Oregon National Guard 3-116 CAV Mobilization Ceremony Pictures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proudly,

Your GHC

Oregon National Guard - Hood River & The Dalles Deployment Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proudly,
Your GHC

GHC Featured On "Localite" CGN 7 Television

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

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

We appreciate your support.  Thank you!

Columbia Gorge Magazine Features GHC!

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

Here is a link to another great article about GHC:

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

 

Sponsor A Care Package For Only $12 A Month!

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

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

Your tax deductible contributions can be sent to:

Gorge Heroes Club

1767 12th St. #113

Hood River, Oregon 97031

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

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

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

CPTN Dale Goetz, Chaplain US Army

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

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

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

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

News from our Heroes

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

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

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

Other Hero News:

"Dear GHC,

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

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

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

"Dear GHC,

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

"Dear GHC,

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

Oregon National Guard News:

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

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

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

More Hero News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proudly,

Your GHC

The Countdown Begins For SSGT Christian Bagge's New Home

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

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

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

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

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

Please visit this link for additional information about this event:

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

Driving Directions:

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

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


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


Nastasi drive is located on the right hand side of the hwy about one mile past a lumber mill which will be on your left. (The two lane hwy will change to one lane just before Nastasi Road)
 
Questions can be directed to:
ghc@gorge.net
 
Proudly,
Your GHC

Volunteers Needed To Help Build Home For Wounded Hometown Hero

SSGT Christian Bagge

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

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

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

Here is the breakdown on the time frame for volunteering:

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


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


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


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


· Sunday - 8AM to 6PM - Man the booth handing out drinks and snacks. Donate cookies for this day. We are expecting to feed 150 volunteers.
 
Here is a link about the event:
http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ChristianBagge

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

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

Proudly,
Your GHC

UPDATE Tuesday - August 18th

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

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

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

July Box Packing - Sending Out Special Thanks To WAAAM

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

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

Filling the boxes....

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

Members and community visitor's signing cards.

Our awesome backdrop.....

Proudly,

Your GHC

A Salute To Our Troops

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

A Salute To Our Troops

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

Hood River County Fairgrounds - Odell, Oregon

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

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

Meal Cost - $10.00/per person

Veteran’s - $5.00

Family - $25.00 with 4+ members

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WE THANK YOU AND OUR HOME TOWN HEROES THANK YOU!

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

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

July Troop Box Care Assembly

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