Oregon National Guard Member SFC Norris Awards Naval Widow During Memorial Day Ceremony

The Gorge Heroes Club worked with the Oregon National Guard, American Legion Post 22 and other officials from the Veterans Service Council to organize the 2010 Memorial Day ceremony in Hood River. We were proud to once again provide the local community with a service at Idlewilde Cemetery that paid respect to the nation's fallen warriors and honored the brave men and women who are currently defending our freedoms on foreign battlefields.

SFC. Garry Norris, as the keynote speaker, told the audience of about 300 people that the observance of cleaning and decorating the graves of warriors in a showing of respect began in 1863 and was originally known as "Declaration Day" before it became an officially-sanctioned event. "Unfortunately, for many Americans, Memorial Day has simply become a three-day weekend," said Norris. "They have forgotten what the military stands for in our history. They have forgotten that these soldiers died to preserve their freedoms to have a safe three-day weekend."

Mildred Goe, the widow of a Navy pilot lost at sea 66 years ago, was given a flag flown in honor of Ensign Charles Bratcres over the nation's capital. There had never been a funeral service for the World War II veteran because his body was not recovered from the South Pacific. At age 86, Goe was finally able to find closure for this unfinished chapter in her life and has arranged to have a gravestone for Bratcres placed next to her future burial site.

Idlewilde was a busy, and somber, place to be on Monday with hundreds of colorful flags flying, the Hood River Valley High School Band playing patriotic songs and area service organizations carrying floral wreaths to the Veterans Obelisk.

Proudly,
Your GHC

URGENT NEED REQUEST

Our Heroes Need Our Help

The Gorge Heroes Club received an urgent needs request from one of our Hometown Heroes who is fighting on the front lines in Afghanistan. This brave Marine is in a unit of 5, including one medic. Having a medic with them on patrol, gives us a good indication of their daily lives.

As the reports come in , we are learning that these Marines are digging holes in the ground to sleep in right, holes that are often shared by spiders and insects. As the daily heat is now hitting upwards of 110 degrees, our troops are carrying upwards of 130lbs of survival gear on their backs. Showers are available to these men once every 30 days or so and they are living off military rations of dehydrated foods. The lips of men in these infantry units are blistered and cracked from exposure to the elements. Their primary mode of transportation -- their feet -- are sweating and blistering. Their eyes and ears fill up with grit as the massive sand storms swallow everything in sight for hours on end. Dehydration is an issue from the heat; followed by frequent bouts of diarrhea. And their food rations are often short because they are sharing their meals with the village elders to help build a strong relationship between the Afghans and Americans.

Statistics have said that every soldiers touches more than 300 lives in their own home towns. These brave heroes could be your neighbor, your child, your minister's son or daughter, your classmate, co-worker or friend.

The Gorge Heroes Club needs your help in providing the following items for our urgent need Hometown Heroes:

Hygiene Wipes (Individual Packages)
Foot Powder
Knee High Over-The-Calf Black Socks
Anti-Fungal Cream
Individual Powdered Drink Mixes (Crystal Light, Gator Aide, etc)
Hard Candy (To pass out to the children from the villages)
Jerky

Please drop of donated items to 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, 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

The Gorge Heroes Club is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible.

Please take a moment of your day and visualize yourself in the boots of our troops. These are our community's "adopted children" who are fighting to preserve the many freedoms that we, as Americans, can cherish. Your rights have been preserved for many generations by the courageous veterans who have fought throughout history to defend their country. Please say "thank you" by helping GHC provide our troops with some of these urgent need items. Your donations will go a long way in keeping the morale high and helping to ensure a safe return home for our soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines.

Our Heroes thank you.

Proudly,

Your GHC

Hood River Oregon National Guard - Meet Our Newly Commissioned Lieutenants

HOOD RIVER citizens are served by these four newly-commissioned 2nd Lieutenants: Sam Specht (back left), Alvin Hatfield, Charles Schumacher and Joshua Shepherd (front).

Four newly commissioned second lieutenants with the Hood River Armory will spend Memorial Day traveling to Fort Sill, Okla., for advanced training.

After completing the five-month Basic Officer Leadership Course, 2nd Lt. Joshua Shepherd, 36, will assume command of the National Guard soldiers assigned to the local armory. He resides in Portland and holds a third-degree black belt in Ninjitsu and has specialized training in HAZMAT response.

Shepherd earned a bachelor’s degree in general sciences from Portland State University. He has served as an Army medic but is now studying for a nursing degree at Oregon Health and Science University while working at the Oregonian newspaper. “I think a good officer works closely with good non-commissioned officers (soldiers) to keep the soldiers amped and interested in doing their best,” said Shepherd, who worked his way up through the ranks since enlisting four years ago.

Second Lt. Alvin Hatfield, 22, has also been in the Guard for four years. He is still waiting to learn if he will deploy to Iraq in September with the 3rd Battalion of the 116th Calvary Regiment, which includes 40 soldiers from Hood River.

Hatfield has just completed studies at Pullman, Wash., to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies and plans to continue his education. Every month, he makes the four-and-a-half-hour commute from the rural community to train in Hood River. “As an officer, you have to always be striving for more but doing so by showing respect for your soldiers so that you will get respect back,” said Hatfield.

Second Lt. Sam Specht, 23, has been a member of the Guard for five years and lives in Gold Hill. He travels seven hours to join soldiers at the Gorge armory on drill weekends. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology from Southern Oregon University and is continuing his education. Specht is set to become the commander of a Woodburn unit after completing the spring and summer endurance challenges set up by the Army. “I think being an officer means that you have more responsibility, more work and more of an opportunity to make a difference,” said Specht.

Second Lt. Charles Schumacher, 23, has been in the Guard for six years and is a new graduate of Eastern Oregon University. His area of expertise is computer science/business and his studies were partially paid by an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Course) scholarship. Schumacher resides in La Grande, about four hours away from the Hood River unit. He will transfer to Charlie Company in Ontario once he has completed the leadership course. “An officer needs to ensure that his soldiers are up-to-date on their training because you never know when the state will need something and call upon us,” said Schumacher.

All four lieutenants currently fill artillery officer positions but will focus much of their time during the next year on assisting the families of deployed soldiers at their respective armories.

Proudly,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard SFC Norris To Be Keynote Speaker For Memorial Day Ceremony

The Memorial Day Ceremony at Idlewilde Cemetery in Hood River will begin Monday at 11a.m., a time change from years past. Bob Huskey is the sexton and manager of the cemetery at 980 Tucker Road. He will serve as master of ceremonies on May 31 and said the annual service to honor America’s fallen warriors was moved back one hour to create consistency among similar events. Memorial Day will now begin at the same time as the Fourth of July Parade and Veterans Day.

On Monday, soldiers from the Hood River Armory will open the ceremony by leading a processional through the Walk of Honor, the aisle of flags lining the central driveway. Music will be provided by the Hood River Valley High School Band and Dana Branson, vocalist for the band Larkspur.

Oregon National Guard Sergeant First Class Gary Norris, also the commander of American Legion Post 22, will be the keynote speaker. He will share information about the deployment of local soldiers to Iraq in September and how the community can support these military families.

A flyover of vintage aircraft will be provided by the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum. Eighteen new plaques have been installed in 2010 along the Scattered Ashes Memorial. The families of these deceased veterans will be recognized during the 45-minute service.

More than 1,000 flags will decorate the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. Huskey invites anyone who has not previously had a flag on the grave of a loved one who served in the armed forces to call Idlewilde at 541-386-2599 or e-mail idlewidlecemetery@gorge.net.

The Memorial Day service has been organized by the Veterans Service Council. That group is comprised of representatives from the cemetery, American Legion, Oregon National Guard, Gorge Heroes Club and Anderson’s Tribute Center.

A Family United - Oregon & Washington National Guard Members

Almost every day in the Rouleaus’ blended family is focused on someone in uniform.

Trish McGrath-Rouleau has a husband, two sons and one stepson serving in the Oregon National Guard. She also has a stepdaughter and stepson who are soldiers with the Washington State National Guard. “It seems like I’m always sending packages or e-mails to someone who is gone,” she said. “As a military family, we have to make our holidays happen whenever we can get everyone together."

In 2009, Thanksgiving dinner was served a couple of weeks late at the Rouleaus’ home in The Dalles. The meal was followed by a visit from Santa Claus and the unwrapping of Christmas presents. Dessert was a birthday cake and the evening ended with New Year’s well-wishes. The reason for the combined festivities was that the patriarch of the family, SFC. Roger Rouleau, was home on his mid-deployment leave from Iraq. “Things can get pretty chaotic but we do the best that we can with what we have,” said McGrath-Rouleau.

Roger recently returned from his one-year tour of duty with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. In civilian life, he works as an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. “To go to the faucet now and be able to get a cold glass of water is such a treat,” he said. “I think the experience has made me even more grateful for the American lifestyle; we have so much to be thankful for.” While in the Middle East, Rouleau was elected as the mayor of East Liberty, a base that houses several thousand soldiers. “I didn’t have to kiss many babies because no else really wanted that job,” he said.

In addition to his military duties as a contract officer representative, Rouleau became the unofficial ambassador to 64 Iraqi linguists who accompanied and interpreted for soldiers sent into the field. “With the military downsizing over there, we all had a wide variety of jobs to perform,” he said.

In September, he and Trish will bid farewell to sons, Sgt. Andrew Young, 24, and PFC. Jim Rouleau, 21. The stepbrothers will deploy to Iraq with the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. “I’m a little nervous about going to Iraq but at least I’ll have my brother with me and that makes me feel pretty good,” said Young, who is in college with plans to become a history teacher. Both men are assigned to Fox Company at the Hood River Amory but will head out with a Pendleton unit. Thirty-two soldiers from Hood River and about 140 members of Alpha Company from The Dalles will be participating in Operation New Dawn, the final phase of the Iraq war. McGrath-Rouleau said the family has rented a house at the beach for the Memorial Day weekend. She said everyone will once again have the opportunity to celebrate a few more birthdays and holidays before the next one-year separation.

Another Rouleau family member, Specialist Ryan Young, 25, will stay behind to help train the 20 soldiers left at the Hood River Amory. He works full-time at the Guard’s local operations center as a supply technician. He and wife, Jolleen, reside in The Dalles and are the proud parents of Cadence, 15 months, the first and only grandchild.

In close proximity to the time that Andrew and Jim return home from Iraq in 2011, Sgt. Cathay Rouleau, 25, and Sgt. John Rouleau, 26, will be leaving for Afghanistan with other members of a Washington state unit. Both soldiers have two previous deployments to the Middle East. Trish said Jim has three years of Guard experience and everyone else has seven or more years, with Roger putting in 23 years between his time as a citizen soldier and eight years of active duty as a Navy pilot. Ryan, Jim, Andrew, John and Cathay have used the benefits provided by the military to further their education. Trish’s eldest son, Brandon Young, 27, is a Marine veteran.

The elder Rouleaus met when Roger was working as a recruiter in The Dalles and Trish was helping Ryan and Andrew negotiate contracts. They married in 2003 and two years ago brought new daughter Zori, almost 4, home from China. Soon, she will be joined by 2-year-old Molly Ann, also from China.

McGrath-Rouleau said the most difficult thing about Roger’s deployment was shielding the pre-schooler from news or conversations about the war. “She didn’t want to know that her daddy was in jeopardy; she wanted to know that he was coming home,” she said.

The Guard’s family support program provided Zori with a “Flat Daddy,” a life-sized poster of Roger that sat on her bedside table each night. She was also given a “Daddy Doll,” a stuffed figurine dressed in camo with a photo of Roger inserted for the face. McGrath-Rouleau said the separation anxiety felt by Zori was evidenced when she ran up to a soldier one day and hugged his leg. “Zori was thrilled because she thought that was someone connected to her daddy,” she said.

“There can be a lot of tough moments, emotionally, in a military family but we are also very proud of the service that our loved ones provide. “I have learned not to waste time sitting around and worrying; I just trust that God is taking care of my soldiers.”

______________

Article from Hood River News

LDS Youth Group Members Adopt Hometown Hero Marines

Youth Group members from the LDS Church in Hood River pack boxes for a team of Marines currently serving in Afghanistan. The church adopted the military unit after learning that the men were camping out in the field and going up to one month without a shower. The care packages that will be sent monthly by LDS members include basic hygiene items, such as wet wipes, that will make the Marines more comfortable as the daily temperature tops 120 degrees. Also included are pre-packaged snack items and drink mixes that will help the Marines keep their energy level up while on patrol in an area where they come under fire on an almost daily basis.

Thank you for supporting our Hometown Heroes!

Smith-Western, Inc Donates to GHC

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank Smith-Western, Inc from Portland, Oregon for their generous donation of 1000 scenic Oregon/PNW Postcards. GHC members will be attaching the cards to small bags of candy that our Hometown Heroes will be disbursing to children on their missions throughout Afghanistan and Iraq.

Your goodwill donation is greatly appreciate. Our heroes THANK YOU!

Hometown Heroes Update

The above pictures were sent to us from one of our Hometown Heroes who is serving proudly to defend his nation and our freedoms. His name has been withheld for security reasons. Sending special thanks out to this Marine Warrior and his unit. Thanks for sending us your updates. Your care packages are on their way!

Proudly,

Your GHC

Standing Strong For Our Heroes Rally

"BECAUSE WE CARE", Retired Airforce Col. Lynn Guenther

Retired Air Force Col. Lynn Guenther - American Legion Post #22, Hood River

Master of Ceremonies

If you happened to have a emergency responder scanner while in the Gorge and have it tuned to the Hood River County frequency you would of heard an awesome announcement the evening prior to the rally and the morning of the rally that echoed through the airways saying, "Those Fire Department members who will be participating in the "Standing Strong For Our Heroes" Rally, please have your apparatus arrive at 1PM, Overlook Park, Downtown Hood River, official dress required."

You could feel the excitement building as each fire station's engine roared through downtown Hood River on the way to Overlook Park to honor their fellow brothers and sisters in service to our safety and our nation's safety. When asked to participate, every Hood River Valley Fire Chief replied, "We would be honored!"

GHC would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hood River American Legion Post #22 and Move America Forward for coming to our community and putting together the "Standing Strong For Our Heroes Rally".

Below is a selection of pictures that fellow GHC members or community members have submitted to GHC. Thank you!

Members of the Patriot Guard Rider's Color Guard look on as the Oregon National Guard Hood River Unit begin the rally with the raising of America's Flag. In the background is SFC Gary Norris from the local National Guard Unit. The Naval picture proudly displayed on the stage is of Hood River's Home Town Hero Marc Allen Lee who was the first Navy Seal who died defending our freedoms during a 2006 combat mission.

Each of the five Hood River Valley Fire Departments were present; Hood River, West Side, Pine Grove, Odell and Parkdale. After the opening ceremonies, each engine company was introduced and they proudly blared their sirens in support for our troops!

Sending out a huge thanks to the Parkdale Fire Department for bringing down their brand new engine. They received the engine the afternoon before and worked hard to get it ready for the rally the next day.

The Patriot Guard Riders took the stage to tell the rally goers about their organization and how proud they are to support our nation's troops and Veterans.

GHC members manning the concession stands. Sending out special thanks to Kiyokawa Orchards for supplying GHC with apples.

Thanks to everyone who came to show their support to our military Heroes.

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC'S Rummage Sale - May 1st - Hood River National Guard Armory

We are primed and ready to roll out the deals! Special thanks goes out the GHC members and the community donations that have been coming in for this HUGE sale. The picture above only shows half of the Hood River National Guard Armory floor that is bulging with deals!

All proceeds from the sale will go towards costs for GHC's monthly troop care package items/postage.

So, stop by and get a great deal. The sale runs from 8AM to 4PM.

Oregon National Guard Member Sgt Justin Moore Serves Up Five-Star Meals

Sgt Justin Moore from Hood River, Oregon

GHC's is proud to welcome home one of our Hometown Heroes, Sgt Justin Moore from his service as head cook at the Joint Visitor's Bureau of the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. Sgt Moore is a member of the Oregon National Guard C Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Calvary Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13 Sustainment Command. During his tour Sgt Moore used his culinary skills to serve many dignitaries and celebrities from all over the world.

Sgt Moore was recently featured in "Life In Military News" and "VA Mortgage Center". You can read the full article about Sgt Moore's culinary skills by following this link: http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2010/03/09/oregon-guardsmen-provide-five-starservice-to-distinguished-visitors/

Welcome home Hero!

Proudly,

Your GHC

Standing Strong For Our Heroes Rally April 17th

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.

GHC Receives Donation From Alacer Corporation

Sgt Phil Rice and SFC Gary Norris from the Oregon National Guard Det 2 HHC 3-16 CAV Unit from Hood River, Oregon help GHC members unpack our donation of Emergen-C Vitamin Packets.

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank Alacer Corporation for the generous donation of Super Orange, Raspberry and Lemon-Lime Emergen-C Vitamin Packets that we will be including in our monthly care packages to our deployed Hometown Heroes. Your donation is greatly apprecated and our heroes THANK YOU!

GHC Receives Donation From Juanita's Fine Foods

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to thank Juanita's Fine Foods for their donation of chips and cheese sauce for our Middle School Dances. Your donation is greatly appreciated!

Next Middle School Dance Is Friday, March 26th

Congratulations go out to Wy'east Middle Schoolers for winning the February dance off between local middle schools. The next dance is scheduled for Friday, March 26th at the Hood River National Guard Armory. Social hour begins at 6PM, with concessions available during the event. The dance runs from 7 to 10PM. Student I.D.'s are required for entry.

USMC Lcpl Justin Pence Receives Purple Heart

The Gorge Heroes Club would like to extend heartfelt thanks to USMC Lcpl. Justin Pence, our Hometown Hero, for his sacrificial service to this great nation. Lcpl. Pence received a Purple Heart on Feb. 26 from USMC Gen. James T. Conway at Bethseda National Naval Hospital in Maryland. Lcpl. Pence sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh during a firefighter with Taliban operatives during his deployment to Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Lcpl Pence proudly receives his Purple Heart from

USMC General James T. Conway

USMC Sgt. Major Kent, Lcpl Justin Pence and

USMC General James T. Conway

USMC Sgt. Major Kent, Lcpl Pence's mother and father Eugene and Sharon Pence, Lcpl Pence and USMC General James T. Conway.

Sending you hugs from home Lcpl Pence and wishes for a speedy recovery. We are so proud of you!

With great PRIDE,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard Members Help With GHC's Troop Care Box Packaging

GHC and community members came together for the February care box packaging for our local deployed troops from the Gorge region. Two members of the Oregon National Guard, Hood River Unit stopped by to help put together care packages and chat with GHC members. Special thanks goes to brother and sister, Spec Kara Bailey and Sgt Arne Bailey taking their time to stop by and help. Your dedication to our freedoms is greatly appreciated.

Spec. Kara Bailey and Sgt Arne Bailey

GHC Sec/Treasurer Deb Jones and her son Sage. Sage made some special drawings to be included in his heroes box.


GHC member Debra Laraway signs a special quilt made by GHC member Crystal Rau with "get well wishes" to GHC Hometown Hero Marine Lcpl Justin Pence.

Card signing.

Tricia Rau and her Mom Crystal help Carmen VandenBos with the final touches.

John & Julie Benton prepare care packages for our 5 Hometown Heroes on the front lines in Marjah, Afghanistan.

Daphne Blanchard and Connie Herzig working on greeting cards.

Proudly,

Your GHC

Hood River Oregon National Guard Members Prepare For Deployment

The Oregon National Guard Det 2 HHC 3-16 CAV Unit from Hood River, Oregon has been busy preparing for deployment this September. Picture here are Oregon National Guard members SGT Arne Bailey and PFC Christopher Haskins.

SGT Bailey is supervising PVT Haskins on the PMCS procedures pertaining the 1068A3 command track vehicle.

GHC will be doing a series of articles and pictures to introduce our local heroes to our community.

Weekly Hometown Hero News

GHC received these pictures from Hometown Hero Shawn Chance who sends his "thanks" for the support and care packages!

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

Coming home soon will be: SFC. Roger Rouleau, Ssgt. Patricia Chestnut and Ssgt. Enid Hernandez. Going out in March will be: Airman Stacie Hoeger, who is deploying to Hawaii; Army Brigade Surgeon Mary Deighton and Army 1st. Lt. Nolan Johnson, both headed to the same duty station in Iraq; and, USMC Capt. Jesse Atay to Afghanistan.

We thank each and every one of them for their service to country!

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC Receives Thanks From Army Mom

Message from Army Mom about phone conversation with soldier son in Afghanistan: "Hello everyone…just wanted to let you all know that I got a call from my son this morning. I’m sure most of you know that his unit has been on the “Marjah” mission in Helmand Province this past week.

They are back on the base now, but will be going back into Helmand on Friday. He sounded terrible as he has a nasty head and chest cold with the bonus sore throat to go with it. He said that everyone in the unit has been sick and they seem to just keep passing it around. He assured me that the medics are taking good care of him and is hoping to feel better by Friday when they head back into the field.

My son told me that, so far, things are going well with Marjah, they are making some real gains and that the numbers are “good”. He said that it is a real honor to be a part of such a huge operation and for all of those that were not called to be a part of this mission are kind of sad about it. He also added that it would be much easier to get things done if there weren’t so many “rules” to follow. He said that this should be a real turning point in Afghanistan if everything keeps heading in the right direction.

When we hung-up, he was off to try and find a HOT shower before bed, but asked me to thank everyone for him for all of the care packages, letters and cards…I thank you all as well…especially for your continued support and prayers for him.

May God bless all of you and God bless our troops…much love."

Udderly Smooth Donates Care Package Items To GHC

Special thanks goes out to Udderly Smooth for their donation of a case of sample hand and body lotions. GHC will use them in our monthly care packages to our Heroes!

Thanks for supporting our Heroes. Your generous donation is greatly appreciated.

The Gorge Heroes Club relies on donations for our monthly care packages to our Heroes. If you have a product you would like to donate, please contact us directly for shipping information:

gorgeheroesclub@yahoo.com

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC Receives Lyle Dillenbeck Memorial Funds

GHC received $130 in memorial contributions this week from friends of the late Lyle Dillenbeck of Hood River. The family requested that donations in his name be sent to us for support of the troops. Lyle's grandson, Air Force Ssgt. Nicholas Dillenbeck, is one of the local Heroes that we support with care packages each month and we are grateful to be remembered by his father, Don Dillenbeck, and the other members of the family in their time of grief.

GHC would like to thank these individuals for making a donation in remembrance of Lyle Dillenbeck to GHC: Masao Ogawa, Harold and Lora Ann Kirby, Melven and Mary Ellen Picking and Kemp Lodge No. 181 Independent.

We are truly honored.

Your GHC

GHC Hometown Hero Marine Lcpl Injured

Update - GHC Hometown Hero a Marine Lcpl has been injured while fighting in Afghanistan. He sustained a gun shot wound to his leg and is now undergoing medical treatments to repair nerve damage.

GHC has set up a community "Get Well" card signing beginning this coming Tuesday at the Hood River News Office located on State Street in Hood River. There will also be a handmade lap quilt made by GHC member Crystal Rau there for the community to write encouraging thoughts and wishes. Those not able to attend can e-mail a special message to : gorgeheroesclub@yahoo.com.

GHC is has set up a special fund to cover the cost of calling cards and personal care items that he will need during his hospital stay. Donations can be made through GHC's secure online link located on the right side of this blog or mailed to:

Gorge Heroes Club

Injured Warrior Fund

1767 12th Street #113

Hood River, Oregon 97031

GHC would like to thank our Hometown Hero for his dedication and commitment to our freedom. Sending you hugs from home and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Proudly,

Your GHC

First Wave Of Care Boxes Off To Heroes

Update - A small group of GHC members met this afternoon to prepare the first in a series of care packages requested by four front line GHC Hometown Heroes participating in the offensive in Marjen, Afghanistan. (See previous post)

GHC would like to thank Dr. Kyle House, Dr. Steven Wohlford and Safeway for stepping in and helping with this urgent need request for our Heroes.

Four year old Tiannah Meza from Hood River helps prepare care packages for GHC Heroes.

GHC B of D President, RaeLynn Ricarte sorting and stuffing the care packages.

GHC is still collecting additional items for the four Hometown Heroes as previously posted. Care package items can be dropped off at the Hood River News.

Urgent Need List - Just In - Need by 2/19

Urgent need request rec'd today from four Hometown Heroes taking part in Marjeh, Afghanistan operations: Black Over The Calf Socks , Foot Cream, Foot Powder, Drink Mixes, Beek Jerky, Trail Mix & Tobacco products. GHC ship date: 2/19 Donation drop off point: Hood River News.

Those wishing to make a monetary contribution can do so by following our link on the right side of this page.

Our Heroes THANK YOU!

Follow GHC On Facebook

It's official.... GHC is now on Facebook! Get up to the minute updates, news and event information.

Here is our Facebook user name: Gorge Heroes-Club

Heroes, we'd love to hear from you!

Proudly,
Your GHC

Thanks Hood River City Council and Safeway

Special thanks to Safeway, who donated more than $200 of hygiene and snack items this week to send to our three Marines who are involved in heavy fighting in Afghanistan and will be engaged in a major spring offensive against the Taliban and Al Qaeda!

We also want to express our great appreciation to the Hood River City Council, who each donated their monthly stipend, for a total of $400, to the Gorge Heroes Club. Last year, Mayor Arthur Babitz and Councilors Ann Frodel, Laurent Picard, Carrie Nelson, John Herron, Jane Beatty and Dawna Armstrong began taking turns selecting a local non-profit organization to receive the money that they are paid for their service to the community. Laurent chose GHC as the recipient for the month of February and our shipping costs for the Easter packages is now covered! We are deeply grateful for this contribution and so are the 45 men and women in the armed forces that we support. Yesterday, we received this note from Ssgt. Enid Hernandez in Iraq, "Thank you so much for the love and support you send my way." Way to go City Council, you are helping us put a smile on someone's face who is far from home!

GHC Heroes Heading To Marjah

GHC would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Kyle House and Dr. Steven Wohlford, who are sending out special packages to our local Heroes who are involved in this operation. The Marines mentioned in the Stars and Stripes segment are part of the new "troop surge" and are joining our Marines who have been in-country since October.

“For the Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based infantrymen of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment who will be participating in the battle for control of Marjeh — the Taliban’s last major stronghold in Helmand province — it’s a time of quiet reflection as they prepare for what in the weeks ahead is expected to be one of the largest, and potentially most dangerous, military operations of the past year. Hundreds, if not thousands, of bombs are likely to be buried around Marjeh, which features a sprawling network of canals and poppy fields mixed together with a busy marketplace, according to Marines.” Stars and Stripes Magazine

Our Heroes

Our Time In Hell
"Wherever we went, we went together.
Whatever we did, we did together.
Whenever we suffered, suffered as one.
Joined together, trained together, sang together.
Of Montezuma, and Tripoli, and all the rest.
Same squad, same ship, same hell, together.
And if one of us needed help, we rose together.
And if one of us were hurt, brought him back together.
And if he died, cried together. We lived and fought and died together, and for each other.
What is esprit de corps?
Well, now hear this and pass the word:
The word is brotherhood."
-- WWII USMC

GHC would like to express our gratitude to all our Heroes. Be strong, be safe and come home proud!

Proudly,

Your GHC

GHC Update - Urgent Needs List & February News

Dear GHC,

Our next box packing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 24th, 5:30PM at the Hood River National Guard Armory. Those who attended last month's box packing know our supplies are low, so please spread the word... Our Heroes need our support!

Our Heroes Urgent Need List

(Individual packages, unless stated otherwise)
Hygiene Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Jerky
Cookies
Crackers
Q-Tips (Large Packages)
Medicated Foot Powder
Deodorant (Roll-On or Gel Only)
Dr. Scholls Moleskin
Pudding, Jell-O (Individual, Ready Made)
Tuna/Chicken Salad W/Crackers
Gum
Kleenex (Individual Packages)

Please check this post often, changes will be posted.

---------------------------------
Other News:

Please mark your calendars for the next GHC/American Legion Post #22 sponsored Middle School Dance. It will be held Friday, February 26th from 6 to 10PM at the Hood River National Guard Armory. GHC needs volunteers for the event. If you can help, please contact RaeLynn Ricarte at RRicarte@HoodRiverNews.com.

Collections have begun for the May GHC/American Legion Post #22 Rummage Sale. All proceeds from the event will be going towards the purchase of care package items and postage costs. We have an entire National Guard Armory Gym floor to fill... so, spread the word!

Special "thanks" goes out to Duckwall-Pooley Fruit Company for donating storage space for the items to be held until the event.

Volunteers are needed before, during and after the event. If you have items to donate, or you if you would like to be a volunteer, please contact us at: gorgeheroesclub@yahoo.com.

Sew? Knit? Crochet? GHC is looking for handmade afghans or quilts that we can raffle off during our November Spaghetti Feed. If you can help, please drop us a line at: gorgeheroesclub@yahoo.com

Proudly,

Your GHC

January Middle School Dance Fun!

Last Friday evening, GHC and the Hood River's American Legion Post #22 kicked off it's line up of middle school dances. All the proceeds go towards care package items and postage costs for our local deployed troops.

The evening started off with a hotdog feed from 6PM to 7PM and the dance followed until 10PM.

The next scheduled dance is Friday, February 26. During this dance, there will be a dance off between middle schools!

Middle Schooler Jennie Packer (in the middle) and friends having fun!

Let the fun begin!

Mary Knowles and GHC members getting ready for the dance.... complete with a laser light show!

GHC would like to thank all it's volunteers for helping with the event! Everyone had a great time... As some GHC members boogied to the beat, others were seen adjusting their ear plugs!

Proudly,

Your GHC