In harms way

24 October 07 -- "No end in sight" exclaim the news briefs.  And those of us not in the line of fire can only imagine the unimaginable.

  Photos like these, taken from the scene by another person going into the ring of fire, rivet us. 

The pictures on this page were taken by USAF National Guardsman, Ssgt Alex Koenig of the 146th Airlift Wing, CA ...

Another case of Troops not choosing their battles any more than firefighters or police. 

We see the videos, and the faces of those who have lost all of their earthly possessions.  We think, what would I try to take with me if I had to evacuate?  Would any of it matter, as long as my loved ones escaped?   

 How do we go about our daily rituals as the flames devour more of the California earth?

Doing the tours, we have met so many of these men and women in the uniforms of their callings, as we've crossed the continent.  Some of them freshly back from desert deployment ... from under fire to the front lines of fire.  This posting shares some of the faces we keep in our thoughts and prayers as they face a daunting enemy on their own turf. 

Please tell me we are all incensed that this is the result of arson.  Landmarks, history, homes, pets, property, and now irreplaceable lives lost in this senselessness.  No life is more precious than another, but I pray that we do not continue the news coverage after the last ember has died, with streets filled to honor fallen heroes.  Some people are unavoidably in harms way ~ some volunteer to go in to harms way ... these are our Heroes.

We watch the news stories that show truck after truck, filled with firefighters and equipment, headed in from other states.  And you can't help but wonder how this affects their children, parents, mates, and friends.

 This act has impacted not only California,  but families across the country ... and even ... troops in the desert.

The National Guard is flying missions over the flames.  The CDF is stretched to their limits.  Firefighters sit at the ready, waiting for that call that will find them rushing in.  Others, exhausted & smoke saturated, catch what precious sleep they can find.  And already over a MILLION people displaced by evacautions for their safety.

Please keep a prayer in your hearts for each and every person impacted by the California Fire, and most especially for our emergency responders ... all of them ... fire, police, ems, and troops.  If you ever doubt these are heroes ... Turn on the news today.

Quietly,

lj

Tags: California Fire, CDF, 146th Airlift Wing, USAF, SSgt Alex Koenig, hero, firefighters, police, ems, troops, Air National Guard, missions

YOU can make a difference!

Oct 23, 2007 --  Ya know, there are a lot of organizations still working hard to make things more bearable for our troops.

 

Some that come to mind right off the top of my head are ... 

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/help.html

http://anysoldier.com/index.cfm

http://www.fisherhouse.org/

http://landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org/

http://hooahradio.com/dom.php 

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/help.html

http://vetsforfreedom.org/

http://www.operationquietcomfort.com/ 

https://www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php

 

There are so many more!  You can find the one that is just right for your abilities and heart.  Obviously we want you to help our efforts, but more important is that you just do SOMETHING!

 

There are some who have even been nominated for awards, which is a great morale boost.  Check out this site ... 

http://www.microsoft.com/industry/government/federal/AboveandBeyondAwards.mspx

 

There are 5 different categories, even one to honor the kids making a difference.  Check 'em out!

 

Microsoft and USO salute our troops

 

Microsoft Corporation, in partnership with the United Service

Organizations (USO), is recognizing the contributions of the military community - the friends, family, and other individuals who help brighten the lives of U.S. troops throughout the world - with the creation of the first annual Above and Beyond Awards.

 

The Above and Beyond Awards is our way of publicly honoring and thanking the outstanding commitment, exceptional service, sacrifice and achievements of individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication in brightening the lives of our troops over the past year. 

 

One of our favorites, is Marty Horn, of AnySoldier.com.  We visited him, and his wife, Sue, a couple years ago on the national tour.  They were amazing.  The whole family was involved, their home was filled with their efforts.  And you could tell it all came from the heart. 

 

We're not telling you who to vote for, only who we can speak for personally.  You have up to 5 votes.  Let those still supporting the troops after all of these years, know their work is appreciated.  As the war drags on, troop morale becomes more necessary by the day.  Oh, and, Go Marty!!!!  ( ;

 

Now ... There are some who support in unique ways that you never hear about.  And support can be made in the smallest way. 

 

As returned Canadian troop/firefighter, Jason Bosker, told us on the tour a couple years ago ... "Had someone sent me a LaBatt's Beer bottle cap, I would have known they were thinking about me back home." 

 

We have had a small sideline morale campaign going since 2003 ... operation Iraq'n'Robin.  Simple idea really.  Here in the great Pacific Northwest, we have Red Robin Restaurants.  They have these fun glasses they give out for birthdays, etc. 

 

I approached a Red Robin manager and explained what I had in mind, and they gave us about 300 pairs of these glasses. 

 

We send them to deployed units with directions that they be put away until such time as morale has bottomed and they need a cheer up.  At that time, they're pulled into formation and don their new "equipment".  The smiles are instant, and the cameras capture them.

 

We got more glasses before the last national tour, and let the hometown heroes have a taste of how it feels to get this morale treatment.  See, something as small as a pair of cardboard glasses can make a difference!  Check out the pix, you can see the miles of smiles.  Thank you to Red Robin Restaurants!!!  Keep those glasses coming! 

 

YOU can make a difference, too!  Make sure your local fire and police know about the HeroToHero.US effort ... and this includes Canada too, eh.

 

The Hero Shirt Drive is on!  We need the shirts off the backs of our Hometown Heroes, by Valentine's Day (Feb 14th). 

 

All shirts (hats, etc) must bear hometown department logos.  Write your message of support on them, and send them to us at ...

 

HeroToHero.US

Attn: Liz Jackson
5700 100th Ave SW
Suite 224
Lakewood, WA 98499

 

For our Canadian heroes, send to ...

 

Hero To Hero

Attn: Kevin McHarg

1940 Avenue Road - SS1

Bright's Grove, Ontario

Canada N0N 1C0

 

How many do we need?  All you have!  We will ship them out at the annual PackOut event.  For more info, check out: http://herotohero.us/FirstResponders.htm

 

And troops, you want the shirts from your hometown?  Let 'em know about the effort, and to get on the adoption list.

 

 We'll adopt your entire unit, not just you!  Go to: http://herotohero.us/Troops.htm

 

We've sent nearly 20,000 shirts, to date.  As long as we get the shirts, if you request adoption, you'll get them, too!  You may just receive a shirt from YOUR hometowns.  They haven't forgotten about you!

                    

This is a chance to show your support without politics.  There are no pro or antiwar stances ... Just the ultimate act of support ... The very shirts off the back of our hometown heroes.

 

Remember our tag line - it's true ...

TROOPS DON'T CHOOSE THEIR BATTLES

ANY MORE THAN FIREFIGHTERS OR POLICE!

 

(This shirt hangs in the Pentagon Security Forces office.  It was done by members of Fort Lewis' Henry Lind NCO Academy, to honor our hometown heroes at the Pentagon)

 

lj

Tags: herotohero.us, anysoldier.com, hero, firefighter, police, troop morale campaign, Red Robin REstaurants, Pentagon, deployed, troops, support

Up and coming!

Oct 20 & 21, 2007 -- Training at Lakewood Fire Training Center, for Riverside, Brown's/Dash Point, & Edgewood.  Youth, hunger and experience came together for a weekend of learning in the hometown of HeroToHero.US

Three rigs provided the hoses for the training, and yes, that one is blue!    They call it the "Big Blue Machine" ...    I've always called it the Cookie Monster.  It's one of my favorite vehicles.  We're told there are others in Rhode Island, but after 4 years, I can't say we've ever seen them.  Anyone else know of other blue rigs?  Would love to know.  We're trying to get it set up to have the BBM on display in the Hero Static Display at the PackOut, on March 8th.  You oughta come see it!

As I draft this post about up & coming young firefighters doing a training this past weekend, the TV news in the background shows flames and evacuations in southern California due to out of control fires.  The reporter announces that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has "volun-told" national Guardsmen off the border, and that every firefighter is needed to help in the battle.

It is all too clear that we can never have enough Firefighters ... and other emergency responders.  The follow up story was that on the other side of the country, back down in our beloved New Orleans, they are facing another threat that has first responders working overtime ... flooding.

So as I edit these photos, I can't help but wonder what these fresh-faced young firefighters will experience in their careers.    It is always the eyes, truly the windows to the souls of our heroes, that speak volumes.

Today the biggest worry is which way do I crank this fitting?  Will I drag this crazy-heavy hose the full length required?  Will I get this right?    It is their dedication to this noble calling that drives them to do it right ... every time!  It can be humbling ... as it most assuredly, should be.  You watch one, or two, momentarily stumble.  But they get right back up and tackle it all again, ... with a lot of support from all sides.  No one quits, and there is no crying in firefighting!  At least not at this level ... not yet. 

Sadly, for each of these young men and women,  <<...And there are more women with every class! ... there will be that one moment, that one fire, that one response that will break through the facade of fearlessness. 

These are the faceless heroes who rush in as others rush out.  These faces will weather, and hopefully in the lines they accumulate on their faces over years of service, will come deep laugh lines around eyes.  Hopefully when they look back, they will smile  watching the next ones climb the ladder.

Just as some of you look at these faces and say, "they are so young, these are babies" ... they are the same age as our troops in the desert as this is written.  And they are cut of the same cloth.

My heart always swells when I watch the new kids coming into the ranks.  (And yes, the mom in me is very proud that one of them is my son.)

Say a prayer for all of our heroes in harm's way.  These are our best battling our worst.  Our hearts go out to all ofour people battling the blazes ... and from HeroToHero.US, a special prayer for all the emergency responders.

For the instructors, you are amazing, and you make such a difference.  Never let them forget how much heart is needed for this calling, and be proud of the young heroes you are growing!

For the training crews... you look great!   Thanks for sharing your smiles, hope you like your pix!  Now, go learn what HeroToHero.US is all about ... we WILL see you in the future!

( ;

lj

**Remember to use these photos, just give us photo credit  "Photos courtesy of www.HeroToHero.US "   To get the best version of the pic for use, double click the one(s) you want, when they enlarge, cut & paste them in to your own folder.

Tags: hero, Edgewood, Riverside, Dash Point, Brown's Point, fire, heroes, Schwarzenegger, national guard

Hey BadAsses ... You're in great company!

So, there you are ... You're going about your duties as an all-American (or Canadian) first responder.  And this crazy redhead comes up and notifies you that it's time for you to do your<<"BadAss Shot"

You look perplexed, and then one of your coworkers informs that this is the traditional trademark photo for HeroToHero.US

Ahhh ... So you cross your arms over your chest, and without a smile, look directly into the lens of the camera aiming up at you.  (A true & proper version has NO smiles ... and for some, that is happlily, a foreign concept!) 

Congratulations!  You've just done your HeroToHero.US BadAss Shot.  And you are in amazing company.  From your department, to Ground Zero, the Pentagon, Shanksville, the ravaged Gufl Coast, Alaska, Canada, Britain, stateside military bases, the desert, and beyond ... You are not alone!

We have these photos from all over North America, and the desert, as well.  To date, the highest one was done atop the Empire State Bldg, by our US Navy heroes.  Fire, police, emt's, Customs, troops, American, Canadian, British (any of our allies), loved ones of our troops ... We want YOU to get "BadAss" for the cause!  You can send us your photos for posting, too.

We have Canadian Heroes showing their support,  << children of our Heroes doing it Bada** Style for us (This lil guy is our youngest so far.  Nicely done, Logan!),  << wounded warriors, & deployed troops paying it back, families of our Fallen Heroes showing serious BadAss, Honor Guard Pipers & Drummers ... civilian sponsors who truly give from the heart ... (Here it's one of our Hooter's lovelies)  ...Pipers & Drummers, and yes, that is the President of the IAFF, Harold Schaitberger in with all the others.

**Rumor has it that we could soon have an "out of this world" BadAss Shot!  Trust me, you will all know it when that one happens!  ( ;

One of our favorite heroes, Seattle firefighter/Honor Guard member and diver, "Smokey", got his crew together and did theirs in the water... << Smokey (center BadAss) also has the claim to fame of being the only H2H Hero to be coined underwater with the Director's Coin.

As I look back over four years of tours and various stops at various departments, stations, and houses, it is the BadAss Shots that bring the biggest smile.  More and more shots are added constantly to the collection.  We're currently routing our 5th tour ... more BadAsses!

You guys (& gals ... more by the day!) are awesome.  Thank you for supporting the HeroToHero.US Troop morale Campaign.

Remember the Shirt Drive is on!  We NEED your shirts for our deployed troops!  Mail them to:

     HeroToHero.US

     attn: Liz Jackson

     5700 100th Ave SW

     Suite 224

     Lakewood, Wa 98499  

     Email address: HeroShirts@aol.com  

**Unless you are one of our Canadian Heroes!  Your shirts go to your troops in Afghanistan.  Send to ...

     Hero To Hero

     Attn: Kevin McHarg

     1940 Avenue Road - SS1

     Bright's Grove, Ontario

     Canada  N0N 1C0

     Canadian e-mail address: mchargs@xcelco.on.ca

Deadline is Valentine's Day ... Unless you will be joining us for the 5th Annual PackOut event on march 8th.  And if you're a 1st responder, you know you're invited ... especially if you are a Honor Guard Pipe/Drums.  E-mail us for info, question or concerns. 

HeroShirts@aol.com  Subject line "PackOut"  You can also send us your department BadAss shots, subject line: BadAss Shot/(add your department name).

**As always these are YOUR photos!  The best way to get them for your use is to double click the photo, it will enlarge.  At that point you can cut & paste it to your own folder. 

Please be sure to give us photo credit if you post any of our photos anywhere.  That should read "Photos courtesy of  www.HeroToHero.US"

Check back, I'll continue to add your BadAss Shots!   Hey, BadAsses ... Y'all rock!

lj >> the crazy redhead

Tags: hero, hero to hero, bad ass, photos, military, deployed, support, first repsonder, fire, police, emt, packout, national tour,canada, america, desert

Now THAT's FLEXing!

13 Oct 2007 -- Fort Lewis "FLEXed" their muscles in a show of their abilities.  And ... added a chili cook-off for good measure.  All of it benefiting Fort Lewis' Fisher House.  To contact them ... FHMAMC@aol.com

A small crowd gathered for the day's events.  If you are from Western Washington, it makes perfect sense that had it been a cloudy, overcast day in October, they'd have likely had larger numbers.  But when a Saturday is as beautiful as today was, us Sounders like to get out and enjoy the colors of the turning trees; like Trix ... raspberry red, lemon yellow, and orange-orange.

But a small crowd just meant more for those in attendance.

The Boy Scouts came out to support the effort, manning the giveaway table.  Food was plentiful and good!

But without doubt, the stars of the day was the FLEX (Fort Lewis Extrication) Team.  They did not one, but two, different demonstrations.  And though I hope never to need their services, I am sure glad we have such capable teams in our community!

Enjoy the photos.  Remember, you are more than welcome to cut & paste them ... just be sure to click "View Larger", for the best size.  Also, if you post them, please give credit to www.HeroToHero.US  There are plenty to choose from!

And if you'd like to see the FLEX Team in action, make sure to join us for the PackOut on March 8th!

For more info on the FLEX Team ... www.FlexTeam.org  

Great job guys!  And always good to spend a day with our Fort Lewis Firefighter heroes!

lj

Uncase those colors!!!

11 October 2007 -- They're home!  They're home!

 

It's been well over a year since our brave men and women of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team 2nd Infantry Division "Arrowhead", were home and safe with their friends and loved ones.

 

The various units began returning in September, now it was time for the uncasing of the colors.  The flags of our Stryker units are flying once more on our base ... Which officially means ... THEY ARE HOME!

 

And so it was that the weather Gods of Washington took a shine over Fort Lewis, and Mount Rainier stood proudly in the distance to represent for a state hard hit with deployments and loss.

 

Looking out at Gray Army Airfield, the soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, facing the assembled gathering of loved ones friends, and supporters for their efforts.

 

Brigadier General Donald M. Campbell, and Brigade Commander Colonel Stephen J. Townsend, stood at the helm, overseeing a perfect ceremony.

 

Then they stepped it up, and a very fresh looking Stryker vehicle made its entrance, retrieving the reviewing party from front and center.  It then circled around, stopping momentarily in front of each Company.  The crowd loved it, and it was very much a great show for & from our Strykers.

 

But just as we thought we'd seen the end, came the absolute crowning moment for every one with a heart and a tie to our troops.  It was announced that they could not proceed because not all of their returned troops were in formation. 

 

With that, from either side of the red, white & blue tents, came our wounded warriors.  Some on crutches, some limping, still bandaged, some rolling out in their wheelchairs ... all bringing tears to even the strongest soldiers in the crowd.  The Stryker Brigade has sacrificed so much, and still they stand strong and proud ... it is testament to the men and women wearing the uniforms that serve our nation.

 

Everyone in the crowd realized the meaning of this moment.  Next to the podium as I snapped photos, there was a gentleman in a wheelchair.  Several seats to his left an elderly gentleman caught my eye.  Both of these strong men stood, with great effort to do so, to pay their respects.  Turning to my right, the eyes of a soldier involved in the ceremony drew me in.  He never let a tear fall, he stood powerful silent in his position, but his face said everything in his heart.  This is one of those moments that is now imprinted and will stay with me forever.

 

For the uncasing ceremony, veterans from varying eras of service gathered proudly to participate in raising the colors once more on their home turf.

 

Another moment that I will cherish was taking a few family photos for a soldier who lost both legs.  I did not want to to assume anything in taking his picture, and I never want to exploit anyone's life situation.  I asked if he was okay with a full view shot, and he informed me with a smile that he had "... earned those legs."

 

He had a huge smile, and an air of pride about him as he posed in his chair with his new legs inthe forefront.  The pride hung in the air, buoyed by his family.  The love for him was patently obvious.  His wife draped herself around his strong, straight shoulders.   Her smile, and the twinkling in their eyes, spoke to the love in this union.  His children were reluctant to step away from him as I needed another angle.  This their father, and they are proud.  Even his mom-in-law ... We laughed as she hugged him so tight it was almost a choke hold.  I was surprised to hear this was not his birth mother.

 

We see a lot of wounded troops.  Some you worry about ... I have no worries about this man.  Only respect!

 

All around, families hugged and posed with their returned heroes.  Even though they had returned weeks before today, it was a homecoming.  Our heroes were home!  Soldiers smiled widely, and did the traditional Hero To Hero "BadAss" shot ...

 

Over to one side of the parade area a large gathering was happening.  The 5-20th (Jake was in Charlie Company) was making a special presentation.

 

A large trophy appeared as we heard about the "Race to Iraq".  Started by members of the 5-20 Family Readiness Group (FRG). The idea was to "walk" to Iraq, by doing the equivalent in miles of walking/exercise to span the gap from Fort Lewis to Iraq. 

 

If I heard correctly (And please feel free to write me the complete story ... I'll post it) it is about 6,821 miles, and the base got involved walking the distance about 17 times!   The 5-20 wives raised the cup high in the air, jubilant in their efforts, as their soldiers clapped for them.

 

With that, it was back to the hangars, where Teddy Bear's BBQ & Catering, once more stepped up for the cause of troop support, and provided a delicious meal for all in attendance.  And of course, if you're in Washington, you must have beautiful apples.  Add to that, trays & trays of Oreo cookies, and free ice cream provided by Cool Cycles Ice Cream Co., ... and you've got some happy tummies, young & old!

 

In the background, a very talented sax player added ambience.  Near the doors, efforts to raise funds for the new Stryker Brigade memorial continued.  This will be very impressive, and has been hard-earned by the soldiers and their loved ones.  **You can reach Tom Grandy about the effort, at Arrowhead Soldier and Family Fund -- grandyt@yahoo.com

 

Sitting outside the hangar was the very Stryker vehicle that had gone the length of the assembled troops.  Children clamored over it, soldiers posed with their folks, sweethearts, and more.  There was such obvious pride.

 

And there were moments of tears mixed with that pride, for the troops who were not with us.  Parents hugged, and held each other close, with strong, yet wounded smiles for the day.   Over their hearts they wore photos of their Hero.  They came to honor, they came to memorialize, and they came, hopefully to heal.

 

The crowds thinned as we all made our way to our cars.  Behind us the Stryker fired up, and rolled quietly out the gates.

 

What came out of this day was the renewed reality that there is only one thing stronger than our troops, and that is the love of the families who waited for this day for so long.

 

We love you all.  We salute each and every troop of the 3-2 Stryker Brigade ...

 

Welcome home!

 

lj & the HeroToHero.US teams

 

PS ... These are your smiles, your photos.  It may seem like there are a lot of duplicates, but there are a lot of troops, and I hope each of them got to see how good they looked today.  Click "View Larger", and you can cut and paste these for your use.  Please credit the HeroToHero.US Troop Morale Campaign if you post them elsewhere.

 

And be sure to mark your calendar for the March 8th PackOut of the Hero Shirts for the troops outthere now!  More to follow.

Tags: 3-2 Stryker Bde, Stryker, Fort Lewis, 5-20th, Homecoming, Memorial, Uncasing, Hero, wounded

Farewell to the Chief

October 8, 2007 -- Today family, friends, and a whole mess of firefighters came to honor and memorialize retired TFD Battalion Chief Jim Hannity.

While there were obvious somber moments, this was not designed to be a day of sadness.  This was a celebration of a man who obviously, touched and impacted many lives during his own.

  Holy Rosary Church was filled with love and uniforms for the service.  It is a beautiful church that sits on one of the higher elevation of Tacoma.  The interior is even more grand than might expect, while the outside goes through much of the same renovations that the overpasses and roads are experiencing.  As such, it was a tad difficult to get photos without the telltale orange barrels and construction tape sneaking into frame.

Outside, Engine 2 stood in wait with black buntings attached.  This would be the Chief's final ride.  And it would be just as he wanted.

Inside, the TFD Honor Guard Pipers made ready with their pipes, final adjustments done.

Outside, Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard studied the steps they would take to make this as perfect as it could be.

And then the doors opened, and something kind of special happened.  Some may say it was the wind, but I was out there taking photos as all was being set up, and I tried to get a nice shot of the flags, but they hung limply on their poles.  I didn't notice it til I was editing these photos, but in every shot, both of the flags are standing out for perfect shots.  Wind?  Maybe.  But you don't see anyone's hair blowing, and nothing else is blowing around.

Maybe it's nothing, and maybe it is true that there are special things that happen when so many come together to honor a person loved and respected.  Your call, but it sure made for great photo backdrops.

About this time, the procession lined up for the last ride.  I followed the Honor Guard to get set up for the arrival of the Chief, at Mountain View Cemetery. 

It had been chilly earlier in the day, but now it was just downright nice out.  The stormy, rainy weather of the past few days was no where in sight, and all was proceeding beautifully.

A quick run through to make sure all was right, and then the rigs began arriving. 

The casket was lifted carefully from the top of the engine, and lowered with care.    The gathered mourners stood quietly together.  And then, as if on cue, from a near distance, the sounds of another company responding, sirens wailing.  It just seemed to be the right soundtrack to the moment.

After the graveside ceremony we all made our way to Local 31's Union Hall for the reception/wake.  And again it was made clear that this was not a day to mourn, but to remember with fondness, laughter, and only a few tears.

Food was plentiful, and very good.  And if you stayed thirsty, you had no one to blame but yourself, as there was much to choose from in the tubs of ice, or on counters and tables.  The flowers, and tributes were the right touch. 

Among the tributes, the amazing works of art the Chief made for the Honor Guard; the axes and poles.  Obviously created with pride and love. They are carried by the TFD Honor Guard with those same feelings.  The was a really nice plaque with personal words and a picture of him, along with several aged photos of the Jim, including a team photo from his youth.  And amongst the tributes, we were asked to bring our HeroToHero.US mascot, Chief, (named for Chief Hannity) to the wake.  **See more about H2H at the end of this post.

This was a wonderful day ... a perfect farewell for a family touched too deeply by loss.  (Jim's sister, Donna, passed away just 2 weeks earlier.  Her presence was very much felt today.)

Special thanks to TFD FF Kurt Gordon for taking some really nice photos of the interior of the church during the service.  You always do a great job, Kurt!

There are a lot of pix, so I will post in order of events for the day.  Remember, you can click "View Larger", then cut & paste any photo you like.  I hope you see some you like,  It was my honor to take them.

Rest in peace, Chief.

lj and the entire crew of HeroToHero.US

**To answer the questions about HeroToHero.US, our mascot, and the connection to Chief Hannity ...

HeroToHero.US is first responders giving the shirts off their backs to our desert deployed troops.  This program honors out troops, firefighters and police.  We have sent nearly 20,000 shirts to our troops ... many of them deployed form Fort Lewis ... and are in the middle of our 5th shirt drive, right now.

Annually, we do a (inter)national tour honoring our fallen and wounded fire, police & troops.  The tour is 55 cities (honoring our family's fallen soldier, Stryker Sgt Jake Herring, whose high school football number was 55).  It takes 6 weeks to cover the 10, 000 to 12,000 miles we drive on the tour.

When we leave, there is a big send off .  Western Washington first responders have become an integral part of the send off ... and Jim Hannity was at the start & heart of it all.  Due to Chief Hannity's input, when we leave, the overpasses on I-5, through Pierce County, are covered with fire personnel.  Law enforcement escorts us on the road, along with troops in military vehicles. 

It is really something to see, and truly shows the heart and camaraderie of our heroes.  It also buoys us and shows the rest of the country that no matter our politics, or stance on the situation in the desert ... Washington State first responders DO support our troops, and they show their hearts when they do it.  The send off was named this past year to pay our respects to the Chief for his support, it is now known as "Hannity's Crossing".  

The next "Hannity's Crossing" will be at high noon on Saturday, May 17, 2008.  Stay tuned to this journal as the date draws nearer for more info.  Oh, and mark your calendars for March 8th, if you want to help with the HeroToHero.US troop morale campaign PackOut.  This is when we pack the shirts out to the troops, and it is a lot of fun.

Our mascot, Chief, was named to honor Jim.  Every pin on him was put there by the department it represents, from TFD, to Ground Zero, the Pentagon, Canada, and so many more.  This is our 3rd main mascot ... we have what we call "stunt bears" so those we meet on the road can play with the mascot.  This year the mascots were Chief & Rookie.  Chief was honored, Rookie got his butt kicked.  We're told that's pretty true to life.  lol

At the next Hannity's Crossing, Chief will be retired for permanent display to the Tacoma Fire Department.  We're pretty sure if Jim had been around then, he would have fashioned the display box, himself!

Jim Hannity was an Air Force vet, and proudly supported our troops.  The following is a great example ... 

Today before arriving at the reception, a contingent of firefighters went to his favorite hangout, at the 43rd St Pub.  They were there to pay their respects to the Chief, and to hang an embassy flag sent to him from Iraq, over the top of the pub.  It was a class act, and showed a lot about the heart of our firefighters, and the respect they had for the Chief.  It also shows that the troops appreciated him as well. 

On my way home, I took a roundabout route and swung by the pub to get a photo of the flag.  As I pulled up, it hung limply on the pole.   I tried from the lit side to get a good shot, no luck.  I went to the other side and once again today, a perfectly waving flag.  Nice touch, Chief!

BTW, this was not meant to be a commercial for the cause, but a good number of Jim's family and friends asked about the connection.