Holiday Wishes To Our Heroes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Honored,

Your GHC

Griffith Motors Collects Toys For Oregon National Guard Children

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

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!

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