Shirts have already begun arriving in the desert!

Wow, we never expected them to get there so quickly!  But we have already received the first photos and message for the shirts shipped out via PackOut '08.  How cool is that?!

The first response comes to us from Sgt Vargas with an Aviation unit that works on the Apache Helicopter ...

"I just received the t-shirts from HeroToHero.US, my soldiers were very surprised. They are enjoying their shirts. Here are some photos from the troops. Just to let you know about us. We are an Aviation unit, that works on the Apache Helicopter. We work on the whole electrical system, and the weaponry.  << In one of the pictures one of the Soldiers is actually holding a 30mm gun off the Apache. It would be our honor if you posted them on your site. Again from all of us Thank You."

UPDATE:  I will try and take some more pictures around our helicopters, as for the hometowns, we have 2 Soldiers from New York, that received t-shirts.  1 from San Bernardino CA, 1 From Sacramento, and 1 from Boston. There was also some Starbucks coffee, and 2 calendars. Again Thank you for what you do to support our Troops.

This is a link to the >> 3rd Infantry

Jorge Vargas
SSG, USA
ARMT PlT SGT
B CO 603D ASB

Great to hear from you, guys!  Thank you so much.  If you have the chance, let us know where your shirts came from.  We can read a couple of the departments, like Lincoln Fire Rescue, Gadsden Fire, Tacoma FD ... But you can bet there will be magnifying glasses checking out some of these logos.

*****

The following are excerpts from SGM Bill S, a troop with the 1/168 GSAB ...

..."the guys went nuts over the shirts,hats, and everything. I am sending today a package with some of the pictures and a CD with all the pictures.  We took all 20 boxes and laid out the clothing and let everyone stop by. 

GET THIS - I grew up in Wrangell, Alaska!  I haven't been there for over 30 years and here were some hats from that fire department. I would like to send a note there ...  What a surprise!"

And ...

... "We just can't get enough of this.  There are a lot of shirts and (Starbucks) coffee to distribute.  But all was appreciated.  CW4 G... is writing to a couple of fire departments. A few of the others who lived in the area where the shirts came from were going to let relatives know and send their picture.  Again - Pass on our thanks - This made our day."

Niiiice!  Thanks Bill.  Hope we hear from some of your folks out there.  The WSCFF Burn Foundation Calendar gals will be happy to see their work was appreciated as well!

Can't wait for the next responses ... This is fun!

Oh, and we were very happy to see that Team Canada is getting great responses from their troops, as well.  How cool must it have been for the fire chief in Mitchell, Ontario, Canada to receive the following.  (Edited for OPSEC) ...

Hello Walt!
My name is J... Muir, I am a reservist from Vancouver. I am currently attached to B company, 1 PPCLI ...Afghanistan.
I got your shirt and contact info last night after a long partol, and wanted to thank you and your boys as quickly as possible.
We must have got a lot of shirts from the program, as today you could barely see a man who wasn't in uniform not wearing the shirt of some fire company or another, from all over the continent!
They are very popular, and everyone who got one is proud to be wearing it, especially here!
Thank you guys for thanking us, and we are just as proud of you guys!
A great idea, a big morale boost!  Much appreciated.
I will send  a post card to your station as soon as I can get a good one, and when we have access to faster email connection, look for a pic with as many of the company as I can get wearing your shirt, of course, and as many other ones as I can muster!  Again, good job, and thanks!
Yours truly,  Josh M...

Cool, eh?  Well done, Josh!  Messages such as yours make a huge difference to the success of troop morale efforts all over.  Oh and FYI ... You rock!  Hope Canada's first responders get lots of replies, like yours.

Here's another ... (Lovin' this!)

We received our package two days ago, and the guys here loved the shirts, hats, calendar and Starbucks coffee. 
We would like to thank all the agencies that participated in getting this done.  I know it takes great effort to coordinate such a worthy cause.

From all of us here at Camp Buehring, Kuwait - Navy Customs Battalion Tango, ECHO Company....A BIG THANK YOU!!!!!
What a great way to end our tour. I have attached a couple pictures.

Thanks again,

BMCS Jack L..

*****

Aloha from ... (the desert)!

The S3 section of the Theater Gateway wants to thank everyone involved with making us feel special through the HeroToHero.US program.

We are a mix of one Active Duty Soldier (from New York) and Hawai`i Army National Guard Soldiers who are very proud of our t-shirts and are grateful to our fellow Americans who remember us way over here.

As military servicemembers and emergency personnel, we relate to each other through the sacrifices we make every day.  We can truly say we are Brothers and "Sisters" in uniform.

Your program is outstanding and I commend your efforts.  They are truly appreciated.

And as a Soldier engaged to one of Honolulu's finest (Honolulu Police Department) who is also a National Guardsman, this act of kindness from other officers holds a special place in my heart.

Thank you again, and God Bless!

Aloha,
MSG Bacon

Keep 'em coming, and can't wait to hear from the rest of you!  We'll post them all as we get them.

Stay safe, and enjoy!

lj

Tags: Starbucks, WSCFF Burn Foundation Calendar

Tags:

Reporting from Freedom Bridge

A beautiful day in Tillicum found citizens on several sides of the issue, voicing their feelings  up on Freedom Bridge with signs, megaphones, flags ... and salmon?!?!

We stay out of the politics and pro/anti-war stances, so just enjoy the photos.

lj

THIS IS NOT THE END!

K, before anyone goes into panic mode after hearing that this was the FINAL PackOut ...

Yes, that is true.  Except for Canada --NO CHANGES to their program!  Speaking of our Canadian partners, check out their new page on the HeroToHero.US site ... H2H Team Canada

But in any event, WE ARE NOT QUITTING!!!

We are altering our program.  Making it better, and turning it in such a way that departments giving the shirts off their backs for the troops will have a more personal relationship with a specific unit.

More to follow.  In the meantime, be prepared to come up with the number of shirts you think your department can come up with for the next cycle.

We have added the Hero Pledge Form to our site.  You will be able to sign up to adopt a unit as big or small as you are comfortable with.

Stay tuned to the site for updates.

But never doubt ... HEROTOHERO.US LIVES!!!

lj

Still more fun from PackOut '08

March 8, 2008 -- There are so many folks we need to thank ... The Heroes & Angels that made this all possible.  So settle back and who all and what all it takes to put one of these events together.  Our "Thanks!" in no particular order ...

Our Heroes at the Tacoma PD   sent out "The Bear", this is their SWAT rig, and boy is it impressive.  Wow!  They even let JJ & Aaron do a quick couple photos.  But they also sent out some of their motorcycle cops to spend the day with us.  We love these guys.  They lead us out on the send offs for the annual tour.  And it was TPD's James Lewis who was killed in the Line of Duty in April 2004 that inspired us to take the program further.  James would be proud to see how far we've gone to support the troops.  Semper Fi!

After all the crazy pace of the day, there were still a big bunch of us that wanted to go celebrate and lift one for the troops.  We all went home for a quick freshen up before the "Evening of Heroes" after party  We want to thank Hooter's of Tacoma for all of their support all year, and then providing their restauarant for our afterparty.  The ladies were perfect, the wings were as good as ever, and the venue was the most perfect for our event.  Thanks to Bill for going above and beyond for us!  It was all so perfect, it was the perfect way for us to cap off 5 years of hard work.

~Adding just the right touch to our evening was the Seattle Fire Department Pipes & Drums.  And we want to thank them for making the "Evening of Heroes" such a rocking event!  Spencer, Raul and everyone, you guys are so much better than you even know!  We love having you be a part of our events.  Salute, guys!

We thank Camp Murray for their support & use of the armory for 5 years now!  And Sgt Javier for his outstanding support in getting the armory set up, clearing the outlying ares for the Hero Static Display & Extrication.  We couldn't do it without you!

Of course we thank every department that participated in the Hero Static Display ... Riverside Fire & Rescue, Tacoma Fire Department, Washington State Patrol, Tacoma Police Department & K-9 & SWAT, Seattle Fire Department, Lakewood Police Department, McChord AFB, Fort Lewis Fire, Chief Kahler of South King Fire, AMR, Puyallup Police & K-9... You all made it perfect!  (PLEASE let me know if I left anyone out!)

Fort Lewis' FLEX Team - Jeff Coffey and his talented crew always add the perfect touch to our event, and this was no different.  Jeff handled several issues for us, from behind the scenes, making sure that all would go well.  And, I want to thank him for letting a young firefighter from a different department step in to narrate ... Great job, Bo!

Thanks to Fort Lewis Fire for not only adding to our Static Display, but providing shelter for our visiting firefighters.  And for opening their kitchen to us, as well as providing cooking utensils, pots & pans.

Heartfelt thanks to McChord AFB Fire for their continuing support, contributions to the Static Display, and the use of their cooking implements to accomplish the lunch meal for all.  And for the amazing show of support by having a Biscuit Breakfast to help raise funds for our shipping bill.  Class acts, all!

We can never thank Jordan, Donna & the crew at CoinForce.Com for all they have done, and continue to do, for us.  Wait til you see the new 5th year anniversary lapel pin!  It is perfect, and great quality!

John & Pam, and all of the family at Military Memorabilia we will always thank you for all of your support and contributions from the very start.  You have been. and continue to be a big part of the H2H family!

We can't believe the efforts put forth by pour Puget Sound Starbucks and their amazing baristas and customers.  Outstanding!  And on behalf of all of us at HeroToHero.US, and all of the Heroes who are receving great Starbucks coffee ...  Not only are we able to send Starbucks to our deployed Heroes, we are able to say thank you to our hometown Heroes, courtesy of the Starbucks Coffee Drive!  Through their generosity, and that of their customers, we were able to ship a mass amount of over 1,500 pounds of coffee already.  And local fire and police departments are able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee to thank them for being the heart of this effort.  (We'll be doing an article all about the coffee drive and its results, stay tuned!)

We need to thank the Hanford High School Girls Basketball Team & Asst Coach Bret Akers, for stepping up and taking the program to the Tri-Cities area.  The team went our personally and visited local departments, which brought in shirts we'd not have gotten on our own!  On top of which, they collected donations to help us ship the boxes!  Nice!  Hope you all enjoy your pins, you've earned them!

Thank you to the HAMMER Trainig Center personnel who passed the hat for us and helped us pay for the silver Sharpies we needed so desperately!  Special thanks to John Juett, Steve Ingam, Tom Calihan, Mike Fox & Pat Gardner.  Thank you!

Thanks to Gordon, of Traeger Grills for cooking up some really great chicken.  Go check out those grills!  And thanks Jordan, for referring him.  Send us the link, and we'll post it here!

Again, thank you to Jeff Grier for providing his posters of "I'll take it from here"  Outstanding!  You might think you know the story behind the drawing, but do you?  Check out his site at I'll take it from here

Thank you to Hampton Inn of Tacoma (82nd St) for donating rooms for our visiting guests

And thanks to Shiloh Inn of Tacoma (Hosmer) for donating a room for Mama Rose

A very personal thanks to Karen Leming and her family for opening their unbelievable home to our visiting guests.  (I am so envious!)  ( ;

A very special thanks to Crane's Creations for donating the beautiful rose bouquets for our honored families.  They loved them!

Not enough words exist to thank the 63rd OD personnel for making such a perfect moment for the mother of a Fallen 9/11 Hero -- Wolfpack, we salute you!  Special thanks to Cpt Heilman & Lt McElroy for making it all happen.

Lloyd Stading, of RAE Systems deserves many thanks for making so many things possible for us this year!  He is like the Wizard of Oz, our guy hiding behind the curtain making sure things happen.  Thanks, Lloyd!

Kevin & Sue McHarg for flying in all the way from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.  Kevin, you have been an incredible ally and partner in this effort.  Sue, that quilt is absolutely unbelievable.  I am so sorry about your finger.  Use lots of vitamin E on that scar.  And thanks for not bleeding on the quilt.  Talk about talent!!!  ( ;

"Mama" Rose Foti, for flying in from New York City, bringing along untold amounts of meats and cheeses, and then cooking it all up into a wonderful meal for our heroes!  Also, I want to thank her for the coat memorializing her son, fallen FDNY firefighter Robert Foti, which meant the world to me.  **And I would like the person who now has posession of this coat to know that you broke my heart.  I want my coat back.  It has more meaning to me than it could ever have to you.  No questions asked, you can mail it back ...

HeroToHero.US
Attn: Liz Jackson
5700 100th Ave Sw
Suite 224
Lakewood, WA 98499

Thank you so much to Bates Tech Fire Services -- You always rock for us!  They have done car washes with us, they have been there for our send offs, and they have helped with our PackOuts.  These are our HITmen (& women) ... "Heroes In Training".  We can never thank you enough.

Thank you so much to the Hero Color Guard!  Always a show stopper!  Each of you rocked it, and represented so well for your agency -- We salute you!   Karen Leming you have been a wonderful asset to the program and as leader of the HCG, you have overseen a difficult task, making it look seamless.  Color Guard members this year included ... Tacoma FD's Honor Guard  members - Karen Leming, Scott Casebolt & Chris Galbraith ... Gig Harbor Police Dept - Fred Douglas ... USAF - Shannon Spencer  ... USMC - Mansoo Masga ... Army - Aaron Leming ... WARNG - Sgt. Chinneth ... Canadian Rep - Bruce Derbyshire ... WSP - Troopers Tim Knopp & Josh Merrit

McChord AFB FTAP volunteers -- Well done!  We thank you for volunteering, you represented for the Air Force!  Salute.  And let me know when you want those "bullets".

Infinity Graphix - Thanks Tara for the outstanding donation of your talents.  You always make us look so good.  We have heard so many positive comments about the Honor posters.  We are eternally grateful!

Thank you Juli Nowak for sewing the uniforms for our beloved mascots.  They both look great!

Lincoln Moving & Storage - Thankfully, Bruce made sure we had plenty of supplies for our packing section this year, and we appreciate it.  Hard to get those boxes out unless they're taped up!

Thanks Mark Rozen - For adding to the event with your yummy, nutritious and convenient XSGear products.  We will be adding a link for Mark, and you will be able to order directly for your troops -- they have a phenomenal product & are able to get you FREE shipping to your troops!

Thanks to Party World for the balloon bouquets that added the perfect festive feel.

Cookies By Design - Every year they've donated yummy cookie bouquets with firefighters, police, troops, and ems.  Sooo good!

Safeway for donating sodas

Albertson's for donating yummy treats

Thank you to our friends at Lakewood's Grand Prix Raceway for donating an amazing $3200 worth of indoor go-kart rides as prizes for the PackOut!  There were a lot of happy guests at our event.  We salute you!

On a personal note, Thank you to living legend, World War II P-51 Fighter Pilot, retired Colonel Ted Bullock.  Ted, and his lovely bride, Evelyn, joined us for for morning, adding a wonderful element of class and history to the PackOut.  Ted called for the moment of silence, during which our Military Honor Guard members folded the American flag for a special honoree.  Thank you Ted & Evelyn, we appreciate the effort and your participation.  Love you both!

Special thanks to Tacoma Fire Department's Chaplain Wilby Casey for being there for us, and adding his voice to our prayers.  We have been honored so many times that we wanted you to know how much ot mean to us.

Which leads us to Flags a Flying for their donation of just the perfect flag, which was folded by our military Honor Guard and presented to Chaplain Wilby.  Support Team member & USAF Honor Guard member Shannon Spencer wanted to make sure that the flag we presented to Wilby was more than the small 3x5 flag.  She made the contacts at Flags a Flying, in Tacoma, and the result of some great community support is that  a local unsung hero was honored honorably.

Thank you so much to Nissan of Fife for providing us with a wonderful Grand Prize!  They generously donated a trip for two adults and two children to either Las Vegas, Cancun. or a Caribean cruise!  A lot of business advertise that they support our troops and our community.  Nissan of Fife proved it in their actions!  Very nice!  You added a special element to our after party, and the best part was that it was won, fair & square, by Mama Rose!  Some things are meant to be.

Jim Officer, of Jensen Lee Bags, you are the man!  Everybody loves our team bags ... Especially our team.  We have used these bags for the past three years, and the bags have been put through the mill as our annual tour bags, our gear bags, our mascot bags, etc.  They are great, and they allways make us look good.  a cool side note, we are in discussins with Jensen Lee about making it possible for you to get official HeroToHero.US Team Bags right off their site.  Stay tuned for this one.  We're excited!  And Jim, thank you for everything!

Thanks to Rod Heivelin -- Head Honcho of Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) Burn Foundation Firefighter Calendars.  Always a favorite at the PackOut, are Rod and his crew of hot and hunky firefighters -- both male & female.  Rod made sure that there was a "Gal Cal" in every box that was sent out to the troops.  And his team brought lots of smiles with their calendars.  There was a line to get calendars signed by these heroes.  Thank you again to all, and make sure to support this worthy effort!

A blushing thank you to Lover's for their special romance donations.  Lover's has recognized the need for a little romance for our returning heroes and their sweethearts.  This year they donated lotions, candles, books, bubble bath, lingerie, and more.  We split it all up and made Lover's baskets for prizes at the afterparty.  It was a perfect blend and we want to thank them for their support.

Thank you to all of our local troop support programs who joined with us in a show of Community unity.  We were honored to have representatives from the Fisher House, Aces, Operation Homefront, the Bridge People Regulars, and more.  We need more events that bring great efforts such as these, together more often.

Thank you to AIM Mail Center in Lakewood for making sure we were taken care of as all of the boxes of shirts were arriving here.  And for making sure that we have a great printing discount for all of our needs.  This is a CenterForce.com program.  Salute!

Another round of thanks goes to the Lakewood Post Office who has been our final stop after the PackOut.  Their staff has been so supportive of our efforts, and go to above and beyond lengths to make sure we can get the boxes shipped in a professioanl and timely manner.  They really feel like part of the team on that last day every year, and we thank them  special thanks to Karren, who has been behind the counter for several of our shipments.  She definitely earns her pay on those days!

**There are more, and I will add them when my brain clears!  Feel free to send me reminders ... H2HHeroes@aol.com

Suffice it to say, we had a blast, and we've received messages from the attendees about how much fun they had.  There were many hugs, and a lotta love and respect permeated every part of the day and night.

lj

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_10

More from PackOut '08

March 8, 2008 --  Now we're up to the moment that Mama Rose finally made her entrance.  Whew!

For those you who don't know her, she is the mother of Fallen 9/11 Firefighter Robert Foti.  I met her in Colorado Springs a couple years back, after learning that this (small in stature, but large in presence) woman had flown in from New York, bringing enough meats, etc., to feed "her boys" at the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial. 

I couldn't believe she would go to this much trouble, effort, and expense ... Then I got to know her, and now, nothing surprises me.  ( ;

So when we extended the invitation for her to come to the PackOut, I told she was not to cook but to come enjoy herself.  It was quickly made clear that it is cooking her meatballs that makes her happy.   

And so it was that picking her up at SeaTac Airport meant making sure there was room for not just her juggage, but her ice chests -- filled with over 900 homemade meatballs and sausage!

We adjusted the program so that there would for the first time, be an actual lunch break.  We got pots & pans from both Fort Lewis FD & McChord AFB FD.  There was a big shopping trip to get the pasta and the loaves of bread, seasonings, etc., to make this wonderful meal.  Everything was loaded into the kitchen at the armory and we figured that in no time the wonderful smells of an italian kitchen would permeate the armory.  But, ummm, no.

For whatever reason, we could not get the kitchen cooking elements to fire up.  Sigh.  Calls went out for help, and even the 63rd OD tried to come up with answers.  But when all was said & done, everything was loaded up into the truck and taken over the the firehouse on the flightline at Fort Lewis and they got to smell great food all night!  Rumor has that Mama Rose met her match in a few of the young troops there at the station.

Because of all of this, Rose was not able to be at the opening of the PackOut.  She and her band of merry mischief makers came in at around 1pm, hauling in pan after pan of deliciousness.

The armory erupted into applause for Rose as her meatball minions made their entrance.

Shortly after, before she could get comfy in the kitchen, we pulled her up on stage.

Now you need to know that while they were deployed, the 63rd OD paid Rose a huge honor, flying an American flag over their camp, and forming up to salute it.  A photo was taken of this, and then the flag was sent to us in Colorado to present to her at the memorial, when her son's coin was revealed.

Part of the reason Rose came out was to meet some of the members of the "WolfPack", as they are known.  She knew that the Commander and XO would be onsite., and she looked forward to giving each of them a hug.

She didn't know that there was a bigger honor and surprise coming her way.

So Rose came up and got to meet both Cpt Thomas Heilman, and 1Lt Brandan McElroy.  She presented the 63rd OD with the last remaining Robert Foti coin, and thought that was all.   She was ready to head into the kitchen when Cpt Heilman made the order that caused 100 uniformed members of the WolfPack to rise, come front & center and pop a salute, in formation.   It was amazing.  Rose couldn't believe her eyes!  Tears welled up all around the armory, and applause brought it all together.  Wolfpack, you rock!!!

And so it was time for lunch.  Sooooooooo good!  And as if meatballs, sausage, pasta, and garlic bread wasn't enough ... Gordon, from Traegor Grills bbq'd up some rally good chicken for all of us!  There was some good eatin' at the PackOut.  Thank you to everyone who made thipossible! 

On the next entry, we'll be posting up the companies and names of everyone who made this happen.  You might be amazed to see how many people it took to make this all come together.  It's wonderful to see how many were involved for this one Troop Morale Campaign event.

One of the coolest parts of the PackOut is the Hero Static Display.  Which goes on for the entire day.  It's a chance for the various supporting agencies to show off a little bit. 

There is sooo much going on, inside & out.  Let's see, there were rigs, old and new, all over the site.  There were extrication demos going on in the rear of the armory, Sparky the firedog was roaming around charming and spraying those who got close.  There were police, firefighters, medics, working dogs, troops ...

Gary Shilley, of the Puyallup PD made a special appearance for us, with his beautiful dog.  Gary is a K-9 handler who was shot point-blank in the face, and has undergone surgeries to get him back on duty.  The criminal who did this horrid thing may have shot Gary, but he missed Gary's spirit and dedication.  

Even up close and personal Gary shines.  His smile is infectious.  One of the reasons for that smile has to be his lovely wife Victoria, who came up and spoke to the troops to let them know how it was uniformed heroes just like them who sat at Gary's bedside, sharing stories, and passing the time.  Gary, we salute you!  Welcome back!  Click this link to read about what Officer Shilley endured

Oh, and you'd think just having  Officer Shilley out there with us would be enough for Puyallup PD to do for us, right?  Nope, not this time!  On top of everything else, their Association stepped up and provided a check to us for $500 to help with shipping!  Class act, Puyallup!  Thank you so much!  We'll be stopping by to thank you personally.  ( ;

lj

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_2

PACKOUT '08 IS DONE!!!

March 8, 2008 --  Another year of work is done!  All in all, five years.  Over 25,000 shirts off the backs of hometown heroes across North America sent to our deployed troops around the globe.

I've spent the last couple days ... Between naps and exhaustion ... Editing photos that were downloaded at the PackOut.  Ya know, there were a lot of cameras out there!  And some very talented photogs were using them. 

This post will likely be broken into several entries.  This first post will show you photos from the set up on Friday March 7th.

Included will be pictures of the opening ceremonies,  & presentations on March 8th, at the PackOut.  It might be best to break these up so you have an easier time finding the photos you're wanting.

Heeeere we go ...

The PackOut plans begin shortly after the annual tour, but little is done beyond the talking stage.  We all have big ideas, and grand prizes in mind.   Then the real world creeps back in and this small band of volunteers gets overwhelmed trying to get everything done.  Inevitably we come to the understanding that we will do all we can to make it rock, and then agree that whatever happens -- good or bad -- we planned it that way.

 

To the sound of bagpipes courtesy of Tacoma Fire Department Pipers, we opened PackOut '08 with a great Hero Color Guard, which for the first time, included a Canadian representative.  (Thank you Denis Letellier for getting that arranged for us.)  Cpt Bruce Derbyshire was the perfect representative for Canada.  He looked sharp, and had a ready smile for all who approached him.

 

Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard Commander & HeroToHero.US Ambassador, Karen Leming was acting commander of our Color guard, and deserves a lot of credit for all she has done to make all of the Hero Color Guards special ... But this one rocked!

 

This Color Guard was about as good as it gets.  These folks had so little practice ahead of time, that it spoke to their separate skills that they were able to pull this off so well.  Seeing the combined uniforms of firefighters, police, and various branches of the military, was inspiring.  As the color guard posted their colors and stood facing the crowd, the angelic voice of soloist Elaine Patterson rose above all of us.  She not only sang our National Anthem, but honoring our Canadian partners, she learned O' Canada.  And she did it so well that we have received several calls asking about her availability for others.  It was a perfect blend!

 

As the Color Guard left the floor, the 2 Washington State Patrol remained behind, and did a rifle drill demo for us all.  All eyes were on them, what a great start.  By the way, the WSP is the Best Dressed in the Country!  Making us proud!

 

And then it all began.

 

We introduced the Core Team, Chani & Larry Kaibetoney, Leta Kaibetony, Matt & Nikki Estabrook.  And the rest of our teams, including: Shannon Spencer, Tara Buel, Juli Nowak, Mansoo Masga, Karen Leming, JJ Stewart, Aaron Leming, & Kelly Averbeck.

 

Even past member Kathy Green came up from California for our final PackOut.

 

But we had special guests this time.  We had our Canadian Ambassador,  Sarnia, Ontario firefighter, Kevin McHarg & his fantastic wife, Sue, join us for the first time.  They were a perfect addition to the crews, and made the entire event all the better.  We shared so much laughter with them during their visit, and got to share the reasons we love Washington.  For the record, the first part of their visit, there was no rain!  We're giving them credit for the great weather we had for the PackOut -- Of course back home for them, it was snowing!  ( ;

 

We presented Kevin his team bag, made by Jensen Lee.  We filled it with items that represented for the Puget Sound and Fort Lewis & McChord AFB.  Of course we added some Space Noodles, Slug Butter, and other goodies for them to share.  The bag turned out perfectly, as always.  (And soon, you will be able to get your our official HeroToHero.US Team Bag online!)  HUGE kudos to Jim Officer and the folks at Jensen Lee Bags.

 

There were presentations and honors throughout the day.  So many people to say thank you to, for all of their support.

 

But first we had two coins to release ... The Matthew Luke coin & the Shane Wyrsch coin.

 

LCpl Matthew Luke is the first wounded Marine honored by HeroToHero.US  And it was an honor to have him, his brother, Devin, and all of their family join us.  The Luke coin was nominated by the Tillamook Fire Department to honor their own.  We surprised them by adding Devin to the coin.  Devin is also a USMC LCpl, who was deployed with Matt when he was injured.  What a gracious family.  We want to thank them for being there, it certainly made an impact when the coin was unveiled.

 

Immediately following, we honored Fallen Forestry Officer Shane Wyrsch, who was killed a year ago, by a drunk driver.  Shane's widow, Zoe, was with us, and brought their two handsome young sons for the unveiling of the coin.  Shane's coin was nominated by Lloyd Stading, who worked diligently with us to make sure this one was just right.  There is no doubt how much Shane was (and is) loved and respected.  We were proud to have done this for the Wyrsch family.

 

Another very special guest was there to represent veterans past.  World War II, P-51 fighter pilot, retired Colonel Ted Bullock graciously accepted our invitation to call for the Moment of Silence, and share some of his great memories with the young troops.  He is an amazing man, and is married to the very lovely Evelyn.  We were honored to have them both with us for the final PackOut.  Thank you for adding such a special aspect to our event!

 

During the Moment of Silence, the military members of the Hero Color Guard reformed to do the folding of the American flag.  There was not a sound, and all eyes were on the four person crew who did this ceremony to perfection.

 

But there were some watery eyes when the folded flag was then brought on to the stage and presented to our favorite Chaplain, Tacoma Fire Department's Wilby Casey.  His eyes widened, and the look of shock on his face said it all.  This man who has stood with and for us, over the past five years, never expected any honor.  Andyet, when the question arose as to whom the flag should be presented, the response was unanimous -- it had to be Wilby!

 

Now while all of the was flowing smoothly, shirts were being signed all around the armory.  It was a busy event, and there were 5,000 shirts that had to get signed, processed, and packed.

 

So, have we convinced you that it was all going without a hitch?  Hehe.  Not so quick.  If you've ever done an event with us, you know that we have a traditional saying ... "Whatever happens.  We planned it that way"  Doesn't matter is a meteor hits the building -- we planned it.  So when our very special guest ran into some road blocks ... Well, ummm.  You know let's make that our next post.  You don't meet Mama Rose in just a paragraph!

 

Stay tuned ...

REMEMBER to ENLARGE before cutting and pasting.  Just click on the "View Larger" button above the photos if you are searching for photos you want.  OR ... If you find a specific photo, double-click it and it will enlarge.  Then cut & paste.

These photos were taken by various people at the PackOut, to include Andrew Mitchell, Tara & Dustin Buel, Larry Kaibetoney, Brad Jackson, Suzanne Allen, Kathy Green, Teresa Moffett, and more.  We thank them all for documenting the best ever PackOut!

Enjoy the pix ...

lj

Congratulations, Team Canada!

February 29, 2008 -- The 2nd Annual Canadian PackOut, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

Last year 200 shirts, this year, inching in on 1,300 shirts!  Well done!

Kevin McHarg, our Canadian Ambassador, will be doing a writeup for the Journal to go with all of his great photos.

All we know is that it was a rousing success, and the Canadian troops have some great shirts headed their way!  Kevin's gonna have to fill in the blanks. 

But, he may be delayed a lil bit in that posting.  He and Sue are readying to head out here for our 5th & final stateside PackOut (More on that will post in a week or two).  We are gonna send them home tired, but happy

Enjoy their photos, we are.  And as soon as I get Kevin's story, it will be posted.  This will also be highlighted in the Spotlight page on our site.

**Kevin, be sure to ask me why a certain couple photos aren't posted.  Interesting.

lj