hood River Hometown Dealer Store this Saturday, December 4th where you can SAVE with low sale prices PLUS Sears will GIVE 2% of the entire day's proceeds to GORGE HEROES CLUB. Helping others while helping yourself...now that's a great deal." Daryn Fogle, Owner Hood River Sears

The event will take place at the Hometown Sears Store located at 1795 12th Street in the Heights Shopping Center. The doors open at 9AM - so please spread the word and plan on starting your holiday shopping off at the Hood River Sears Store!

GHC would like to thank GHC members and store owners, Daryn and Sue Fogle for working with Sears Corporate to make this happen. We appreciate your support for our heroes.

Proudly,
Your GHC

Support Requests From Oregon National Guard 3-116th CAV Coming In

2010-11-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

GHC has been receiving request for the following items from the recently deployed members of the Oregon National Guard 3-116th CAV unit.

Donations of items can be dropped of at the following locations:

WAAAM - The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River
Windermere Glenn Taylor Realtors in Bingen, Washingon
Oregon National Guard Armory - The Dalles, Oregon

Requested items:
Current editions of local hometown newspapers plus Time and Newsweek magazines.

Individual packages of:
Gum
Jerky
Cookies
Crackers
Nuts
Trail Mix
Candy
Chocolate
Fruit Bars
Chapstick

Any small snack item that is individually packed that they can slip into their pockets.

Please contact GHC directly at: GHC@gorge.net for further information or questions.

Thank you for supporting our heroes!

Proudly,
Your GHC

GHC's The Dalles Chapter November Holiday Box Packing Fun!

2010-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

The Dalles chapter of The Gorge Heroes Club met recently at the Oregon National Guard Armory to put together the holiday care packages to the recently deployed 3-116th CAV Unit.

GHC's sewing team provided over 135 handmade holiday stockings for the community to come in and help assemble.

Here community members are signing over 135 cards that the GHC Cards team handmade for the troops!

Operation Home Front came to The Dalles and handed out Hug-A-Dolls to the children of the 3-116th CAV members on the same evening as the community box packing.

The cards that GHC's Cards and Letters Team made for each hero.

The fun begins! Each community member got in line to stuff the handmade Christmas stockings to each member of the 3-116 CAV - Oregon National Guard.

GHC would like to thank Hood River Safeway and the community members who provided all the goodies for the Christmas stockings for our heroes.

The next community box packing for The Dalles Chapter of GHC will take place in JANUARY - on the third Thursday at The Dalles Oregon National Guard Armory, 7PM.

Proudly,
Your GHC

GHC Gears Up For 3/116 CAV Holiday's For Local Guard Families

2010-11-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

Oregon National Guard soldiers from Hood River and The Dalles will depart for Iraq next week with the 3rd Battalion 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team and plans are already underway to provide their families with some holiday cheer.

Local businessman David Griffith is spearheading the collection of Christmas gifts for the children of 130 soldiers from The Dalles unit that have completed advanced training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and will spend almost one year in the Middle East. He has set up a donation bin at Griffith Motors, 523 E. Third Street, and invites community members to contribute a toy for children in one of four age groups; 0-5, 6-10, 11-14 and 15-18.

The majority of Guard children are elementary school age or younger so Griffith said more items will be needed in that age range. Several of the Army wives are expecting a child within the next few months so newborn items are also welcome. The deadline to drop off unwrapped toys at the car dealership is 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13.

"I decided to help out with this cause because it isn't only the soldier that is serving during a deployment; the entire family is making sacrifices as well. I think it is really important to make the holidays a little brighter for these families because this is going to be a tough Christmas for them," said Griffith.

The Civic Auditorium Board of Directors has donated use of the facilities for the Holiday for Hero Families brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. Because Santa will be making a visit, photographer Bob Davis of Tableau Vivant has donated his services to capture the moment for absentee mothers and fathers.

Griffith and Les Cochenour, both members of The Dalles Chapter of the Gorge Heroes Club, are working with Lisa Bishop, Family Readiness Group Coordinator for The Dalles unit, and other military families and veterans to organize the brunch.

The group is also busy collecting snack items that will be used to fill Christmas stockings during the assembly of holiday care packages for soldiers:

The Dalles GHC Chapter Troop Holiday Box Packing - 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, in the armory, 713 Webber Street in The Dalles.

The Hood River Chapter Troop Holiday Box Packing - 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov 24, WAAAM, off Tucker Road in Hood River.

Anyone wanting to donate candy and individually-packaged nuts, cookies, crackers and other treats may drop them at:

The Dalles National Guard Armory from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays

WAAAM - The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum off Tucker Road in Hood River - Open 7 days a week from 9AM to 5PM

Windermere Glenn Taylor Realtors - Bingen, Washington - Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM

Cochenour said GHC is facing its biggest challenge yet to provide boxes each month for 130 Guard members from The Dalles and 35 from the Hood River Armory. He said the group is determined to succeed with the mission and volunteers will be making the rounds of businesses and service organization to ask for financial and/or material contributions.

"It's going to be very expensive to send these boxes each month but that is not going to hold us back because this is something that we all owe these soldiers," said Cochenour. "I realize that there are many groups during the holiday season that are looking for funds but supporting the people that are out there fighting for us should be our first priority."

GHC is holding two community rummage sales to help raise funds for the care packages:

The Dalles Oregon National Guard Armory from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20th

Valley Worship Center - Mt Hood, Oregon from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov 19th and Saturday, Nov 20th

People are invited to clean out their closets and drop off quality used merchandise to either location. Baked goods will also be sold at the event and complimentary hot apple cider and coffee will be served.

"We are going to have some real bargains and all of the money goes to a good cause so mark your calendars and plan to do a little shopping and help our troops at the same time," said Terri Hansen, GHC vice-president.

GHC is a nonprofit organization that provides care packages for anyone serving in the military from the Mid-Columbia region. The group run by volunteers has an account set up at CenterPointe Bank, which has branches in The Dalles and Hood River. Donations are tax deductible.

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC Receives Thanks From 1st Marine Division (Fwd)

2010-11-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Certificate

The United States Flag and Certificate

The 1st Marine Division (FWD) Coin

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to have received "thanks" from the 1st Marine Division (Fwd) Headquarters, Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

The United States Flag was flown in our honor over Camp Leatherneck on October 6, 2010 and dedicated in our honor by Master Sergeant Carla Perez.

The certificate is signed by Commanding General J. L. Osterman and Sergeant Major P.A. Fascetti both of the 1st Marine Division (Fwd).

The Gorge Heroes Club is honored to be supporting the members of the 1st Marine Division.

Sending out special thanks to Master Sergeant Carla Perez for dedication of this honor to the Gorge Heroes Club.

With great pride,

Your GHC

October GHC Hood River Chapter Troop Care Box Packing

2010-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Hood River Chapter of the Gorge Heroes Club met on the 4th Wednesday of October at WAAAM - the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River to ready our monthly shipment of care packages to our deployed heroes.

GHC would like to thank it's Baking Team and community members for baking dozens of cookies that GHC shipped to the members of the 3-116 CAV - Oregon National Guard Members. Between GHC's Hood River and The Dalles Chapters we where able to ship off over 40 large boxes of homemade goodies!

Members and community guests filling "unit packs"

Oregon National Guard member Sgt Hall's children, Mikey and Maggie came to put together a special package for their Dad.

If you would like to find out more about The Gorge Heroes Club and ways that you can help our military heroes, please drop us a line at: ghc@gorge.net

Proudly,
Your GHC

Oregon National Guard SPC Chris Haskins Visits Pen Pals

2010-10-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Oregon National Guard Spec. Chris Haskins took time away from his busy schedule to prepare for an upcoming deployment and visited two sixth grade classes at Wy'east Middle School. His new fan club, led by teacher Sally Prichett, has mailed letters of encouragement to Haskins, who is now receiving advanced training at Camp Shelby, Miss., before leaving for Iraq with more than 500 other Guard members from Oregon that are part of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team.

Spc Haskins talking to the students about the region he is being deployed to.

Teacher Sally Prichett with Spc Chris Haskins

Spc Chris Haskin's with his penpals from Mrs. Prichett's six grade class from Wy'east Middle School located in Hood River County, Oregon.

Above is one of the many letters Spc Haskin's recently received from the students.

GHC Gears Up For The Holiday's

2010-10-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

The holiday's are fast approaching and GHC's Sewing Team is busy at work providing over 285 handmade Christmas Stockings for our Hometown Heroes this holiday season!

The Gorge Heroes Club currently needs donations of holiday print material to finish the project. If you can help, please contact us directly at GHC@gorge.net

GHC Announces Troop Support Events

2010-10-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Start cleaning out those closets and organizing your garages. The Gorge Heroes Club will be holding two Troop Support Rummage Sales on November 20th. The dual Rummage Sales will take place at both the Hood River and The Dalles Oregon National Guard Armories on the same day! We have two Armory floors to fill and all your donations are tax deductible.

So, mark you calendars now! It will be a fun filled day and a great way to support our Hometown Heroes.

If you have items that you would like to donate, please contact GHC directly at ghc@gorge.net.

Check back often of follow us on Facebook for up to date events and GHC happenings.

Proudly,
Your GHC

Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Settles In At Camp Shelby

2010-10-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

Capt. Seth Musgrove looks over dispatches in his command post at Camp Shelby, Miss., last week. Musgrove, the commander of Ontario’s Oregon Army National Guard unit, said his outfit is focused and ready as it starts a long training stint at Camp Shelby.

Camp Shelby, Miss. — David Glassock said he will never forget the way residents of eastern Oregon and Ontario rallied to say goodbye to his Guard unit a couple of weeks ago.

“It (the send-off) was the best in the state. The community support was excellent. We had people along the entire route. It was nice. It made me feel like we were being supported,” he said.

“While still early in the training session, Musgrove said his company is doing well. Still, he said he understands the sacrifice his Guardsmen make to be away from loved ones.

Glassock joined more than 450 members of eastern Oregon’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team as it flew to Camp Shelby Miss., recently for training to prepare for a deployment to Iraq later this fall.

The 3rd Battalion consists of Guard outfits from Hood River, The Dalles, Hermiston, Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City and Ontario. The unit received notification in April regarding a deployment to Iraq.

While Glassock, a Hillsboro resident and a sergeant with the Ontario’s Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, said he was impressed with the send-off from eastern Oregon residents, he also noted the encouragement his unit collected from local people.

“Every time we went somewhere (in Ontario) everyone said ‘thank you,’ ” Glassock said. “I’ve not experienced that kind of ‘Hey, good job’ since the (first) Gulf War.”

The farewells showered on the 3rd Battalion — including Glassock’s unit — marked the beginning of a new phase of training for the entire battalion.

Now at Camp Shelby, the 3rd Battalion join similar-sized units from Montana and Idaho to put the finishing touches on an intensive preparation program. The training regime began in June and included a three-week-plus stint on the high desert south of Boise in August.

One new difficulty Guardsmen from Charlie Company face is the unique climate of Mississippi, according to the unit commander, Capt. Seth Musgrove. “I think the biggest challenge right now is getting acclimated to the weather. Especially the humidity,” Musgrove said.

“I think the biggest challenge right now is getting acclimated to the weather. Especially the humidity,” Musgrove said.

For a group accustomed to the weather in western Oregon or the high desert climate in the eastern part of the Beaver state, the unique conditions in Mississippi proved to be a minor shock. Musgrove said, however, his group is learning to overcome the local environment.

“It (the weather) is not a factor in terms of performance. It is just one of those things you deal with,” Musgrove said.

Charlie Company, along with other units in the 3rd Battalion, will conduct a series of training exercises while at Camp Shelby. Guardsmen will be instructed on various weapons systems, become familiar with the U.S. Army’s main means of transportation in Iraq — the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicle — Iraqi language training and conduct convoy escort training. The convoy escort instruction is critical, Musgrove said.

“In my mind that is the biggest piece (to training) as well as working through all the sub-tasks associated with convoy security,” he said.

“It is tough being away from family. And family is always in the back of a Guardsman’s mind. I think it is healthy to think about it. But you’ve got to be mindful it does not consume your thought process. You know, we still have a job to do,” he said.

Story by Pat Caldwell - embedded with the 3/116 CAV
Special to the Argus Observer
GHC would like to thank the Oregon Military Department - Oregon National Guard for giving us special permissions to reprint this article on our website.

Here is a direct link to the article that appeared on their Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=438541070996#!/note.php?note_id=437408099422&id=63030240817
Proudly,
Your GHC

Capt Dale Goetz Memorial Service This Saturday In Hood River

2010-10-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski will deliver a state flag to the family of Army Chaplain (Capt.) Dale Goetz at Saturday’s memorial service in Hood River to honor the fallen soldier.

Please visit the below link for the full article that appeared in today's editon of The Dalles Chronicle:

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2010/10/10-05-10-01.shtml

The Memorial Service will take place this Saturday, 2PM at the Horizon Christian School in Hood River, Oregon.

Rest in Peace Capt Goetz.

Honored,

GHC

Gorge Heroes Club Expands Operations To The Dalles Oregon

2010-09-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Hereos Club is excited to announce that we are expanding our organization to The Dalles, Oregon. The community is invited to drop off care package items at The Dalles Oregon National Guard Armory located at Sixth and Webber Street from 9AM to 4PM, Monday thru Friday. GHC is coordinating the assembly of care packages with Lisa Bishop, the FRG Leader for The Dalles Oregon unit of the Oregon National Guard.

The first box packing is scheduled during the last weeks of October. The date and time will be announced after our final organizational meeting October 12th.

As GHC gears up for monthly care packages for our troops, here is a list of our urgent need items. All items are requested in "Individual Size" packaging unless otherwise stated:

Hygiene Wipes

Toilet Paper

Ziploc Bags - All Sizes

Hand Sanitizer

Crackers

Gum

Chocolate

Hard Candy

Crocheted/Knitted Stocking Caps - (Black, Dark Brown, Dark Blue or Dark Green only, please)

Fruit Bars

Granola Bars

Hot Chocolate

Hot Cider

Oatmeal

Nuts

Trail Mix

Jerky

Tootsie Pops

Tootsie Rolls

Drink Mixes

Holiday Mugs/Coffee Cups

Bubble Wrapping

Tissue Paper

Candy Canes

For more information about GHC and how you or your organization/business can help support/sponsor our troops please contact us directly at: GHC@gorge.net

Proudly,

Your GHC

September GHC Box Packing For Our Heroes Highlights

2010-09-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

The members of The Gorge Heroes Club met this past Wednesday at WAAAM, the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon for our September box packing. Here are some pictures of our fun! (If you click on each picture, they will appear larger in another screen)

The Gorge Heroes Club members and community visitors who stopped by to sign cards to our heroes. Each care package includes a personalized card made by our GHC Cards Team.

Here GHC members are preparing the homemade cookies that our baking team made. They were shipped to the deploying Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV unit now at Camp Shelby, Miss. Your cookies are on the way as promised!

Some of the care package items that were donated by various community members to GHC for our monthly care packages. We thank you and our troops thank you!

Members of the GHC sewing team, Roberta Clayton (standing) and Crystal Rau going over the final pattern selection for this year's Christmas stockings for our troops.

GHC members and community supporters hand signed personal messages and "Thanks" to one of our wounded heroes. The quilt was made by our GHC sewing team.

Lilly and Desiree Almarez stopped by sign a "special card" just for their hero, their Dad - Oregon National Guard member SGT Carlos Almaraz - member of the 3-116 CAV from The Dalles, Oregon.

GHC members along with community visitors putting together care packages for their heroes.

What fun... it is just like Christmas filling these boxes... "What to choose? What to choose?".....

GHC members putting the final touches on the care packages before sealing them.

Artwork on the outside of Oregon National Guard member SGT Carlos Almaraz - compliments of his daughter Lilly.

Sisters Lily and Desiree Almarez proudly display the box they put together for their dad, SGT Carlos Almaraz - complete with personal notes and hard drawings on all sides of the box.

The Gorge Heroes Club holds our monthly box packing's the fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30PM at WAAAM in Hood River, Oregon .

GHC will be setting up a monthly box packing in The Dalles, Oregon starting in October. Please check back for finalized dates and times.

GHC has set up drop off points for care package items at the following locations:

WAAAM off Tucker Road - Hood River, Oregon Open 7 days per week, 9AM to 5PM

Windermere Glenn Taylor - Bingen Washington - Open Mon- Sat 9AM to 5PM

The Gorge Heroes Club is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization. So, all your donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to find out about our adoption program, please drop us a line at ghc@gorge.net

Proudly,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Mobilization Ceremony Pictures

2010-09-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

As the pictures come in from the 3-116 CAV Mobilization Ceremony we will be posting them here. If you click on the pictures, they will appear larger in another link.

If you would like to watch the ceremony here is a link to the event: http://www.dvidshub.net/tags/video/mobilization-ceremony

Soldiers with the Oregon Army National Guard's 3-116 Cavalry color guard take part in a mobilization ceremony at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore., Sept. 21. More than 600 Oregon Guard Members will join Soldiers from Idaho and Montana for a one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Members of the mounted Cavalry watch as Soldiers with the Oregon Army National Guard's 3-116 Cavalry take part in a mobilization ceremony at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore., Sept. 21. The more than 600 Oregon Guard Members will join Soldiers from Idaho and Montana for a one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski presents Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Phillip Appleton with the Oregon State flag during the mobilization ceremony for the 3-116 Cavalry at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore., Sept. 21. It is customary for Oregon units to fly the state flag above their Forward Operating Base in their deployed location, and as a tradition, Kulongoski presents the state flag to their commander at their mobilization ceremony. More than 600 Oregon Guard Members will join Soldiers from Idaho and Montana for a one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski greets Soldiers from 3-116 Cavalry following the unit’s mobilization ceremony at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore., Sept. 21. More than 600 Oregon Guard Members will join Soldiers from Idaho and Montana for a one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. Kulongoski is serving his last term as Governor of Oregon and the Commander in Chief of the Oregon National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Soldiers with the Oregon Army National Guard's 3-116 Cavalry take part in a mobilization ceremony at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore., Sept. 21. Friends, family members and fellow Oregon National Guard members packed the university's football stadium for the event, which was followed by a parade through downtown LaGrande. More than 600 Oregon Guard Members will join Soldiers from Idaho and Montana for a one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Friends, family members and well-wishers await Soldiers with the Oregon Army National Guard's 3-116 Cavalry following a mobilization ceremony at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore., Sept. 21. Thousands packed the university's football stadium for the event, which was followed by a parade through downtown LaGrande. More than 600 Oregon Guard Members will join Soldiers from Idaho and Montana for a one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Proudly,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard - Hood River & The Dalles Deployment Information

2010-09-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Oregon National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry, a part of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat team, leaves Tuesday for a two-month training stint at Camp Shelby, Miss. The 3rd Battalion, which headquarters are in La Grande, consists of units from Ontario, Baker City, La Grande, Pendleton, Hermiston, The Dalles and Hood River. A total of 517 unit members will be deploying - 140 from The Dalles and 40 from Hood River, Oregonal National Guard units.

For a complete details of the deployment and the ceremony, please visit this link:
http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/News/Local-News/Big-send-off-set-Tuesday-for-3/116

There will be a LIVE feed of the ceremony. Here is the link: http://www.eousports.com/

The Gorge Heroes Club and community members will be meeting in front of The Dalles Chronicle building in The Dalles, Oregon between 3AM and 3:30AM on Tuesday morning, Sept 21 to give our heroes a community send off and show our thanks for their commitment to our freedoms. Please come and line the streets to show your support for our deploying heroes.

Here are some pictures from The Dalles Oregon National Guard Pre-Deployment Party at the Eagles Lodge in The Dalles:

The Dalles Oregon National Guard Unit and their families at the Pre-Deployment Party.

As pictures come in, we will be updating this post.

Proudly,
Your GHC

GHC Featured On "Localite" CGN 7 Television

2010-09-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club was recently featured on the television show "Localite" hosted by Jonn Crompton. You can view the complete 30 minute episode by following this link:

http://www.localite.com/2010/07/gorge-heroes-club-2/

We appreciate your support. Thank you!

Columbia Gorge Magazine Features GHC!

2010-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank Matt Werbach for his great article about our organization that appeared in the Fall 2010 edition of Columbia Gorge Magazine, which is on stands now. We thank you and our heroes thank you!

Here is a link to another great article about GHC:

http://columbiagorge.com/matts-column/a-little-perspective/

Sponsor A Care Package For Only $12 A Month!

2010-09-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

At 5:30PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month, The Gorge Heroes Club meets at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum in Hood River to put together care packages for the deployed military residents of the Mid-Columbia region. We need items from the care package page link here: http://gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com/p/care-package-supply-list.html and we can also use donations to defer the cost of shipping the boxes month-to-month.

No time to shop? Heroes Club has started a program that will allow you to purchase a care package for a $12.00 donation to the club. The care package will be sent in your name, your company's name or your organizations name.... How easy it that?

Your tax deductible contributions can be sent to:

Gorge Heroes Club

1767 12th St. #113

Hood River, Oregon 97031

Or, you can contribute through our donation link on the right side of this blog.

For more information, please contact: gorgeheroesclub@yahoo.com
Our Heroes thank you!

Hood River Hero CPTN Dale Goetz, Chaplain US Army Dies In Afghanistan

2010-08-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

CPTN Dale Goetz, Chaplain US Army

With a sad heart... GHC has learned this morning that one of our Hometown Heroes, CPTN Dale Goetz, Chaplain US Army died Monday morning, Aug. 30, in Afghanistan. CPTN Goetz was one of four men killed by a roadside bomb while traveling in a convoy near Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. CPTN Goetz was a 1986 graduate of Horizon Christian School, Hood River, Or.

CPTN Goetz deployed to Afghanistan on Aug. 4 of 2010 and had a prior deployment to Iraq in 2004-05. CPTN Goetz will leave behind his wife Christina and three children.

Please keep this Hero and his family in your hearts and prayers.

Hood River News link: http://www.hoodrivernews.com/august_goetz%20death.htm

News from our Heroes

2010-08-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

GHC has received news from our Marines fighting on the front lines in Marjah. It's a simple message... "The stoves kick ass!" We are glad to hear it Marines! Enjoy your warm meals, more care packages and water filtration systems are on their way! Hoorah!

GHC would like to thank it's members for jumping in and helping our Marines. You are awesome!

Here one of our Home Town heroes receives a warm welcome from the village children. (His name has been withheld due to security reasons).

Other Hero News:

"Dear GHC,

Thank you so much for the care packages I am receiving. I share them with my unit. We really appreciate the support." A Marine stationed in Marjah

----------------------

The following is a portion of a letter GHC received from one of our Home Town Heroes. Portions have been removed for security reasons:

"Dear GHC,

I really appreciate everything you are doing for me. I joined the Navy to be a corpsman. That's one of the best things that happened to me. I got attached to a Marine Company and just love it. I got chosen to be part of this team and it has been the most incredible experiences that I've had. I just love my team and they are like big brothers to me. I am not letting anything happen to my brothers. I plan on taking them all back home safe and sound. I won't let any of you down. Thank you for all your support and believing in me. Say hello to everyone for me. With gratitude, Doc".

"Dear GHC,

Tell everyone we are all doing great, and the weather is cooling down. We are in the middle of a sandstorm, so, it makes it cooler. I just wish the breeze would stop. It's not like in Hood River, there is no wind surfing here. LOL. Thanks again, MSGT Perez, Afghanistan"

Oregon National Guard News:

The members of the Hood River and The Dalles units of the Oregon National Guard have been conducting pre-deployment training at Gowen Field. Thank your for your dedication and commitment!

Thanks received for a community member to our heroes to pass on:

"Dear Troops: God Bless and keep you in His love and protecting arms. You are in my daily prayers. We are so proud of all of you, protecting our beloved country. Again, may God keep you all safe and keep your families in His peace."

More Hero News:

We welcome Army Pvt. Shawn Chance home from a harrowing one-year deployment to Afghanistan. This soldier was assigned to the Fifth Stryker Brigade in Helmand Province that sustained many casualties. Welcome home Hero! We are glad that you returned safe and sound and it was our great honor to support you!

Army Sgt. Adam VandenBos could be heading to Afghanistan within the next two months. GHC will be there to support you with great pride!

Army Pvt. Aaron Moses will be medically discharged in September due to back problems that have developed during his training at a base in Texas. Moses is a new father and will be transitioning back into the civilian world and we wish him and his family all of the best!

Army Pvt. Austin Grimm was severely burned in a training accident several months ago and is still recovering from his injuries. For that reason, he did not deploy to Afghanistan with his unit this spring and, although offered a discharge, he chose to remain in the military. Even in training, life can be dangerous for our Heroes and our prayers go out to this young soldier as with our all our heroes.

Army Pilot Amber Smith will complete her military contract in August and return to civilian life. Smith flew gunships to protect ground units during deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan and we thank her very much for her excellent service. GHC had the opportunity to visit with Amber recently and it was enlightening to hear about her experiences in the combat zones. Her sisters, Lacey and Kelly, remain in the military as Army and Air Force pilots, respectively.

GHC would like to welcome home Army Ssgt. Enid Hernandez. We appreciate your dedication and commitment. We wish you well! We are honored to be supporting you during your deployment.

Proudly,

Your GHC

The Countdown Begins For SSGT Christian Bagge's New Home

2010-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

The countdown begins for this Friday mornings opening ceremonies for the Homes For Our Troops building of Hood River's Hometown Hero SSGT Christian Bagge's new home. The ceremony is set to being at 8:30AM at the build site located on Nastasi Drive near Mt. Hood, Oregon. The build will run Friday, August 27th - Sunday, August 29th.

The Gorge Heroes Club has been assisting Homes For Our Troops, a national organization that is dedicated to building homes for injured troops with this event. GHC has been securing donations of food and drinks for the volunteers all three days, as well as helping with the scheduling of the procession to the build site prior to the opening ceremonies as well as the ceremony itself.

SSGT Bagge and his family will be proudly escorted by the Parkdale Oregon Rural Fire Department along with representation from every fire department in Hood River Valley. The Hood River County Sheriff's Department will also be in the procession as well as officials from Wasco County, the Patriot Guard Riders and members of the Gorge Gospel Riders.

The procession will begin at the Parkdale, Oregon Fire Station at approximately 8:15AM Friday morning and proceed north on Hwy 35 to the build site. Those attending are asked to park along HWY 35. Additional parking is available at the Valley Worship Center on Hwy 35, near the event site.

GHC would like to thank those who have donated to this event. The response GHC has received has been nothing but remarkable! We are truly blessed to have such dedicated individuals and businesses supporting GHC and our hometown heroes!

Please visit this link for additional information about this event:

http://www.hoodrivernews.com/august_bagge%201.htm

Driving Directions:

Off Oregon's I-84 heading East from Portland, OR, take exit 64.

Head south on HWY 35 towards Odell, OR/Mt Hood, OR approx 10 miles.

(You will go PAST the town of Odell junction, continue on up the mountain)

Nastasi drive is located on the right hand side of the hwy about one mile past a lumber mill which will be on your left. (The two lane hwy will change to one lane just before Nastasi Road)

Questions can be directed to:
ghc@gorge.net

Proudly,
Your GHC

Volunteers Needed To Help Build Home For Wounded Hometown Hero

2010-08-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

SSGT Christian Bagge

President Bush and SSGT Bagge jogging on the White House Grounds.

Gorge Heroes Club (GHC) received a request for help from Home For Our Troops, a national organization that builds homes for wounded troops. They will be in Parkdale, Oregon on Friday, August 27, for three days building a new home for Ssgt. Christian Bagge, who lost his legs during a deployment in Iraq. Government dignitaries and representatives from participating investment firms, construction companies, media and volunteers will be present.

GHC is helping coordinate volunteers, item donations and the program for the "opening ceremonies" before the work begins on the home. The opening ceremony will be held at 8:30AM on Friday, August 27th. For this event, we are requesting manpower and cookies from our members.

Here is the breakdown on the time frame for volunteering:

· Friday - 8AM to 6PM - Man the booth handing out drinks and snacks. Donate cookies for this day. We are expecting to feed 150 volunteers.

· Saturday - 8AM to 12 Noon - Man the booth handing out drinks and snacks.

· Saturday 12 Noon - 2PM - Help with the BBQ

· Saturday 2 PM to 6PM - Man the booth handing out drinks and snacks. Donate cookies for this day. We are expecting to feed 150 volunteers.

· Sunday - 8AM to 6PM - Man the booth handing out drinks and snacks. Donate cookies for this day. We are expecting to feed 150 volunteers.

Here is a link about the event:
http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ChristianBagge

If you can volunteer your time to help man the booth or supply cookies please e-mail us directly at: GHC@gorge.net.

Volunteers are also need to help build his new home. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Proudly,
Your GHC

UPDATE Tuesday - August 18th

GHC has just received word that they are in urgent need of FRAMERS - NAIL GUNS & COMPRESSORS for the event. If you can help, please contact us directly at ghc@gorge.net for details.

Any further urgent need requests will be posted both here and on the GHC Facebook page.

The schedule of events will be posted here at the beginning of next week.

July Box Packing - Sending Out Special Thanks To WAAAM

2010-07-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

With an awesome backdrop of military planes and vehicles, the Gorge Heroes Club members and community members came together for our July box packing at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum here in Hood River, Oregon.

Sending our special thanks to WAAAM for letting us hold our community event there. We appreciate your support for our organization and our Hometown Heroes.

Filling the boxes....

Volunteers signing cards and preparing our care package items to be packaged up.

Members and community visitor's signing cards.

Our awesome backdrop.....

Proudly,

Your GHC

A Salute To Our Troops

2010-07-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Hood River County Fair Board & The Gorge Heroes Club Present…..

A Salute To Our Troops

Wed, July 28th - Opening Night Of The Hood River County Fair

Hood River County Fairgrounds - Odell, Oregon

Dinner is served at 6PM - Program begins at 7PM. Dinner consists “Old Fashioned Can Corned Meal” that is cooked in milk cans!

Various Sausages- Corn- Cabbage- Potatoes - Carrots - Rolls - Desserts- Ryan's Juice-Punch

Meal Cost - $10.00/per person

Veteran’s - $5.00

Family - $25.00 with 4+ members

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Gorge Heroes Club to be used for the purchase of care package items and shipping costs for deployed Columbia River Gorge troops.

(Fair entry for the evening is: $15/per car regardless of number in the car with 3 or more adults)

The Hood River Unit of the Oregon National Guard will have military vehicles on display and invite participants to ask questions about the use of the equipment and about their pending deployment to Iraq this September. The Hood River National Guard will also present National Colors and vocalist Perry Cole will perform patriotic selections along with other presentations and speakers for the event. WAAAM- The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum will have restore military vehicles present and if the wind cooperates, they will have a restored military plane flyover during the event.

Donation containers will be set up at the fair to collect boxed/canned food items for the Gorge Heroes Club to use for the monthly care packages GHC sends out.

This event offers the community the opportunity to meet our Home Town Heroes from the Gorge Region and thank them for their service.

The Gorge Heroes Club is a 501 (C) (3) non profit organization. For more information about GHC and a list of care package items, please visit our website at:

http://www.gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com/ or e-mail us at: ghc@gorge.net

WE THANK YOU AND OUR HOME TOWN HEROES THANK YOU!

-----------------------

Special thanks also goes out to SFC Gary Norris from the Hood River Oregon National Guard Unit. SFC Norris has been working with our committee for over three months to make sure the Oregon National Guard displays and vehicles are present for this event along with National Guard personnel. We appreciate your dedication SFC Norris!

July Troop Box Care Assembly

2010-07-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

The July-August Troop Care Box Packing will take place Wednesday, July 21, 5:30PM at WAAAM - The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum on Tucker Road in Hood River. Entry will be made through the WESTERN entrance of the facility, not the main entrance.

Our supplies are getting low, so please bring care package items if you can. For a complete listing of suggested items, please click here.

These pictures are from our June troop box packing.... Thanks to all our members who take time from their busy lives to help send support to our Heroes!

Members signing cards..

Final touches....

Homemade cards from one of our members...

GHC Welcomes Home Shawn Chance

2010-07-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

GHC received an e-mail this morning letting us know that Shawn Chance, one of our Home Town Heroes is safely back on US soil. Here is a portion of the e-mail of thanks we received from his Mother:

"Hello everyone. I thought I better take a few minutes to sit down and pass along the best news of the summer. Shawn is out of Afghanistan and back at Ft. Lewis! He finally arrived stateside early Saturday morning after several delays leaving Kandahar, three days in Manas, rerouting through Romania, eight hours in Maine and then to McCord AFB in Washington state.

Shawn looks, and says he feels amazingly good. I think he is too thin, but I guess that is to be expected. All of his mates looked thin as well. We were lucky to have been able to meet many of them. A truly wonderful group of young men. The camaraderie and the connection they share is awesome and will probably last a lifetime, as it should. They are a tight group and it was easy to tell that they all have the up-most trust and respect for each other.

Shawn was back to work yesterday to start the debriefing process, physical, mental and dental exams as well as several adjusting classes and a finance class. The whole company is required to take a minimum of 20 days leave following all of the debriefing.

Many, many thanks to all of you, for anything and everything you have done this past year in support of him. All of the care packages, cards, letters, homemade goodies and crafts, artwork and pictures and anything else you may have sent his way is so gratefully appreciated. Mostly, all of my thanks for your prayers for him, for keeping him on your minds and close to your hearts this past year. It is such a blessing to have him home again.

Please continue to pray for all of our men and women in uniform, especially those that are in harms way and are far from their homes. May God bless all of you and God bless our troops".

GHC would like to thank Shawn for all his dedication and commitment. We are proud of you and we are honored to support you!

With great pride,

Your GHC

Navy Corpsman Jeremy Fogle Sends GHC Greetings From Itay!

2010-07-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

This letter came in yesterday from one our Home Town Heroes - Jeremy Fogle, a Navy Corpsman, who has been stationed in Naples, Italy, for more than one year now. He is the son of Daryn and Sue Fogle of Hood River.

"Good Afternoon Everyone, or early morning I should say. I'm writing to give you an update on all things Navy serving here in Italy. Lots of things have been happening as of late, so I hope you enjoy the update.

Since writing you last, I have transferred departments. From working in the Emergency Room, I have been transferred to the Optometry/Ophthalmology clinics. My duties here range anywhere from front desk work, eye screenings, deployment packages, eye exams, and eye surgeries with the doctors. It's not nearly a broad a spectrum working with the patients in the ER, but I have more responsibility working here, being more one on one with the patients that I have a chance to interact with. I actually have enjoyed working with the doctors and learning all these new things I am putting in a special package to become an Optometry Technician, which would give me a specialty rating on top of being a Corpsman. I would be able to work in any Spectacle Processing lab, along with any Optometry Clinic at any Naval Hospital or Branch Medical Clinic around the World. This package should be entered into the system within the next few weeks, and I will find out if I have been accepted or denied. I would leave Naples around May 2011, report to Virginia where the school is for 8 months and then have the chance to re-pick orders. That is all speculation, seeing as if my package is accepted. If all goes well I would love to pick either Everett, Washington or Rota, Spain as my next duty station. Washington would be great so I could be close to home, but after traveling to Spain, it would be my ideal choice.

Besides working in the Hospital, I have been doing lots of traveling this last summer. Flights in Europe are ridiculously cheap on every airline so I have taken advantage of that to the fullest.

The first trip I have been on was to Barcelona, Spain. I fell in love with Spain when I went there, it was such a vibrant city, with the most elaborate architecture and some of the nicest people I have ever met. Las Ramblas was the main and busiest streets and one of the main attractions of this beautiful City.

The next trip I went on was to London. A friend and I went for a quick weekend trip to see Lady Gaga perform at the O2 Arena there, along with a little sightseeing. It was also a very beautiful city, and they have some of the best Fish and Chips that I have EVER tasted. I thought the best part of this trip was to be able to see "Big Ben" and take a trip on the London Eye, along with taking the infamous photo in the phone booth.

After this I took a trip to Ibiza, Spain. Ibiza is Europe's equivalent to our Spring Break hot spot of Cancun. They have the beaches, the clubs, and most important all the 20 something year olds to make this town into a crazy hot spot. It was right before pre season when I went, so I was able to keep my wallet in check but also have a relaxing but enjoyable time.

My next trip was to Malta for my 23rd Birthday. Malta is its own Country along with a couple other Islands that make up the Maltese Islands. It's a beautiful place, but also mostly for partying, another spring break hot spot, if you will. Which is the exact reason why I chose to spend it there with me and 3 other of my closest friends. We also went to visit the Island of Gozo which had some of the most crystal clear blue water I have ever seen. It was breath taking to be able to swim in such clean water.

I went to visit the Island of Ischia which is right off the Coast of Naples, Italy. It's about a 40 minute ferry to the Island and then from there it feels like you're in a completely different country. We visited Negumbo Spa which had about 12 different naturally heated pools, and a personal beach that you could use if the pools weren't for your liking.

In total we spent about 4 days there, which is just enough to make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the busy Naples city, and just enough to make you not want to return to that same city.

My most recent trip was to the city of Madrid, Spain. A group of 7 of us went for our 4th of July. We stayed right next to one of the main and busiest plaza, Plaza Mayor. I definitely recommend visiting this city if you ever get a chance. It's a little more industrialized than Barcelona, but to each their own. I visted the Real Madrid stadium where the ever so famous Cristiano Ronaldo plays. It's was pretty exciting to be in the city on Saturday the 3rd when Spain won their game against Germany. They also had some of the most beautiful Parks (parques) and gardens I have ever seen. The most epic thing was being able to witness a historical Bullfight. It was very gruesome, but a must see in my eyes.

I also have included some photos from the 112th Annual Corpsman Ball that was held at the Holiday Inn Resort here in Naples, Italy to commemorate the service of the most decorated Corps in the United States Navy. A local to Hood River Jillian Jones was my date, and it was an honor to have her attend and witness what the Hospital Corp stands represents.

I hope you enjoy these photos, and I will be sending you an update soon with more updates." -- V/R HN Fogle

______________________

Thanks V/R HN Fogle, we appreciate the updates!

Proudly,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard & GHC July 4th Parade Pride

2010-07-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank SFC Norris and unit members from the Hood River Oregon National Guard for letting our members ride on their vehicles during the Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade here in Hood River. Prior to the parade, the National Guard members could be seen outside detailing their pristine vehicles days in advance preparing for the parade. We thank you for your commitment to our nation and for helping GHC continually succeed in providing for our deployed Home Town heroes! Your help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Before thousands.....

The parade begins.... The Hood River Oregon National Guard members proudly present our Nation and State Colors. You could feel that overwhelming patriot pride and troop support throughout the entire route! The community cheered their "thanks" to our local Oregon National Guard members who will be deploying this September.

The route... GHC member Emily Hansen proudly displays her sign, "For your tomorrow they gave up their today"

Parade watchers and Veteran's cheer, salute and applaud as the Oregon National Guard Color Guard goes past the Hood River Oregon National Guard Armory and during the entire parade route....

Pre-Parade Highlights

GHC members hanging our banners on member Cameron Kiyokawa's truck all decked out in patriotic colors and flags.

GHC members (L to R) Rachal Hansen, Emily Hansen, Samantha, RaeLynn Ricarte and Stacy Methvin. GHC would like to thank Stacy and her daughter for the awesome handmade signs!

The patriotic and troop support line up! Oregon National Guard, GHC, Patriot Guard Riders and vintage restored military vehicles from WAAAM.
Members Sage and Sammy ready-to-roll!

Hood River Oregon National Guard members visiting with members of the Oregon Chapter of The Patriot Guard Riders.

Sending out special thanks to those Patriot Guard Riders who came and rode with us in the parade.

GHC members Cathy Hamada and her daughter Anna Thompson look on as the Oregon National Guard members prepare the troop carrier with our banners.

Anna's sign read, "Hood River Supports Our Troops"
Cathy's sign read, "Our Troops - Real American Idols"

An awesome fly over of the vintage planes from WAAAM before and during the parade from the Western Aero and Automobile Antique Museum here in Hood River. We would like to send out special thanks to the members of WAAAM for providing the flyover and the antique restored military vehicles that rode along with us during the parade. We appreciate your support.

Proudly,
Your GHC

Operation Marine Cook Stoves -Mission Complete

2010-06-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Good news! The duel-fuel stoves that GHC purchased with our members help and community donations have arrived in Afghanistan. GHC received word from the unit's Lt Col this morning that not only did the stoves arrive, but four of the five, 50lb boxes of food arrived in the same shipment.

The Lt Col wanted to pass on "thanks" to all of GHC members and the community. They really appreciate the support. Now, our Marines will not only be able to have hot food to eat, they will also be able to heat water for hygiene purposes. (Some are reporting no showers in over 3 months)

GHC would like to thank the following person(s)/businesses or organizations who helped make this project possible:

Willis Family and Gorge Delights
Safeway Hood River
Hood River Liquor Store
John and Julie Benton
Ron and Charlene Rivers
Kidz Dental Zone
White Salmon Lions Club
Dick Kenward
Laurent Picard
Aaron Bullack
Ray Spooner
Carmen VandenBos
Faye Fehrs
Don Nunamaker Realtors
Kathy Ciari
Stacey Johnson
Tina Murphy and Church members for helping us pack the 50 lb food boxes

GHC would like to thank all of you for jumping in quickly and helping our hometown heroes in need. It makes a huge difference in their morale and job performance while also helping to insure a safe return home to their loved ones. Congratulations on a job well done!

Proudly,

Your GHC

Update-Our Home Town Hero Marines

2010-06-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

Below are some photo's that have come in from our Marine Home Town Hero unit currently fighting on the front lines in Marjah, Afghanistan. Due to security reasons, we are withholding their names.

Our heroes send their many thanks for your continued support.

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC Invited To WAAAM's Second Saturday Fly In's

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Gorge Heroes Club is excited to announce that we have been asked to take part in the "Second Saturday Fly In's" at WAAAM - The Western Antique Areoplane & Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon.

WAAAM has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country. The items on display at this museum are not only full of history... they're full of LIFE! Aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, tractors, military jeeps and engines all get their day in the sun again at WAAAM.

The Second Saturday Fly In's are better known as "Volunteer's Play Day". Visitors can watch planes take off and land, and hitch a ride in one of their antique cars. Please visit the WAAAM website for a video of last month's Fly In fun!

GHC will have a fundraising booth at the monthly events to sell our GHC t-shirts and support bands.

Please visit WAAAM's direct link to find out more about this awesome place: http://www.waaamuseum.org/

Here is a link to a recent article from the Hood River News:

http://www.hoodrivernews.com/News%20stories/2009/002_news_kaleidoscope.htm

Proudly,
Your GHC

Marine Unit Update - Dual Stove URGENT Request

2010-06-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

GHC has received word from the front lines in Marjah, Afghanistan this morning that our first care packages have arrived! Mail time is approximately 6 weeks to get to our Marines. They have reported that they haven't been able to take a shower in 2 months!

The Marines also send their many thanks for the care packages. We are told it is, "just like Christmas"... and the Marine Captain also reports that the morale of his unit is greatly increased due to receiving a care package from home!

GHC would like to thank those individuals/organizations who are helping us provide the requested items to these brave Marines. We are in it for the long haul and have pledged continued support through their year long deployment.

GHC received a request for 4 dual fuel cook stoves for the Marine unit. They cost $150 each. Your tax deductible financial support to purchase these stoves for them to cook with and to use to heat water for hygiene purposes will be greatly appreciated.

Please drop off donated care package items at the Hood River News Office on State Street in Hood River during business hours. If you would like to make a monetary donation for urgent need supplies or cook stove purchases, there is secure link on the right hand side of this blog. Or you can mail your donations to:

Gorge Heroes Club
1767 12th Street #113
Hood River, Oregon 97031

Other news:

The following pictures where sent to GHC from one of our members - Names have been withheld due to security reasons:

Sand storm....
Resting....

Proudly,

Your GHC