And now a message from the troops!

These are messages from your deployed hometown troops.  There are 5,000 of them asking for the shirts off the backs of their hometown heroes!  We need these shirts by Valentine’s Day in order to get them out in this year’s pack out event.

Shirts can be sent to:
HeroToHero.us
P.O. Box 98954
Lakewood, WA 98498

*Questions or concerns, e-mail Liz at HeroShirts@aol.com

If you are reading this and have contact with any of the departments in these hometowns, please get the message of the troops to their hometown agencies. 

We need everyone to do their part … YOU might be the difference between a hometown troop getting a show of support from their home, or …

NEW YORK CITY~ “You guys are the true Heroes!  Thank you for your continued support.  Would love to put some Iraq dust on a REAL Heroe’s shirt! “
CPT Larry Jordan/ 3 BDE HHC

NEW BERN, NC~ “NBFD … Message to Jeremy Blaylock—Alright lil buddy, stay safe, don’t get burned!  I’ll see you next time I’m in town.  There are soldiers in the sand who need your support. Send the Bear across to show them you care!”
SSG Stephen Hadder/ 2 CR

CRESTVIEW, FL~ “Crestview is a small town, but lotta heart.  This soldier is asking them to step up to honor and represent for the deployed hometown troops”
E-2 Marvin Martin/ 1-23 C Co

ROANOKE, VA~ “Soldiers work hard and don’t get paid enough for the risks, you can probably relate.  We are all doing important stuff.  Might seem like a small thing to you, but your shirts can make a big difference for a deployed troop.  Send ‘em, Roanoke!”
CPT Charles Moore/ 2CR

RIFLE, CO~ “My town has a Volunteer Dept, and they a great job … they need support, too. This hometown troop would really appreciate the shirt off your back!”
PFC Jonathan Kitchens/ 2-3 Inf

VALENCIA, CA~ “I’m a firefighter, and a soldier.  I can tell you that support, messages,and packages from home mean a lot.  Morale is so important during a deployment, especially during the holidays.  The fact that we have the same goals/missions- think battle buddy/brotherhood … and you know my message.  Represent, and give us the shirts off your backs.  It’s important!"
SPC Ray Waliany/ 537 Firefighters

WAVERLY, NY~ “Back home we have a Volunteer Fire Dept.  It’s important to have volunteers support each other … without them, there’s no one to support us.”
PFC Andrew Ellis/ 2CR

SEVERN, MD~ “Our unit received shirts during our deployment last year.  You know, it seems like you’re on an island when you’re out there.  Having all the hometown shirts sent to us, let us know that people really do care, and we were not forgotten.”
E-5 Joseph Brown/ 1-24

BURLINGTON, NJ~ “I’d like to see Burlington show their support for our deployed troops … I’ll be one of them very soon!”
PVT Joseph Hadfield

CHEYENNE, WY~ “Thank you for everything!  Your support gives us the strength to go on everyday during our deployment.  We received shirts from the HeroToHero.us program last year while we were deployed, it made a huge difference in our morale!”
SSG Mark Mulvaney/ 1-24

TO: FREMONT, CA~ “Thanks for doing a good job.  It’s great to know that you have our backs while we are so far from home”
PVT Kyle Petricka/ 63rd ORD

COLUMBUS, OH~ “Keep doing a good job!  Please don’t forget about the deployed Columbus troops … We’d really like some shirts!”
PFC Stein Laudet/ 46 CAV

NAVASOTA, TX~ “You take care of things back home, and we’ll take care of things over there!  Send us shirts!”
PV2 Mario Aguilar/ 46 CAV/AVN

SALISBURY, MD~ “Your support can make a huge difference for a deployed troop. 
Support the effort, send us shirts!”
PV2 Christopher Barry/ 46 CAV/AVN

DEXTER, ME~ “Dexter, step up and represent for us hometown troops!”
E-1 Joshua Kinson/ 3BDE 2ID

ALAMO, TX~ “Alamo is a small town with a big heart.  I want them to show it to all of the deployed troops”
PV1 Juan Espericuata/ 3BDE 2ID

FULTON, MS~ “My hometown’s Army.  If you tell ‘em that we need the shirts off their backs for our morale … they’ll support us!”
PV2 Kerpon/ HHC

COSHOCTON, OH~ “When I came home, my name was all over Main Street back home.  My town does, and will, support our troops.  C’mon Coshocton, show our troops you support them … send us shirts”
PVT Hudson/ 1/25HHC

Eagle Pass, TX~ “I come from a small town in Texas, just one small Fire Dept,
but I know they’ll step up for the troops”
PV1 Luis Flores/ 1st BDE 25 Inf

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO~ “Getting things from home is so important to troop morale – When those things are from hometown Heroes it rocks!”
SSG Ian Walsh/ 1-5 INF

MIDDLETOWN, OH~ “We have to have support from home, because if we don’t have that, then we have nothing to fight for”
PV2 Bryan Forbes/ 2CR

San Angelo, TX~ “Keep us in your prayers and in your hearts”
Phillip Garcia/21st CTC

Prescott, AZ ~ “I miss Arizona!”
Laura Dyckman/44th CSB

Seabeck, WA~ “Thank you for all our support.”
SGT Travis McGilluiray/21st CTC

Kalispell, MT~ “Columbia Falls/Kalispell, Please show your support of the US Army.”
SGT Ty Edwards/24th QM

Greenville, SC~ “Come on guys, we need all the help we can get. Thanks ahead of time.”
Ricky Pruitt II/24th QM, 80th ORD.

Columbia, MD~ “Support the troops, my baby gurl is overseas”
Chrystal Blevins/24th QM

Watertown, NY~ “Keep on trucking. Good Luck”
Jason Lowes/21st CTC

Hazelhurst, MS~ “To Mr. Banks: Thanks for everything you do in supporting our troops.  May God continue to Bless you. Your newphew, Glenn”
Glenn Bozeman/44th CSB

JACKSONVILLE, FL~ “The morale of other Heroes helps our morale”
SPC Michael Williams/ A Co 1/5 Inf

MIAMI, FL~ “You’re our Heroes while we’re away from home. Would really like to see Miami send shirts!”
PFC Alexander Reyes/ 3BDE 2ID

Kailua, HI~ “Take care to my ‘Ohana back home Love to all of you- Taylor”
SPC Monmaney, Taylor/47th CSH

Malad, ID~ “Weare proud of our service men & women every where, who are protecting our country.  We need to show our support in every way we can!”
CPT. Gargan, Eliza/47th CSH

New Bedford, MA~ “Keep up the good work. Support our troops”
Marlize Dacruz-Vogel/47th CSH, Co. A

Indianapolis, IN ~ “Keep the faith and keep supporting the troops. ‘Til everyone comes home.”
CPT Mathews, Terry/47th CSH, A Co

Washington, DC ~ “Keep me in your prayers and send lots and lots of cookies!!!”
SGT Smittick, Katisha/47th CSH, A Co.

Owingsville, KY~ “Support the troops and don’t forget about your freedom.”
Paul B. Huff/47th CSH

Fountain, CO~ “I enjoyed working at the Fire Department when I was there. Keep up the good work all.”
Harold “Evan” Willams/47th CSH

Shelbyville, TN~ “Thanks for your support and prayers. I graduated from SCHS 25 yrs ago this upcoming summer. I’m a chaplain in the 47th CSH. I really appreciate all you do in Shelbyville."
Chaplain Rick Stevenson/47th CSH

Houston, TX~ “Hope to hear from anyone back home. Love you guys, Sgt. Alfred Hernandez”
SGT Hernandez, Alfred47th CSH

Edinburgh, IN~ “I am a deployed soldier in Iraq. Please keep supporting our troops and our country.”
SSG. Waymon, David/B Co. 47th CSH

Auxvasse, MO~ “Stay Safe and keep praying”
Jim Govero/B Co. 47th CSH

Colorado Springs, CO~ “Thanks for doing what you do!”
James Polo/47th CSH

Fritch, TX~ “Thank you for your support. Keep us in your prayers.”
Maj. Bill Uptergrove/47th CSH

Farmington, NM ~ “Support us as we endure these times in Iraq. Farmington is my hometown and I will come home!”
John Travis Collard/47th CSH

Fairview, UT~ “My husband is deployed and my hometown is Fairview.  Please let him know that he is not forgotten.”
Suzette Collard- Spouse of soldier/47th CSH

Canton, MI~ “My daughter is deployed out there! Please give the message. Pass it on. Thank you.”
Joy Garrett/47th CSH

Dallas, TX ~ “Hey Rett,(DFD) I’m coming to have dinner with you when I get back.
Hook up some t-shirts. Git-R-Done. Longhorns Rule #1!”
Keith Longoria/HHD 44th CSB

Compton, CA~ “I am a deployed soldier, serving in Iraq. Please support our troops.”
Manuel S. Razo/HHD 44th CSB

Abbeville, LA~ “With Gods help we all can be free. Operation Freedom.”
Shari Harrison/HHD 44th CSB

Waipahu, HI~ “Support the local boys fighting the war onterrorism. Aloha & Mahola”
Jason Iseri/HHD 44th CSB

New Iberia, LA~ “Thank you for always supporting us.”
Troy Boudeloche/HHD 44th CSB

Gaylord, MI~“Support through the hard times. Support, strength, and Safety.”
PFX Allen, Tim/HHD 44th CSB

Sunset, UT~ “Stay safe and keep up the good work. Thanks for your support”
Sean Openshaw/HHD 44th CSB

Hughesville, PA~ “Send me stuff.”
Christopher Brady/HHD 44th CSB

Asotin, WA~ “Howdy, I’ll be in Iraq representing an Asotin home towner, and a Wazzu Cougar. Thanks”
James Wade/HHD 44th CSB

Baltimore, MD~ “Let’s show every city how Baltimore does it. The best always support the rest.”
Akil Alim/HHD 44th CSB

Moundsville, MN~ “Come on guys, I’m here for you.”
Russell Lund/HHD 44th CSB

Kettering, OH~ “It’s been a few years, but I will be back soon. Can’t wait to see all of you.”
SFC Musser John/HHD 44th CSB

Waianae, HI~ “See you soon. Lots of Aloha!!”
Raymond Belaski/HHD 44th CSB

Avon Lake, OH~ “Please support us”
Raymond Groves/HHD 44th CSB

Minden, LA~ “One team One fight” “We all we got”
1SG Randy D. Gilbert/HHD 44th CSB

Center Valley, PA~ “Thank you for your service“
Herb Weighknecht/HHD 44th CSB

Spanaway, WA~ “God Bless us!!! Support the troops.”
Aaronnie Bendo/HHD 44th CSB

Brooklyn, NY~ “Brooklyn, Stand up and support the troops!  Make our ‘stay in the fight’ motto hold us down over here.”
SGT Hendricks, Michael J/HHD 44th CSB

Lisbon, OH~ “Support my fellow Soldiers and me while we are fight for freedom in Iraq. Thank You. You help keep our morale up in our time of need.”
Justin Green/HHD 44th CSB

Corona, CA & DeWitt, MI~ “Please support our troops- God Bless and stay safe”
Sarah McQuarrie/HHD 44th CSB

Phoenix, AZ~ “Please support our troops in Iraq and all over the world”
Jason Kellar/HHD 44th CSB

Guam~ “I’ll be back”
Patrick M. Paulino/44th CSB

Hillsboro, OR~ “Thank you all for what you do.  Our jobs are hard but without us,
lives would be lost.  God Bless you. “
SSG Kathy Shaw/HHD 44th CSB

Jackson, NC~ “To Dad, (Chief of Police) Give me your shirt.”
PFC Young, Jonathan/21st CTC

Ft. George G. Mead, MD~ “You just don’t know how much your support means to us overseas. Thank you all for everything.”
Kenneth Whiteside/21st CTC

Farragut, TN~  “We appreciate you all keeping thehometown safe!
Give up a couple of shirts for my troops!!”
Seth Owen/21st CTC

Seminole, FL~  “Just like to know that my hometown is supporting me while I am overseas.”
Stephen Hall/21st CTC

Philadelphia, PA~ “Don’t worry I’m always safe and I will be home shortly”
SGT. Jones Rushonn/HHD, 44th CSB

To the city of Uniontown, AL, from your #1 Soldier~ Go Bobcats! Class of 1999.
“Go R.C. Hatch Bobcats, Class of 1999”
SGT. Fikes, Eric/HHD, 44th CSB

Hampton, VA~ “God Bless. I  miss you & love you. I’ll be back soon. Thanks for supporting soldiers!”
Chaplain (Cpt) Chris Wallace/HHD 44th CSB

McLoud, OK~ “If you can make a T-Shirt with words of encouragement to me and my troops, it will be greatly appreciated. And send care packages to me at Sgt. Tim Hannifan 44th CSB HHD APO AE 09381”
SGT Tim Hannifan/HHD, 44th CSB

Wasilla, AK
 “Support the troops”
SPC Banachowilz,. Stanton/HHD, 44th CSB

Puyallup, WA~ Thanks so much for your support!
SPC Fakhry/HHD, 44th CSB

Raeford, NC~`“Thanks for all of the support N.C. I’ll be back soon.”
SPC Gutierrez, Juan/HHD, 44th CSB

Goldston, NC & Sanford, NC~ “I want to thank you for the hard work you do back home, you are in a life saving business. I’d like to think I am too. Take care and God Bless.”
Sgt Seawell, John Wesley/HHD 44th CSB

Walla Walla, WA~ “Thank you for all your continued support. Keep it coming.”
SGT Bingham, Derrick/HHD 44th CSB

Waianae, HI~ “I miss home & all you Islanders a lot. Take care & God Bless”
Raymond Belaski/HHD 44th CSB

Gaylord, MI~ “Love you all. I will be back soon. Pray for me.”
James Allen/HHD, 44th CSB

Waipahu, HI~ “To all my family and friends.  Mahalo for all your support”
Proud Soldier of the HHD, 44th CSB

K.C., Kansas~ “I love you I miss you I’ll be home soon…”
CW2 Hawthorne, Jeffrey /HHD, 44th CSB

Venice, CA~ “Give the shirt off your back. Pray for one safe return. God is with us all.”
PV2 Masidonio, Shawn/HHD, 44th CSB

Los Angeles, CA~ “Give the shirt off your back”
SPC Jones, Vincent/HHD 44th CSB

Pharr, TX~ “All this is worth it.”
Violet Daniels/47th CSH

Carlisle, PA “Please support our unit, the 47th CSH. Thank you for what you do every day. Keep up all the hard work.”
William Waltus/47th CSH

Riverside, CA~ “Your support is appreciated. Soldiers fight foryou.”
Ian Harte/21st CTC

Los Angeles, CA~ “I’m in the Army. I’m tired. Please help our troops from Los Angeles County. Show how L.A. represents for our fellow Angelinos. Thank you.”
Emanuel Robert Vargas/24th QM Co.

Dublin, CA~ “Thank you for all your support- It will certainly boost our morale and ultimately to our success in Iraq!”
LTC Pete Herting/HHD 44th CSB

Vacaville, CA~ “Thanks Frankie. You’re my hero. Vacaville Fire Department (Elm St.)”
Matthew Kennedy/21st CTC

Modesto, CA~ “Thanks for your support. God Bless”
SGT Navarro, Melissa/B Co. 47th CSH

Santa Rosa, CA~ “Please continue to support HeroToHero.us! May God keep you and yours safe as we all fight for peace and safety in our nation!”
Kanani Beck/B Co. 47th CSH

Yreka, CA~ “Thanks for all the support, keep up the good work”
SPC Picanso, Bart/47th CSH

Springerville, AZ~ “Please help with our deployment, Hero to Hero. Give us the shirts of your backs! Thank you!”
Kodi Burback/47th CSH

New York, NY~ “Thank you foryour support and may God Bless New York City’s Bravest and Finest”
Michael A. Cortez Jr./HHD 44th CSB

Honolulu, HI~ “Thank you for all of the support. We appreciate it. Thanks.”
Wally Hewitt/21st CTC

Eugene, OR~ “Looking forward to getting a shirt from you guys & gals. God Bless”
Joseph M. Muir/21st CTC

Omaha, NE~ “I just wanted to say I appreciate everything you guys are doing and I wanted to say
Thank You. “
Justin M’Sorley/21st CTC

Lynn, MA~ “Thanks for everything!”
Jillian H. Foisy/21st CTC

Kimball, NE~ “Please support us by giving us your shirt.
God Bless. I am proud to fight for us. Thanks Timothy Hickox”
PFC Hickox, Timothy/21st CTC

Thornton, IL~ “See you boys soon. (Chief Brian Kolosh, Thornton FD & Karen Leoni)”
Michael Nicola/21st CTC

Detroit, MI~ “Hello to everyone and keep me in prayer.”
Leslye Revis/21st CTC

**IF YOU RECEIVED SHIRTS FROM ANY OF THE HEROTOHERO.US EFFORTS OF THE PAST TWO YEARS, AND YOU DO NOT SEE YOU, OR YOUR SHIRT REPRESENTED HERE ... WE'D LOVE TO HAVE SOME OR YOUR PHOTOS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas to All!

**A Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan wrote this poem. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable . . . "PLEASE. Would you do me a thoughtful favor of sending this poem to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities."


Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon ‘round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticedhe shivered from the cold night’s chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!

This was sent to us by Shannon, a C-17 Loadmaster, spending the holidays on foreign soil ...

I hope this finds you well and happy, and that you are thankful for the blessings we have as Americans...if you get the chance, thank a vet, or someone currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan...as they are partially responsible for your freedom to celebrate this year.

A late merry Christmas is now on it's way,  below is a letter from who I now consi a beloved friend, someone who has grown so much in the past couple years it's amazing...  I wanted to send everyone a merry Christmas but our computers were down, so when they came back up and I wasn't flying, I started to write an email but found Jason's email to be much more moving than any I could write.  I too am alone on Christmas in Turkey, but my crew and I, as well as a lot of other airlifters from Charleston decided to be family this year, for us to set aside the gripes and competition between our two bases and be happy for what we do have.  I applaud you Jason, there are worse places I could be, Turkey isn't so horrible.  There were a lot of mortar attacks on Iraq on Christmas day (as I had a couple friends involved).  And I sit back and think about how fortunate I was not to have ever been part of one.  So Jason, Merry Christmas from a lot of people out there who love and support you but don't know you personally for what you are doing. If you don't know Jason than you don't know that even though in Afghanistan this Christmas he asked that people not send him presents...he says he didn't need them...all he wanted was for his friends and family to make a donation in his name for someone who needed it more than he did.  Admirable considering...  I am so proud of you Jason, as Liz would say you are definitely done cooking!  See you soon safe and sound...Keep yur head down!   CatchYa on the Flip Side!

Love Always,
A1C §hannon W. Spencer  

As I sit here, alone again, I reflect about the importance of such a simple part of life. Holiday. It's just another day really. The sun still rises and sets like any other. But what makes a holiday special? A date isn't significant. No holiday is any more important than any other day. Just because something happened an even amount of years ago doesn't make today special. Or does it? It's not the holiday itself that's special, but there's definitely something to note about them. People change. For one day people celebrate life in one way or another. We remember what's forgotten every day. Be kind to others. Live life to the fullest. Give to someone for no other reason than to see them smile. People work harder for holidays and for what? Would it not be easier to just call it off, save your money, and relax for a bit? But we don't and we shouldn't. Why? Every day is the same. Get up. Shower. Shave. Brush your teeth. Go to work. Get pissed off because everyone you work with is an idiot but you have to get along with them anyway. Go home too exhausted to do anything but watch TV, missing out on precious time spent with loved ones. But on holidays its different. We actually get along with people. Suddenly you find yourself inviting the guy who makes you miserable at work every day home for dinner because you just learned his family lives in another state and he can't afford the plane ticket. So holidays aren't just another day. It's when we're at our best. Its when we pull our inner strength to work a little harder to get a little more out of life just for the simplest joys of seeing smiles on the faces around us.

I'm alone today on Christmas. I never thought it would be this hard. Just another day? No. I'm missing all that I talked about above. I'm missing the best of the people I love. People I see fight all year are getting together and remembering that they are a family and really do love each other. God willing, I will be a part of that tonight... I will not be alone. God bless everyone and Merry Christmas.

--- Jason
May you always find water and shade. **************************************************

All of us in the core group of HeroToHero.us would like to wish you and yours, the most joyous of seasons.

And whether it's Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa ... or any special holiday traditions ... We hope it is fun, happy, and safe.

Remember to be careful with all those lights and candles ... let's give our first responders some down time, too!

Please take a moment to remember those families who are separated due to military orders.  If there is a family near you with a deployed service member, let them know that they are not forgotten.

Troop support is one of the most selfless, and important things you can do.  It is part of a long American history ... check out the photos.  This is not the first ... nor sadly ... will it be the last time we have troops serving on foreign soil over the holidays.

And keep that spirit of giving ... after the season is over, HeroToHero.us will be back at it!  5,000 shirts, folks ... that means 5,000 of our own troops are looking to see if they are remembered.  Please don't let them down!

Bless us all!

Liz, Kathy, Aris & Ron, Larry & Chani, and Leta

 PS ... Has anyone seen SHertz lately?  Can't find him, or his passport.  Hmmm ...

SOMETIMES THINGS GO RIGHT WHEN THEY GO WRONG!

So I get this call about a week ago, from a printing company.  A very nice young woman tells me that they printed up an order for a Washington Fire Dept, but there was a small error that rendered the shirts useless for uniform wear.  They weren't sure what to do with the shirts ... Fortunately one of the firefighters is aware of H2H and sent them our way!

So we are 160+ shirts closer to our goal.... but still a ways from that magic 5,000 number that we need.

We had already done the Stomp, but knowing that there was extra effort, it was worth a quick trip up to Snoqualmie.  What a beautiful place!  Sad to live so close and not get there very often.  I have been there twice now in the last couple weeks, and enjoyed both trips.

You know, no one told me who the firefighter was that had given our name to the printer, so when I saw it was our own "Mr January", I had to smile!  Robert is just such a positive guy, and happily, and big supporter of our troops.

We are trying to take troops with us to visit departments now.  This was short notice, and I wasn't sure I could make that happen.  Then, our young USAF loadmaster, Shannon, called and asked what I was doing.  (Light bulb lights over head)  She was between trips, and has been a part of this from the start.  So she donned her desert flight suit, and off we went.

Robert wasn't even on duty, but was a great sport and put his uniform on for the photo ops.  And let's be real, if you have the opportunity to have one of the WSCFFA Firefighter Calendar guys pose for you for your project ... need I say more?  ( ;  www.FirefighterCalendar.com

We presented the program, showed our scrapbook from prior events, and started taking pictures.

All the guys got into it ... one of the wives came by, and left with visions of emptying drawers of unused shirts, in her head.  Remember, this is a great way to recycle shirts in good shape!

As at others houses, the goal was troop support, and smiles.  They were challenged to find a new photo op for SHertz, and stepped it up with use of the Stokes Basket.

Shannon had forgotten about the shirt swap possibility ... it was her first department visit.  And in the rush of getting ready, let's just say she was not in the right "uniform" to take off her top.  So for the swap, she stepped back inside to change, then we "made" it happen for the photos.  (Don't want anyone getting the wrong idea ... including her boyfriend, or Commanders!) 

The firefighters were complete gentlemen, which is almost always the case.  Most often, they are laughing at the one who gets chosen for the place of honor, ie, shirtless!  This was no exception, but a lot of the laughter came from watching Robert squeeze into Shannon's shirt!

Bear in mind that Snoqualmie in late November can be a tad chilly.  The temps were at freezing, so when you see us outside to make the shots happen, realize that we were all beyond cold.  And the guy in the Stokes looked really frigid!

We want to thank the Snoqualmie FD for remembering us, and for making the day special.  Thanks Robert ... you are indeed our Hero!

Special thanks to Absolute Graphics, there may have been an error for official purposes ... but the shirts are very well done!!!  Think of us any time you like!  Great quality, and the troops receiving them are gonna love them!

Enjoy the photos!

Don't forget ...WE NEED YOUR SHIRTS BY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

And we look forward to seeing Snoqualmie Fire representing at the Pack-Out on February 25th!

lj

Island hop ... Part Deux

As promised, here is a peek at the last three stops on the Island Hop.  

Everett ~ Mount Vernon & Lummi Island.

Two of these three were return visits.  And again, more familiar faces ... always a welcome sight!

We hoped to see one of our favorites in Everett, sadly Joe was not available.  Sigh.  But, then Jolie showed up to represent for Mukilteo, and the Paterniti family.  We have met several married firefighter couples along the way, and never met one we didn't like.  No exception here!

Jolie had called when she saw the planned route.  She let us know that Mukilteo Fire wanted to represent & show their support for the troops.  And that they did! 

Everett & Mukilteo Firefighters and EMS personnel covered  the tables with shirts and signed them all.  Tough to get them all in a room at the same time with all the calls that were going on for all of the departments on Saturday.  But we managed to have a really good visit, share some photos, stories, and more.

Next up was a return to Mount Vernon.  Another familiar face! 

We all love their antique engine, and had fun with Kimberly and Dominique ... though they weren't completely comfortable  as they realized this was an antique.  Think they were scared to move!  lol

Just like Everett, another department came by ... Mount Erie.  Few things are as heartwarming for us, than departments making the above & beyond effort of coming to another house to show their support of our troops. 

It is happening more and more, and if we could get it to happen a lot more, our combined efforts could really help the mission of troop morale.  Just think about it ... and maybe get hold of some of your brothers and sisters, and tell them we NEED them all this year.  5,000!!!  Sheesh!

One of the departments that is stepping up this year ... a newbie for us ... is Lummi Island.  What a cool place!  You take a small ferry over, just outside of Bellingham.  The ferry holds about 20 cars, and some walk ons.  The island is green and lush ... and has been both times I visited.  But it is the people that draw me back.  They are just down to earth, and warm, and greeted us in as if we were old friends.  ... And we are now!

It sounds like they will be making every effort to join us for the Pack-Out ... The party is getting bigger!

By the time we got to the Island, we were starting to drag.  Most folks know I am just not a cheery crack of dawn kinda gal.  But even our morning people in the group were hungry and tired.   Chani & Leta absolutely lost their minds when they saw the Chuckanut signs on I-5.  They were so slap happy by this time, that all you had to do to get them going was to walk by and drop a Chuckanut on 'em!  It was actaully either reallllly funny, or we were all realllllllllllly tired.

Fortunately there was a wonderful shared meal brought in by the families attending the holiday party there at the firehouse.   We were a bit more refreshed and energized after dinner.  some wonderful recipes!

We weren't able to stay near as long as we'd have liked.  But the dinner, the presentation, and everything before and after was just as we hoped.

We had one of those great small world moments when  one of their people recognized Larry.  Turns out he was part of the medical team that treated and cared for Larry when he was med-evac'd to Madigan Army Hospital after the bombing he endured.  Larry was a little fuzzy about those first few days, but Chani sure made the connection ... more Heroes and Angels.

Larry got to spend a little time sharing his experiences, with the medics at the different departments.  Listening to him, and watching the firefighters respond was really heartwarming.  They all share something most of us watching from the outside, can only imagine.  They are all the more special to us when we hear them share their stories.

Thank you all for making our one and only Stomp of the season, a complete success.  And a special thanks to Terry & Jolie ... aprreciate your hard work on behalf of heroToHero.us!

Now mark &d clear the date for the Pack-Out ... starts before noon on February 25th, 2006.  To volunteer, or RSVP, please contact us at HeroShirts@aol.com

First Responders who are not able to make it ... we need your contributions by Valentine's Day, February 14, 2006. 

FIVE THOUSAND TROOPS ARE ASKING FOR YOUR SHOW OF SUPPORT!

Just an Island Hop away from more shirts!

**PLEASE NOTE ... This entry will be in two parts due to the massive amount of photos to be edited and posted.  This entry covers, SEATAC ~ KIRKLAND ~ LYNNWOOD.  The rest of the Stomp will be posted by week's end.

For those of you new to the journal ... the photos are broken down by department, but are in no specific order in that category.  It is a glitch in the program that does not keep them in the order uploaded.  Sigh.

Dec 3, 2005 - ISLAND HOP ... We truly thought we would have no Stomps this time around.  the decision was made shortly after Katrina when requests were being made that Americans curtail excess driving.  But the combination of departments asking if we would come, the lowered gas prices, and the fact that we need EVERY shirt we can get our hands on ... we did a Stomp. 

This one was called the Island Hop, to honor Lummi Island Fire, who had been pretty intent on their request for us to visit.  Besides, Larry really liked the name!

We did 6 stops ... SeaTac, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Everett, Mount Vernon, and Lummi Island.  With the exception of Lummi Island, all of these stops were return visits.

SHertz is till not speaking to any of us.  Not sure if it was being tazered, or strapped down to the papoose board.  He just seems a tad moody ... hehe.

We left from Lakewood.  For the first time, we had no escort leaving our home base.  But when LPD called to tell us they were searching for a missing little girl, we were fine to head out on our own.  We wish the Jackson Family a safe and speedy return for their daughter.

Before 9am we were at the SeaTac Fire Dept.  They were just getting back in from a call, but were very prepared for us, and made us feel just as welcome as last year.  It's nice to go back to departments where they "get it".  Their hearts open, and they make each time more memorable than the last.  This was no exception.

We hope you enjoy the photos, we shot a lot of them!

Each department we visited was given an invitation to the Pack-Out on Feb 25th.  So far it looks like we will have some nice representation from our first responders!

lj

Turn about is fair play!

Okay, we always hear about how the various cheerleader teams are heading out to the desert to pick up the troops morale.

Well, turn about is fair play, right?  So for all of you keeping the home fires burning at Fort Lewis and McChord AFB, it's your turn for some morale boosting!

Friday, December 2nd, come out to the McChord Base Exchange from 11-1, or the Fort Lewis PX from 2-4 and support some of the firefighters who have been supporting our troops ... and yours!

Purchase a calendar to help the WSCFF Burn Foundation, there will be calendar firefighters on hand to sign the calendars.  They make great gifts!

You do a good thing and have something to show for it!

http://firefightercalendar.com/

The 2005 All-Star calendar is still available on their site or over the phone by calling 1-800-847-6572.

Please take the time to view the pictures from the calendars and get to know the Fire Fighters by reading their bios.

Also, this is where you can find information about:

• Where you may find some of the Fire Fighters to sign your Calendar
  
• Most importantly, remember the reason for this all is to fund Burn Research to improve the lives of victims that have been burned.

See you Friday!!!

PS ... Recognize one of our favorite firefighters in the photos?

**~*~**

Dec 2 ... The BX/PX calendar signing event started out slow, but to be very fair ... we were in the middle of our "Blast of Winter".  None of us were thinking we would have snow and ice, and that the roads would be as difficult as they were in some areas locally.

We had fun with the folks who braved the elements for the McChord portion of the event.  By early afternoon, the weather had warmed slightly, and the signings were more rushed as people came up to say thanks, shake hands, and buy calendars to help support a great cause.

When you watch the calendar reps you saw dedication.  Some of these folks might be coming from a very involved shift at their departments, but still they realize the importance of the cause and give a lot of their time.  Another reason so many look to firefighters as Heroes.

Bringing them to the bases, was perfect.  It was a good feeling watching the uniformed personnel meet and greet.  There is an obvious respect between the two groups.

That was brought out at the following event, at the KISS 106.1 Jingle Bell Bash, at the Tacoma Dome on December 4th.

As the Backstreet Boys crooned, cameras flashed, and the Pussycat Dolls did what they do best to get the crowd stirred up even more, there were a few special moments on the side opposite the stage. 

 Over at the signing tables, two little girls, identical twins approached with their young mother. 

I recognized them from other occasions, and knew that this was a Fallen Hero family.  Their Fort Lewis soldier was killed in Iraq this past April.  Some time back, we had shown each other our black bracelets, and discovered that our families had suffered a loss on the same day, a year apart. 

We have bumped into each other rather frequently.  So when I saw her in line, I wanted to make sure the firefighters knew that they were talking to a family that had gone through a lot.

I cannot tell you how much they responded.  It was completely genuine.  They looked at those little faces, and went from the men and women signing the calendars, to the firgefighters ... those Heroes we all think of when we hear the sirens.  This was exactly the kind of compassion you want to know exists in the hearts of our firefighters.

The girls were hugged, and held, and made to feel very special!  I can tell you personally that throughout the event, these were the only people to have all of the firefighters pose for a photo with them!

When you see these men and women out signing calendars, think about how much extra they are giving from their personal time to give to what they believe in.  Yeah, they are really nice to look at, but when you get to see their hearts, they will melt you!

Thanks for making me remember why our troops look to you all as Heroes! 

Kudos to the WSCFFA Firefighter Calendar men and women!!!

lj