Standing Strong for Our Heroes in Hood River
Retired Air Force Col. Lynn Guenther decided that it was time for Hood River County to show its support of the troops after watching news about the warfront heating up in Afghanistan and learning that soldiers from the local armory were deploying to Iraq in September.
"I think it's time for all of us to walk the talk and let the men and women serving in our military know that we stand behind them and their sacrifices are appreciated," said Guenther, who was a fighter pilot and POW in the Vietnam conflict.
Guenther presented the idea of holding a rally to his fellow board members at American Legion Post 22 and gained their approval to stage the Standing Strong for Our Heroes rally on Saturday, April 17. The event will take place from 2-4 p.m. at Overlook Memorial Park, located at the junction of State and Second streets.
SFC. Gary Norris, who serves as the legion's commander, has been helping Guenther plan the rally and said it will be a real morale booster for deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. He has asked the Gorge Heroes Club, a troop support group based in Hood River, to include a copy of any news coverage given the rally in the monthly care packages that are mailed out to duty stations around the world.
"I am proud to be involved with this event because, while our military personnel are professionals doing the job asked of them by their country, it is always nice to be thanked and know that the people back at home are remembering you," said Norris.
GHC will sell concessions during the program that includes patriotic music to match the festive mood of the red, white and blue program. Proceeds from concession sales will be used by GHC to ship care packages to members of the armed forces who reside in the Mid-Columbia area.
The keynote speaker for the rally will be Gold Star Mother Debbie Lee, whose son, Marc Alan Lee, was the first Navy SEAL to die in Iraq during a 2006 combat mission. Lee has become a familiar face at podiums across the country through her activisim with Move America Forward, the nation's largest pro-troop group.
"I am honored to participate in rallies like this because they honor our troops and let them know that we, as Americans, are committed to providing them with the backing that they need to succeed in the tasks that we have asked of them, " said Lee. "My son died so that this country could remain free of terrorism and I am committed to helping people understand that we all have a part to play in this fight. The duty of all patriotic Americans is to stand up against political pressure from the anti-war crowd so that funding and equipment is not denied to our sons and daughters on the battlefield and they have a greater chance of returning home unharmed."
Legion Post 22 will fire up the barbecue after the rally and serve discounted drinks and dinner to members and guests. The fraternal organization is located at 1305 Tucker Road and extra parking is available in a lot behind the building.
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