April 14th, we were honored to have fire firefighters already there and waiting for us in the early morning as we set up for the first of our 2 fundraiser carwashes. Luckily as some of our Bates Tech "HIT"men (Heroes In Training) waited, our lovely JJ kept them company and in smiles.
Rain had threatened all week and we were prepared with ponchos and signs referring to the bad weather, but none of it was needed. Except for a few moments of "liquid Washington", the day was beautiful, bright and perfect!
First on the scene were the Bates Tech Fire Service HITmen, then we were happy to see McChord AFB Firefighters working with them side by side. And boy did they hustle! They even washed a semi cab!
Cars lined up, as many as 13, several times. Sponges and mitt whirred over metal and glass. Wheels left gleaming, and everyone in the cars gave generously from their hearts, knowing what the mission was.
Our Lakewood Starbucks made sure we had some great coffee onhand, and pastries beside! Th to Dean Copeland and the Crew!
Several times, Lakewood FD passed by flashing lights, or making a brief siren salute. LPD stopped by, and also saluted. We love our hometown teams!
At one point a couple drivers waiting for their turn, got out and held up signs along the road for us, they were soldiers who knew the importance of raising funds, and saw how much work was going into it.
About the time we saw the starting team beginning to fade, and were heading out to get them some Papa John's pizza, this blur of black & red came on scene and began washing cars, revitalizing our teams with energy ... it was the FLEX Team (Fort Lewis Extrication Team)!
And so for the day we had a combined team of firefighters from Bates, McChord AFB & Fort Lewis! Wish you could have been there to watch them work so well together.
We even had a returned female soldier out there, and children of military members and deployed troops to lend a hand. And of course the Yellow Ribbon club stepped up for us ... Go Cheyenne & DJ!!!
Sadly we lost our FLEX team to a structure fire, but hope they will join the team again for our final chance to raise funds for national tour.
If you're local to Fort Lewis/McChord ... Come help, or bring us your dirty cars on Saturday, April 28th 9-6, at the I-5/Bridgeport exit 76 Station.
Our friends from Hooters will join JJ, waving cars in, and our helmeted heroes will be rocking the day for us again.
Remember to tell us if you are a returned troop, as Outback Steakhouse has a special "Welcome Home & Thank you" waiting there with us.
Also, Operation HeartStone will have some of the necklace collection & HeartStones onsite. Get them while you can, they are going away soon!
Mark your calendars ... Saturday, April 28th! See you then!
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