July Troop Box Care Assembly

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.