A special appearance at Quinn's

9-20-08 -- Who knew there would be guest stars?!  Now we can neither confirm nor deny, but rumor has it that a You Tube celeb was spotted partying with the firefighters at Quinn's.

Hmmm, could be.  But no facial hair.  Was he just trying to fly under the radar?  He certainly was popular, flirting with the ladies, checking back pockets ... And even leading by example - Giving the shirt off his back for the troops for HeroToHero.US along with a firefighter friend of his!  Niiiiice!  (Knew I liked this guy!)

Still not sure if you know him?  Check out the You Tube series **Read below "Policeman vs Fireman".  There is an entire irreverent series of these, and most of the firefighting attendees at Quinn's could & did quote the more famous lines.

In any event, he brought smiles & laughter to the evenings of the memorial.  I'm sure we'll see lots more of him & his friends ... And appreciate him stepping up for the HeroToHero.US Troop Morale Campaign!  Salute!

**The photos from the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial events are all posted below, so be sure to scroll down through the "Practice, Practice, Practice" posts.

As for using the photos ... They are not for commercial use, but if you find any that you are in, feel free to "click to enlarge" them before you cut & paste them for your personal use. 

If you post them on your sites, please just give us credit "Photos by Liz Jackson/www.HeroToHero.US"  Any other uses, please email me directly at: HeroShirts @aol.com

To all, thank you for letting me share this experience with you once more.  Y'all rock!!!

lj

**Checkout the "puppetmaster's" site ... http://www.bryanerwin.com/ ... And learn everything you want to know about Jake & Perry.

And YES this is where you can find the for real Jake & Perry tees!

Also, be sure to check out their latest ... Episode 10 is out & it's good!

Stay in school!

Tags: Quinn's Irish Pub Colorado Springs, PolicemanvsFireman.com, Fireman Jake, Bryan Erwin

IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL 2008 -- Post 5 - Final

POST 5 - Final Post of the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial 2008 ceremony.

This is the post where you will find your photos with IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

**Some of the photos corrupted during upload.  If you are certain I got a clear shot that you do not find in the posts, e-mail me as much descriptive info as possible so that I can search for the original. E-mail: HeroShirts@aol.com

**Now, all of you firefighters, I need YOUR help.  We need ONE shirt from each one of you for our troops deployed to the desert for HeroToHero.US 

Check out the site for the 6 easy steps to do the program this year.  Counting on you to be my legs this time!  The troops are already asking for hometown Hero shirts.  PLEDGE!

lj

Tags: IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial 2008, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, Colorado Springs, Local 5

IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL 2008 -- Post 4

POST 4

lj

IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL 2008 -- Post 3

POST 3

lj

IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL 2008 -- Post 2

9-20-08 SECOND POST

The IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial - Post 1

9-20-08  There are so many photos, but so many more emotions for this post. 

I can tell you there were too many hugs, too many grieving families, too many flags presented, too many names added to the Wall ... So many, too many, good people lost.

Rather than read my words, I would rather you see what I witnessed.  No matter their protestations, these were heroes - they are heroes.  And I only hope to do honor to each of them and those who came to stand for them.

There were an awful lot of photos clicked on my camera that day ... Both behind the scenes and the actual ceremony.

I will upload them in a number of posts so that you have a better chance of finding the photo you are looking for.  Many will seem like duplicates, but as with most group photos, not everyone looks their best, you choose the ones you like.

Remember to "click to enlarge" before cutting & pasting any photos you want.  (Otherwise you'll get a thumbnail photo.)

If you'd like a better feel for the sights & sounds of the actual ceremony, check out You Tube.  One I just had sent my way is at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_eTO3YCnzk

If you have other links to share, send them to me at HeroShirts@aol.com and I will post them here.

lj

Tags: IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial 2008

QUINN'S -- FRIDAY NIGHT

9-19-08 -- Another of the traditions ... Quinn's Irish Pub in downtown Colorado Springs.  They are always up for the invasion of the firefighters from all across North America.

This is one of my favorite things during the events of the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial.  They come from everywhere to pay respects, place the names of their Fallen comrades, family & friends on the Wall.  It can't be dead serious for the entire time ... that will come, the tears will follow.

For now it is time to play loud enough that they are heard in Heaven and their departed can rock the nights with them.  The pipes & drums fill the air, the earth feels like it shakes under their strong beats and you feel it all the way to your heart.

Drinks are bought for friends and glasses are raised with pride to pay respects to those who are not their to drink with them.  There is laughter, camaraderie & in their own way; healing.  Family members can be found among the sharing, feeling once more the kinship of the fire service.  It is a wonderful thing to watch, even better to be allowed into the inner sanctum of this ritual.  And a heck of a lot of fun besides!

A special note here.  This entire event is hosted by Colorado Springs Local 5.  They do an AMAZING job!!!  Every family member is treated so specially, and everyone attending sees & feels all of the effort put in by this Local.  It is no doubt a tireless job, but one that comes obviously from their collective hearts.  A huuuuge salute to every one of you who had a hand in making yet another year so successful!

lj

Tags:IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Quinn's Irish Pub, Colorado Springs, Local 5

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

9-19-08 -- It takes a lot of practice to make something so special look so flawless ... And practice they did.

So here's your peek behind the scenes ... sans kilts, if you will.

For the record, the photos where they are acting as if they have something in their hands - They are in position as if they were holding the flags that they would be presenting to the families at the ceremony on Saturday.

Enjoy the glimpse backstage ...

lj

Tags:IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Colorado Springs, Local 5

IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL -- MACARONI GRILL

9-18-08  The annual gathering for dinner at Macaroni Grill ... This tradition began a number of years ago with our Massachusetts buddies and has built to the dinner you want to be a part of.

Few formalities, lots of laughter, and growing traditions that include raising glasses to our beloved Fallen, raising a bottle of wine to our lips, and the intro's (You'd have to be there ... But this time Benjamin got to meet Mr Robinson)

The staff of Macaroni Grill are to be complimented for not only making it work, but being a part of the frivolities.

This night has grown by leaps & bounds, and promises to be huge next year.  Be sure to check in with Joe or Bobby to get in next time --- They're taking over!!!

Thanks for the fun!
lj

Tags: IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial 2008, Coloroado Springs, Macaroni Grill

We have NOT forgotten!

9-11-08 -- Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard has once again stepped up to remind us all of the promise we made 7 years ...
"Never Forget"

Under the direction of Honor Guard Commander Karen Leming, the Tacoma Firefighter Memorial on the waterfront was packed with those sharing that sentiment.

They do not keep this a private event for the firefighters only.  They invite police, ems, and all first responders to join with military personnel, civilians, and all who want to make sure we continue to pay our respects to our fallen.

Special guests included firefighter Colin Stir --- (Karen, please let me know if this spelling is wrong.)  He was a TFD firefighter when the terrorist attacks happened, but now is a member of the FDNY.  He was able to give a unique insight to the views of life in NY, post 9-11.

We were also honored by the attendance of Mayor William Baarsma, and our Governor, Christine Gregoire.

I want to pass this one on to all of you.  Yesterday I received a call from a firefighter who was perusing the journal.  His (paraphrased) question was "Why is it that we only seem to get get together when there is tragedy?"  Anyone?  And how can we change this perception/reality?

lj

Tunnel to Towers Run

The Tunnel to Towers Run is happening once more in New York City.  I intend to make it out there this year for this one ... My first time.  No running here, I will be taking photos of the amazing men & women who will step up to show they have  NOT FORGOTTEN!

As I've mentioned this to people in passing, they ask what it's about, so I thought I would share with you. 

The following are excerpts from the official website ... Tunnel to Towers Run

> Make a Donation We are a 501(3)(c) tax-exempt charitable Foundation. Stephen Siller, beloved husband and father of five, was a firefighter from Squad 1, Park Slope Brooklyn. On 9/11, he was off-duty, and on his way to golf with his 3 older brothers. When Stephen heard on his scanner that the World Trade Center had been hit, he turned his vehicle around and headed towards the site. When his truck was prohibited from entering the BrooklynBattery Tunnel, typically of him, he raced on foot towards the site with his gear strapped to his back. He was last seen alive on West and Liberty Streets where he, more than likely, went looking for his Squad, all of whom perished. The Tunnel to Towers Run retraces Stephen's footsteps on that fateful day. In running along his path, we honor the memory of all the Firefighters, Police, and EMS workers who performed their duty that day. In running this race, we are reclaiming still another part of the city for all our heroes and for all of those who died on 9/11. They will never be forgotten!

You can donate the the cause, which benefits some great programs ...
    
Annual Tunnel To Towers Run: A memorial run, in tribute to the memory of the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, his 342 FDNY brothers, and all 9/11 victims.

NYC Firefighter Burn Center: The Foundation donates to the Pediatric Unit of the NYC Firefighter Burn Center, which is dedicated to the advancement of burn care, research, prevention, education, and the proper treatment of burns.

Burn Centers across America: In 2004 the Foundation started the Brother for Brother firefighter teams program. Firefighter teams from throughout the nation compete in the run and winning teams donate to the burn centers of their choice.

New York Foundling: The Foundation has donated to the NY Foundling, which provides a broad range of services for orphaned, abused, and neglected children.

Legacy Awards & Wings of a Hero Awards: These Foundation awards are given to local community children who have lost one or both parents.

Freedom Alliance Scholarship Funds: The Foundation has donated for scholarships to children who have had a parent in the U.S. armed services who have died in the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars.

Kidsave: Donations have been made to Kidsave, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of the plight of children without parents, advocating for them, and helping these children find permanent families.

Children of Hurricane Katrina: Scholarships for children who have lost one or both parents whose lives were also devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

Stephen’s House of the New York Foundling: The Stephen Siller, FDNY, "Let Us Do Good" Children's Foundation is Co-chaired the capital campaign for Stephen’s House of the New York Foundling to build a new home for New York City’s most vulnerable children.

This event happens after the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, so there are going to be lots of hero pix coming your way.

We don't ask for monetary donations, just the shirt off your backs for our troops.  If you are looking for a great cause that could your your dollars, here you go!

"Never forget!"

lj

Tags: Tunnel to Towers Run, Stephen Siller, FDNY,

Tags: Firefighters, NYC, Brother To Brother

More from North Bend -- "Burn to Learn"

9-7-08 -- They looked like firefighters when I got there, and by the end of the day they looked like they'd been doing it for years.

A couple of them asked if I could make sure to catch their smiles, and I did.  But they were a pretty focused group, and a lot of the pics just show the intensity after they came out of the tower hot and sweaty.

I never knew how the instructors were chosen or compensated for the time they spend there.  I've had it explained that the state pays them.  So while they are on their days off of their respective fire departments, they are still "on the clock" when sharing their expertise.

A great quote from Firefighter/instructor Aaron Fields is "... most of us are involved in teaching because we are dedicated learners."  Well said.

What I watch are guys who really love what they're doing.  This is important work, but they make it fun.

Chief Lyon calls it "Disneyland for firefighters", the moniker has stuck & is very apt.  You catch  that look in their eyes when the recruits show they've taken it all in and can put it to use.  And you get the feeling that most of these guys would do this for nothing. 

This is one of the many reasons I have such a respect for these guys.  Much respect for Chief Lyon & Firefighter Fields!

**If any of you recruits would like to leave a positive message for any of the instructors, you can add a comment on this post.  (I can not imagine any of these recruits would post anything negative.  Just need to restate occasionally - Our policy is not to post negative -- You can watch the news for that.  This is a troop morale campaign, after all.)

Family members, you are more than welcome to post encouraging messages for your recruits here as well.  I know that had you been there you'd be telling these kids how proud you are of them ... So go ahead!  ( ;

Hope you guys like your pix ... Now be sure to go to the main site and show us your hearts.  September 11th is coming up this week and with it is the kickoff of the 6th annual Hero Shirt Drive - our troops are counting on all of you!

You all have an extra shirt/sweatshirt, etc.  ONE shirt EACH from everyone at your station, add your message to a troop then combine it with all the others from your house and PLEDGE that number at www.HeroToHero.US  We need you all to step up, and the troops will be able to see your hometown name on the list as the Pledges grow.  You have til New Year's Eve, but please don't wait.  Prove you have "Not Forgotten" by marking the day with this gesture for our heroes.

And keep us posted of upcoming events in Washington State that you would like photographed so we can keep sharing with the troops looking for a taste of home.

**A question was raised about why the flag is at half staff at the Academy.  We had a crazy shooting in Skagit County that killed 6people, one of which was Skagit County Deputy Anne Jackson.  I believe this is the reason.  If I'm wrong, let me know and I will make the corrections.  Our hearts go out to all involved.  A special prayer for the Jackson family.

You guys looked great!

lj

**And no ... These are still not the pix from the Combined Volunteer Academy ... They are ready & waiting - We just need a graduation date.  And FYI - Pirolo is gonna think he is a rockstar when he gets a peek at them!!

Tags: North Bend Fire Training Academy, Chief Tracy Lyon, Firefighter Aaron Fields, Skagit County Deputy Anne Jackson

Have you forgotten?

As the 7th anniversary of that fateful September morning looms large once more, I wonder how many of us still remember the pledge we made to "Never Forget".

What inspired this message?  I was going back through the Journal, reading the words of the troops, and came across one that has stayed with me ... From US Army Sgt John Smith

I arrived at this place in my life by influence of one single event. It was a typical sunny September morning and I was brewing a fresh pot of coffee as I sat down to thumb thru the Kinston Free Press. I remember being excited about the day because I was in the process of developing a housing subdivision and I had meetings with potential homebuyers later that afternoon.
 
All of a sudden a coworker stormed into my office and turned on my television and we both watched in horror as the events unfolded before our eyes. I remember feeling many emotions in the following weeks. Having previously been a soldier after high school, I wanted to run out and reenlist but at the time I was married with children and there was no way I could afford our lifestyle on the salary of a soldier not to mention the disruption that would cause in their everyday lives.
 
My wife and I later separated and I remember watching a video of those who died in the World Trade Center and all those emotions came
back again.
 
I reenlisted in March 2003 and have been deployed under Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and now Iraqi Freedom every month since. When I return home in November or December I will have spent nearly 4 years away from my daughters and other loved ones, with the exception of a few weekend visits here and there. It has been tough but I hope they understand one day why daddy was gone for so long.

Do you remember in the days following 9/11 when Democrats and Republicans put aside their differences on national television and joined together with American pride? Do you remember when people drove into town with American flag decals and ribbons in the back window of their cars?

Do you remember the choked up feeling you had every time you heard that patriotic song on the radio as you drove to work or carpooled the kids to and from school? I remember this time well because everywhere you went you could feel American pride in peoples voices and actions. Upon every home hung an American flag with great pride and defiance against those who threatened our land.

What happened to all of that? I began to notice things slowly change back to the way it was prior to 9/11. I drove by peoples homes and saw a tattered and worn flag where a strong and bold looking one used to hang with pride. I noticed sun faded decals either poorly removed with a scraper or just covered with some humorous bumper sticker.

I noticed the radio stations changing back to their original formats. Our lawmakers began to bicker once again as if small children searching for anything to complain about just so they could hear themselves complain. I began to feel that most Americans had forgotten or given up on their display of daily patriotism. It saddened me to see this happen.

All that changed last week. I began to receive letters from people all over that found my name and address on a website that supports troops serving in combat areas. They wanted nothing more than to let us soldiers know they supported us.

I received a letter from a 12 year old girl that said she would try to save up some money to send us things like movies, baby wipes, etc. I sat there reading it with that same choked up feeling I had several years ago when I would hear that patriotic song on the radio. I started getting more letters as the days passed and now everyday we gather around the mail truck at noon to see where the letters are coming from.
 
Getting mail from our loved ones is one of the best feelings a soldier can have over here but to get mail from a total stranger really shows how powerful compassion and pride can be and it helps motivate us all. Without people like that 12 year old little girl supporting us we could not do what we do everyday. I only wish our Vietnam Veterans had received this kind of support. Then and now we are all Americans and as Americans we must answer a call to duty to protect our way of life.

I hope by writing this I have in some way inspired at least one person to stop and take a closer look at the flag the next time you walk by and remember the blood that was shed to protect it and what it stands for. Maybe you will even shake the hand of that elderly man in the grocery store that’s wearing a WWII Veteran hat. Trust me, it would really make their day. Maybe you would just take a moment out of your day to pray for the families of those that have fallen. If you do one of these things, that means you have done your part as a patriot and I thank you.

SGT John Smith

Thank you Sgt Smith for reminding me why this is important.

Have you forgotten?  Do you remember the shock of the reality of what was happening on our home soil?  Do you remember feeling the solidarity of pride in America?  Did you fly your flag proudly?  Do you still?  Do you remember how precious your loved ones became to you?

So ... Do you remember?  And how do you mark the day?

If you are in the Tacoma area, you can show that you haven't forgotten by standing with our first responders as Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard pays their respect in a remembrance ceremony on the Tacoma Waterway.

September 11th
9 am
3301 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA

No matter where you are, please honor the pledge you made in days following the attacks ... "Never Forget" 

Whether it is a formal ceremony, or a quiet moment alone.  Please take a moment for our Fallen.  Take the time to say thank you to our heroes ... firefighters, law enforcement, ems, our troops.

And all of our first responders, remember that this is start of the annual Hero Shirt Drive for the Troops.  Check out the new program guidelines on the home page of our main site ... www.HeroToHero.US

I get this question on occasion ... "Do you know the actual numbers of the Fallen?"  I have access to the same information we all do.  The following is from wiki.answers.com ...

How many people died in the September 11, 2001 attacks?

At least 2,985 people died in the September 11th attacks, including:

19 terrorists
2,966 victims
All but 13 people died on that day. Thirteen died of their wounds. One person has died since the attacks, of lung cancer. It is suspected to have been caused by all the debris from the Twin Towers.

There were 266 people on the four planes:

American Airlines Flight 11 (crashed into the WTC): 92 (including five terrorists)
United Airlines Flight 175 (crashed into the WTC): 65 (including five terrorists)
American Airlines Flight 77 (crashed into the Pentagon: 64 (including five terrorists)
United Flight 93 (downed in Shanksville, PA): 45 (including four terrorists)
There were 2,595 people in the World Trade Center and near it, including:

343 NYFD firefighters and paramedics
23 NYPD police officers
37 Port Authority police officers
1,402 people in Tower 1
614 people in Tower 2
658 people at one company, Cantor Fitzgerald
1,762 New York residents
674 New Jersey residents
1 NYFD firefighter killed by a man jumping off the top floors of the twin towers
There were 125 civilians and military personnel at the Pentagon.

1,609 people lost a spouse or partner on 9/11. More than 3,051 children lost parents.

While there were mostly Americans killed in this horrific attack one must mention (how ever small the group) that non survivors were from other countries:

327 foreign nationals also perished.

Argentina: 4 [1] Australia: 11 Bangladesh: 6 Belarus: 1 [2] Belgium: 1 Bermuda: 1 Brazil: 3 Canada: 27 [3][4] Chile: 2 China: 4 C�te d'Ivoire: 1 Colombia: 17 Democratic Republic of the Congo: 2 Dominican Republic: 1 El Salvador: 1 Ecuador: 3 France: 1 Germany: 11 Ghana: 2 Guyana: 3 Haiti: 2 Honduras:1 India: 1 Indonesia: 1 Ireland: 6 [5] Israel: 5 Italy: 4 Jamaica: 16 Japan: 26 Jordan: 2 [6][7][8] Lebanon: 3 Lithuania: 1 Malaysia: 7 Mexico: 16 Moldova: 1 Netherlands: 1 New Zealand: 2 Nigeria: 1 Panama: 2 [9] Peru: 5 Philippines: 16 Portugal: 3 [10] Poland: 1 Russia: 1 South Africa: 2 South Korea: 28 Spain: 1 Sweden: 1 Taiwan: 1 Ukraine: 1 Uzbekistan: 1 [11] United Kingdom: 67 [12] Venezuela: 1

Thousands of people died in this tragic attack

Excluding the 19 hijackers, 2,974 people died as an immediate result of the attacks with another 24 missing and presumed dead.

Quote for the day: 
"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  George Santayana

lj

Tags: 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony2008, Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard, George Santayana

Oh noooo ~ Dry hoses!?!?!?! Just kidding

8-30-08 -- So, sometimes when things go wrong, they go right.  I went up to North Bend for the Recruit Training Academy to go through Burn to Learn, but got there a bit early.

Turns out there was another group up there for some dry hose training.  Well, I had my camera, and they looked like up & coming firefighters, so ...

Can't tell you much about this one.  I only documented what my camera caught while there.

Hope you enjoy.

lj

Note:  To answer the most asked question today ... The recruit photos I've shot this summer will post at graduation ... But they look really good!  ( ;

Tags: North Bend Fire Training Academy