National Tour

12:44:41 AM PDT
Feeling Hopeful

  IMPORTANT!!!   REVISED DIRECTIONS FOR THE TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT HONOR GUARD AND PIPERS "9-11 REMEMBRANCE" & "HERO TO HERO '06 OFFICIAL KICK OFF"

Sunday, September 11th, 2005 ... 0830-0930 

3301 Ruston Way, Tacoma, Wa ...at the Firefighter's Memorial on the waterfront.

We will be joined by very special guests ... Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma, TFD Deputy Chief Ron Stephens, Soldiers and Sailors currently based in the Puget Sound.

The Tacoma Fire Dept Honor Guard Pipers will play before and during the cereony.

Bikers from Fife Destination Harley will ride in ... bearing gifts for the troops!

Tacoma & South Hill KrispyKreme's are supplying donuts again, and Mountain Mist and Firehouse Coffee will make sure our thirsts are quenched.

The event is open to the public, and we would love to have you attend.  So, pay close attention to the following directions...

Tacoma is holding an annual run that coincidentally goes very near the site of our event.  We didn't find out about it til very recently, and are doing our best to recover.  Oh sigh, lol!  

For the safety of the runners, the usual route you would take to the Firefighter Memorial is not available.  (And boy will this be a hoot for any out-of-towners who don't get this info ahead of time)   (Shuster Parkway will be closed from 0800-1200)  

~The prelude to our events will begin with the Tacoma Fire Department Pipers at 0815~  

Park at the fire boat, on Ruston Way (Luciano's Restaurant parking lot)  

We look forward to seeing you there!  Please forward to anyone who might be attending -- don't want to lose anyone!  

Any questions, or concerns, please feel free to call ... 253-279-9817 or 253-677-5997  

Thanks, Liz & All  

PS ... We have been getting calls from departments across the country espressing interest in the program ... in just the last 2 days Sacramento, CA FD & LaVerne, CA FD came on board!   Welcome, you are our newest Heroes!   

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1:34:32 AM PDT
Feeling Sad
Hearing This used to be my playground ... Madonna

We all stand as a nation, and watch as pieces of our our country are swallowed up in the ravaging waters of Katrina's wake.

People stranded, and in desperate need.  Pets and animals left confused and hungry.

My heart breaks, and the tears fight to be freed once more as I watch the news coverage.

This part of the country has been my home, and like many, we have family and friends in the south.  To our knowledge we have not suffered any personal losses ... only heard the horror stories of so many.  And we feel helpless.

More than any time since 9/11, we are once more aware of the bravery and selflessness of our Heroes ... Firefighters, Law Enforcement and the Military.  Once more they are heading in, as so many are trying to get out.

Once more they are working tirelessly, leaving their own homes and families to tend to the safety and well-being of strangers.  God bless them, every one.

With them, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, FEMA, and medical personnel ... the Silent Heroes who are so often faceless.  Today we see them, they are not in fancy offices, they are dirty, tired, and wet, and will be working round-the-clock to make this right, as soon as possible.

Please pray for every person affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Pray for an end to the insanity of the looting.  Pray for the resolve of the human spirit in each of us.

And please answer the call for help ... www.RedCross.org, and the Salvation Army www.1800salarmy.org.  Beware the inevitable few that will do the unthinkable, and try to make a profit from this disaster.

Hero To Hero sends special love to the firefighters in New Orleans ... Raoul, we wish you and all of the men and women in your department a safe, and timely return to normal.

Baton Rouge,Mobile, Biloxi (all places we have visited on national tours) ... God Speed!

lj

ps ... Rhonda, if the D-Mat goes in, know that we will be thinking of your well-being,too!

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3:34:53 PM PDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Holiday ... Green day

Wow, where are the days going?  Seems like we just ended the tour, but as I look at the calendar, September 11th looms large on the page.

This day has so many emotions attached.  As a nation, I'm sure there are many ways this will be observed. 

As for those of us involved in the HeroToHero.us effort, September 11th will find us standing once more with Heroes & Angels ... as we kick off the official shirt drive for Hero To Hero '06.

The kick off follows immediately after the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony held by the Tacoma Fire Department.

We will join them at the Firefighter Memorial on Ruston Waterway, in Tacoma, Washington.

This event takes place at 8:30 am.  The public is invited, along with military members and their families.

Folks, this will be the second anniversary of our involvement in the Remembrance.  Last year, we were joined by troops from the 25BSB and the 73rd Eng from Fort Lewis ... they deployed shortly therafter, and are almost done with their rotation in the sand.  We can't wait for their return!

Firefighters and Police from local agencies stood with us, then joined in the revelry as shirts were exchanged with the troops.

Fife Destination Harley rode in tribute, and came bearing gifts for the troops attending.  A great time was had by all!

If you have the morning open, and would like to attend a wonderful tribute by the Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard and Pipers ... please join us for the kick off! 

And yes, SHertz will be out of hibernation, and joining us as well.

Spread the word!  If you are local to FortLewis, or MCChord ... or even Everett, and Bremerton ... we would love to see you! 

Come shake the hand of a Hero on September 11th!

And all you stateside Heroes ... get those shirt drives rolling!  You have 'til Valentine's Day to get them to us for the big pack out.

For more information, check the contact link, and we will answer any questions you might have.

lj

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1:17:08 PM PDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Thanks for the memories

Aside from the main goal of the national tour being to spread the word of the program far and wide across America, our other intent was to meet and award our three unsuspecting national honorees.

The Angels of the HeartStones, who are the driving force behind Hero To Hero, had the final decision in who would be so awarded.

The final choices were actually pretty darned easy, if the truth be told.  Criteria was, continued support for our troops, above and beyond the norm. 

The most important consideration was that their motives were pure, that their intent was to improve the morale of our troops.  We eschewed political organizations, as that belies one of our basic tenets.

Awards consisted of a flag flown over Baghdad, on a Blackhawk med-evac mission and accompanying certificate ... and a plaque in the shape of Washington State, with military branch insignias ... and of course, our logo.

National Honorees for Hero To Hero 2005

JERRY GRINSTEAD ~

Jerry Grinstead has been a driving force for Hero To Hero this past year.  He visits fire departments across the country as a part of his occupation.  Before he heads out for one of these visits, he copies off the Hero To Hero info packet, and introduces the program to the station he is visiting.

Jerry has single-handedly (well, with the help of his amazing family) brought in well over 500 shirts for our troops.

As if that is not enough, EVERY shirt they send has a message and photo packet attached!  We hope troops receiving one of these shirts take the time to drop him a message!

Jerry's grandson, John, is currently serving in the desert.  He sends packages regularly to John's unit, and others.   Everything he does is positive and inspirational.

To meet this man and his family and friends was one of the true highpoints of the national tour.

Jerry is also known by many of you as "Pops" ... he is also a constant morale booster for Hero To Hero, and the Angels of the HeartStones.

We love ya, Pops!

 

MARTY HORN/ANYSOLDIER.COM ~

Marty & Sue Horn have been doing what they do for several years now.  Their son is deployed, and they wanted to make sure that no soldier went without something from home.

Some families cannot afford to send packages on a regular basis to their deployed loved one, AnySoldier.com teams up people who want to do something to show their support for our troops, with their mission of sending to all.  The results have been phenomenal.

They have also been strong advocates for Hero To Hero & Operation HeartStone!  There are times when we were struggling, that they came to our aid ... without asking for anything in return.  They have been our heroes in many ways!

Kathy & I stayed with the Horn Family during the trip, seeing their set up is pretty darned impressive!   Their kids are great, too! 

Do yourself, and a soldier, a favor ... check out their website.

www.AnySoldier.com

 

MAINE TROOP GREETERS ~

This group has been at it for longer than most of us ... they began back in Desert Storm, greeting & sending off troops from Bangor, Maine.

This is a group of people ... a good number of them veterans ... who get up and go to the Bangor, Maine Airport at all hours. 

When word of a plane full of troops gets to them, they spring into action!  No troop leaves without knowing that there are people who will go above and beyond to give them that last touch of home.  No troop comes home without getting a full and proper welcome from these wonderful people.

They have a room set up with memorabilia from the troops they have met.  The pride in the room is apparent.  The effect this room has had on the troops is even more evident.

There are cell phones provided for them to say farewell when they leave, and a jubilant "I'm home!" when they return.

There are refreshments, and people to talk to, and a feeling of home ... all provided by the Maine Troop Greeters. 

Check out their website at ... www.MaineTroopGreeters.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

These folks represent the very best in America.  They have stepped up to the plate, and are willing to work tirelessly to make a difference for our troops.

We are honored to have met every single one of these people! 

If you know of a person or group who is going well above and beyond in their continued support of our troops, we would love to honor them.  We will post your stories right here .. be sure to add photos.

Send information to HwyToHeroes@aol.com , we will check it out, and highlight these fine folks on the website.  They may just be one of our three our National Honorees for Hero To Hero 2006.

lj

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12:44:21 AM PDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing The Reason ... Hoobastank

Today we were sent several links to this story about a shirt that found a new home in the hands of a troop in Iraq. 

There were a number of news stories and interviews done on the national tour.  We count on local contacts to send us links, as we are usually on the road again before the stories are aired, or printed.  Below are stories we have received links for so far, please add yours if you have one! 

(Most stories are accurate, there are always some things that get lost in translation.  Some can be quite humorous ... such as the story that had us on the road for over a month before we'd been out even two weeks, AND ... claimed that we would visit ALL 55 STATES!  Kathy is hoping that next year we can visit Hawaii, and those other 5 states!  lol)

We LOVE hearing about the shirts and where they end up. It's always great for the departments that make the effort to show their support, to see the faces of the men and women serving our country who now have their shirts.

***A request was sent for the mailing address for shirts you have collected.  (Bear in mind that the official shirt drive begins September 11th, and those collected shirts will ship in February.) 

Be sure to add your messages on those shirts!  If you want to attach any contact info for the troop receiving your shirts, staple it firmly to the INSIDE of the shirt.  This gives a bettter chance of the contact info remaining attached during packing.

The address is: 

Hero To Hero

Attn: Liz Jackson

PO Box 98954

Lakewood, WA 98498

If you have a story and/or pictures from the desert, that you'd like to share ... we will post here for you!  Show our stateside heroes where their shirts are!  Let 'em know they are appreciated!

******************************************************

From the Mount Shasta News...

http://www.mtshastanews.com/articles/2005/06/22/news/09weedfiretshirts.txt

Sgt. Travis Johnson, originally from St. Louis, MO. and currently stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA, is deployed to Mosul, Iraq with the Army's 73rd Engineer Company of the 1st Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) 24th Infantry Division.

He is shown here with the Stryker he commands. A Stryker is a light armored fast attack vehicle outfitted with a plow to safely detonate mines and I.E.D. devices, and a protective fence to deflect missiles and RPG's.

Over the last few months t-shirts were gathered from fire departments all over the United States, boxed and shipped to troops at military bases in Iraq through the Hero-to-Hero program. When Sgt. Johnson blindly reached into the box sent to his base in Mosul and pulled out this t-shirt from the Weed Fire Department, he was surprised.

Although many other soldiers would have liked the shirt just for the name on it, Sgt. Johnson was especially pleased to get it because he not only knew where Weed is, but he has ties to the community having visited Weed last summer with his wife, Tracy Collier Johnson, the granddaughter of Ed and Bettie Day and niece to Bernard and Catherine Collier, all of Weed plus other aunts, uncles, and many cousins in the local areas.

Travis and Tracy both offered a "Hello" to the soldiers and thanks to the community for thinking of the troops during this time when families are so far apart.

The Weed Fire t-shirts are on sale through the Internet at weedfiredept.com and they are made in Mount Shasta by Custom Designs and can be purchased at fireteeshirts@snowcrest.com 

**************************************************************

From Boston ...

MSP Participates in *Shirts Off Your Back* Drive

On June 1, 2005 members of the Massachusetts State Police met with representatives of the organization called Hero to Hero at Boston Police Headquarters to donate autographed shirts to military personnel who are serving overseas.

Hero to Hero had asked military members:   “Who did they see as their heroes.”  The majority responded: “The police, the firemen and the emergency responders who keep my family safe while I’m away.”  Hero to Hero responded by initiating a “Shirts off Your Back” drive.  The organization is now traveling cross-country to raise awareness for the troops and to collect as many shirts as possible.  These shirts will be distributed to military personnel overseas.  The shirts were hand delivered to Boston Police Headquarters by Lt. Sharon Costine and members of the H Troop Motorcycle Unit.

Due to the generous donation by the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the State Police Commissioned Officers Association, shirts were donated and signed by both current and retired members of the Massachusetts State Police. 

If you would like more information on the Hero to Hero organization please visit the following website:   herotohero.us.

*************************************************************

Link for the Columbia, South Carolina article ...

http://herotohero.us/news_info-1.htm   **********************************************************   And, from Clarksville, Tennessee   http://herotohero.us/clarks_ville-2.htm     Project asks emergency workers to give shirts off backs

By CHANTAL ESCOTO
The Leaf-Chronicle  

A project designed to "give the shirt off your back" for those who save lives in the U.S. and overseas recently made a stop in Clarksville.

Hero to Hero organizers Kathy Green and Liz Jackson from Tacoma, Wash., are asking firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel to give up their shirts for the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their goal is to reach 55 cities in three weeks.

"When these soldiers are deployed, it gives them a piece of their hometown," Green said. "Especially from someone who they consider a hero."

Clarksville Fire Rescue Main Street station firefighters Brian Midkiff and Matt Wibking had no problem getting involved, since they both served in a combat zone before starting with the department last month.

Midkiff was in Afghanistan with the 20th Special Forces, and Wibking served with the 1st Marines Division in Iraq twice.

"I think it's a good thing if it helps with the morale of the troops," Midkiff said.

Clarksville's stop was number 19 on the list of destinations of the Hero to Hero campaign. Green and Jackson are trekking in a minivan all the way to Norfolk, Va., to pick up shirts for the troops and ship them overseas.

But the plan doesn't end just at local public safety agencies signing their shirts.

Green and Jackson are also asking if service members will give the shirts off their backs to the heroes at home who save lives in their neighborhoods.

Jackson started the project when her cousin, Sgt. Jake Herring with the Army's Stryker Brigade and a Tacoma motorcycle police officer, James G. Lewis, both lost their lives in the line of duty and were memorialized on the same day last year.

Clarksville Fire Rescue Assistant Chief David Clinard said Jackson and Green are doing something worthy that helps everyone remember all those who serve selflessly.

"It shows support for our troops and our country," Clinard said. "It's kind of a reminder for us that we still have troops over there."

Chantal Escotocovers military affairs and can be reached by telephone at 245-0216 or by e-mail at chantalescoto@theleafchronicle.com.

Originally published May 29, 2005

(*Accompanies photo #8 ...) Firefighters Brian Midkiff, left, and Matt Wibking with the Clarksville Fire Rescue Main Street station hold up their shirts, which they will give to the Hero to Hero project.

FOR MORE

For more information or to donate to Hero to Hero project, visit the Web stie at www.herotohero.us.

*************************************************************

There were other articles written, if you know of one that we have omitted, please send it, as this means we don't have a copy!

www.HeroToHero.US  ...Because it takes all of US to make a difference for US troops!

lj

 

 

 

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9:52:01 PM PDT
Feeling Chillin'
Hearing Sentimental journey

I have been going through the journal trying to catch up on things that were left undone when the days grew longer, yet got incredibly short all at the same time.  If that makes no sense, then I am still tired and need more down time.

I have almost found my floor again, it was my house that received the contents of the van after the trip.  Actually, it is here that everything is stored for our events.

It is overwhelming to see how many shirts are here waiting to be shipped in the next packout, in February '06.  The trip was never intended to be such a success in shirt gathering. 

We anticipated as many as a dozen at each stop,  Some stations had one or two, but the ones that went above and beyond were heartwarming and unbelievable in their support ... or very wise in saving shipping costs to us!  lol

Most all of the shirts have messages on them already, and the others will all have words of support and comfort before they are sent.  We have no idea how many we will have in total, but we hope that you all keep up the momentum, and spread the word to outlying agencies, townships, and beyond.  If you know someone in uniform ... fire, law enforcement, first repsonder, homeland security, troops ... get our website to them.

Remember, it's www.HeroToHero.US ... it takes all of US to make a difference for US troops!  We're counting on you!

lj

ps ... If you find any parts of the journal, archives and all, that I have missed ... or any mistakes, please let me know!  Any omissions along the route are due to exhaustion, and nothing more ... we want to give every one of our wonderful stops their full due!

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6:47:29 PM PDT
Feeling Chillin'
Hearing The bear went over the mountain

Finally home!

And it can now be told ... These women were no treat.  Do you realize that they actually entertained the idea of letting firefighters in Billings, Montana, shoot me out of a potato-gun?!  What is that about?!

I hear them complain about how heavy I got ... Helllooooooo? ... if they would quit letting these guys add stuff to my uniform that might not be an issue!  Do you know that I actually have a live round on my hat now?!  These two might want to reconsider their antics ... I have a bullet and know how to throw it!

I am considering telling this story is in my own words, and in my own way.  These two should be thankful that I do not have opposing thumbs, cuz if I could have gotten hold of that camera, this would have been an entirely different journal!

Kathy doesn't tell about riding for two states with a big ol' jug of sweet tea between her feet, does she?  Have you heard about Liz' sleep-walking through a hotel wearing very little?  No, of course not, and no pictures either.  But they are all over taking shots of me in the tub!  Give me a break!

In the meantime, they get a hoot out of some old joke about bears in the woods.  By the way, the answer is NO!  There's not enough privacy!

Stay tuned.  I plan to go into hibernation 'til September 11th, when the actual shirt drive begins, but may write my story before that!

Speaking of hibernating ... Liz is snoring again!  hehe

SHertz

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8:17:44 PM PDT
Feeling Loopy
Hearing I've been everywhere ... Johnny Cash

Wanted to let you all know that we made it safe and sound.  We are back in our homes, and looking very fondly at the beds we left behind.

Please forgive us if you don't get immediate responses right now, we are pretty well exhausted and still have ends to tie.

After a few days of down time, I will go back through all the posts and fill in the ones that were put up hastily due to exhaustion or internet issues. 

There are some special stops that were slighted for no other reasons, so we will have to make sure everyone gets their due.  Once that is done, we will fill in special moments that we have yet to share.

SHertz is considering telling his own version of the trip.  Hmmm, he did have a bird's (I mean bear's) eye view of all that happened.  Could be fun!

We are so appreciative of all the support, and all of the well wishes we have received.  You are all wonderful, and we thank each of you.

Special thanks to the "Angels" back home, they kept us on track, and were right there when we returned.  We love you all!

Liz, Kathy & SHertz

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10:15:20 PM PDT
Feeling Ecstatic
Hearing One more night ... Phil Collins

Can it really be that we have hit all 55 stops?!  Pulling in to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho was a moment we were seriously looking forward to.

This was a station where our contact did not make the final contact, so when we showed up excited, and exhausted, they had NO idea who we were.  You have to laugh!

They were a pretty tough sell.  Cold calls are always tough.  It didn't help that they had training going on, and needed to be focused right then.

At the start I had visions of what it must have been like to get into a speak-easy, in days gone by.  The young firefighter came to the door, asked what we needed.  He then excused himself to go find out what to do, leaving us outside.  He came back again and wanted to know if this was some sort of fundraiser, we assured him it was not and we wanted no money.  He told us he could take a message ... but we were not going to be dissuaded on our last stop.  He disappeared once more, and we were again left outside (laughing).  This time the bay doors opened, and I had thoughts of Dorothy finally gaining access to the Wizard.  Guess I was (am) more tired than I knew.

Three firefighters came out and we explained the program.  They watched us, and I began to think that in our state of exhaustion, the best thing to do was to give them the briefest of overviews, an info packet, and be on our way. 

You know, some people may think that this response would have put us off ... far from it.  The one thing we take very seriously is security.  These men had no idea who we were, we were a touch slap-happy.  They were correct to listen cautiously, and I think their response was right for all they knew of us. 

They signed the banner for us, and gave us patches for the tour jackets.  They have the info packet, and time to read about us, and ask any questions.  We look forward to their participation in this next shirt drive, beginning September 11th.

In the meantime, SHertz is getting pretty cocky.  At our last lunch stop, he got a pair of sunglasses.  He had another interview, and is getting recognized lately.  Must be tough to be a star!  We caught him getting comfy on Kathy's bed when we got to the hotel today ... she quickly showed him the chair where he will sleep tonight.  So much for stardom, huh?

Be home sooooon!

lj

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9:42:26 PM PDT
Feeling Chillin'
Hearing 500 Miles

We stayed the night at the Billings Fire Station ... in the "dungeon".  Was fine for us, they got sheets for us ... and a bottle of water by the bed for each ... awwww!

They had something like 7 calls, but we heard little more than some radio in the hallway.  Okay, maybe we are tired.

There had been some serious talk about shooting SHertz out of the potato gun, but he was so not amused.  We were able to get him up on the rim and let him prove that he has no fear of heights.  For me, there had been too many references to the whole Thelma & Louise thing ... here we are at the end of the trip, and they have us up at the edge of a cliff, hmmm ... not!

Seeing Billings from up there was pretty cool, it is a very nice city.  Everyone we met was extremely warm to us.  This was a wonderful stay.  Way to show your support guys!

We headed out just before noon, for Butte.  Sadly when we got there, the crews were out doing some training, so we didn't get to meet them personally, and I'm sure it was our loss.  We did have someone from the house who was very supportive and friendly.  He had a couple fun ideas for SHertz, and showed us their old rig ... pretty cool! 

We tried to get a good shot of their badge, but the lighting did not cooperate.  But light or no, you can always get a great shot of a supportive heart ... and we did!  Thanks for being there, glad we caught one of you!

We got shots on the way out of town of the yellow ribbon signs affixed to the poles, replete with soldier's names.  
Would love to know more about the story on these ... anyone?

Last stop of the day was Missoula ... Stop #54.  Wow, hard to believe we are almost done!

This was another case of "didn't know we were coming", but you'd never know it, from the rapid response.  We explained to the Chief and the Captain what we were there for, showed them the journal ... yep, this one ... and gave them a quick tour of all that had come prior.  By this point, if the program doesn't sell itself, we are really doing something wrong.

In no time, we had another station join us.  They positioned the ladder truck as close behind the van as possible, and let the basket hang over the top of us.  

For their group shot, 5 of them climbed in the basket, and did their "shirt off the back" shot from there.  It was great.  They had no idea we would make this request of them, and initially there was some hesitation.  All it took was the statement that "You only have to do this if you support the troops"  The shirts came off!

It's funny, at the stations we've visited, there is usually some hesitation about "dropping top", and I actually am happy about that.  These are not people who walk around stripping at the drop of a dime.  They are hard working, hard playing local heroes ... who balk at the title.  They are the kind of guys you would be proud to call your friend, they are the kind of people you want in your family ... they are exactly as we imagined and hoped they would be.

I am proud of the people who have participated in this effort for Hero To Hero.  We have one more stop to go, no doubt it will be as wonderful as all that have come before.

We are tired and looking forward to some rest, but it is a good kind of tired. 

Perhaps from the outside looking in, this program may not seem important.  But we have gotten to meet some amazing people, hear wonderful tales of their experiences, shake the hands of veterans, mingle with men and women who have left their mark by donning uniforms that put their lives in peril for the safety of others.  We have met Heroes. 

We hope that you are enjoying our exploits and that you have laughed, and cried along with us.  We hope that you troops who are reading along will share this journal with your fellow soldiers ... this is for you!  For those of you who see your hometown representing for you, please let them know how much they are appreciated.  They have given their time, their shirts, and their humility to make you smile ... let them know it was not in vain!

lj

 

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