Welcome to Weed!

We have been to Weed twice, but they were participants in the program before we ever knew.

Why do we go to Weed?  Why not?  And once you've been there, this quaint little town nestled 'neath the magnificent Mt Shasta, gets inside your heart.  Especially when you come from a similar scenic view. 

Mt Shasta is one of my top three favorite mountains.  C'mon, we're from the land of mountains and volcanoes.  Mt Rainier is still tops for me, and Denali is pretty danged cool, too.

But the real reason we made Weed a stop ... 

  This shirt made their local newspaper, and this picture hangs proudly in their station.  If you ever doubt that these shirts touch both ways, visit a station where the troops have sent their pictures back, and you will have no more questions.  This is one of the "Iraq & back" shirts.  So cool when they go full circle.

We love these guys.  I always feel like I am visiting my kids when we come to Weed, especially now, with Bo wearing the fire uniform, and being in the same age range.

They are always fantastic to us!  They always have big smiles and go above and beyond to make us feel welcome ... and they have yet to be an official stop.  Weed is a heartstop.  they have never been given a heads up notice of our arrival, but it hasn't mattered.  They are true ambassadors for what the general public sees when they think of firefighters.  They are warm, friendly, and approachable, while still being professional.

And okay, this particular house has gotten a unanimous vote as the best looking group cross country.  If you wanted to make a great-selling firefightercalendar ... these are your models!  And the best part is that they are humble, and sweet.  This part will likely make them blush.  But, oh well.  ( ;

They loved the Xyience Energy drinks we shared with them.  And were fun models.

One of the best moments was when a local mom pulled her car over to say thank you.  she motioned to our car, and the guys pointed us out.  As we all spoke to her, she explained through her tears that her son is deploying very soon, and it is breaking her heart.  Her other kids were in the car watching all of this and it made we wonder later, what they were feeling.

She wanted the firefighters to know how proud she is of them and all they do for the Weed community, and she wanted us to know how important our mission is to the troops and their families.  I think she got all of us a little teary, in a heartfelt way.  It was a good reminder for all of us for why we do what we do.

Guys, you make us proud.  Keep the attitudes you have now.  Stay this committed to public service, and open to all the thanks you are given.  You are part of a phenomenal profession, and you represent the best part ... the fresh, idealistic, from the heart heroes.

Be safe, we'll see you again!  Let us know if you want to be an official stop.

Now start your shirt drive, you know your shirts are high on the request list!

( ;

lj & the road crew