Saving The Cherished

6/17/08

I received this noted from Michael Reagan today - only one of so many incredible letters from a family of a Fallen Hero.

God's Speed To You, Mike - for there is a way to go.

Wow! I am tired this morning and have a lot of portraits to do and this letter says why tired just doesn't matter. Love Mike

Subject: Saving the most cherished

Dear Mr. Reagan,
We received the beautiful portrait you did of our son, Spc. James Coon, a few months ago, and I wrote to you to tell you how much it meant to us.
I wanted to write again and tell you just how much. My husband and I moved to a little town called Paradise Calif. in mid April. We had just about finished settling in and deciding where to place all of our mementos of our son, when everything changed in an instant.
4 days ago, we were under an mandatory evacuation order, as the 224,000 acre Humboldt wildfire threatened to take our new home. We had only 15 minutes warning to leave our home and everything behind. The firemen told us that we were to turn on all the lights, close the drapes and leave all the doors unlocked and the garage open. We quickly gathered the few things we consider irreplaceable: Jimmy's dog, his motorcycle, the deed to the house, car keys, and the portrait you gave us.
4 hours later, when we reached safety (just 22 miles away, we phoned family to inform them. The first question from his grandpa was, "Did you get Jimmy's portrait?" You can see it means everything to the whole family.
We were able to return on Father's day and thankfully, our home was saved and nothing was stolen. Jimmy's portrait is back on the wall, and while it was a frightening welcome to our new community, it did serve to remind us of the things we hold most dear. It is said that stuff is just stuff and can be replaced, but not for the families of the fallen, not for us.
I just wanted you to know that your gift is cherished by our family and we are blessed to have it remain in our home and in our hearts. Thank you.

Marie Coon

Michael G. Reagan, Artist/President
"I will never forget"
The Michael G. Reagan Portrait Foundation
www.fallenheroesproject.org

United We Roll Brings More News From & For Our Military Community

The United We Roll World Tour show on June 10th was another two hours filled with information from and for our Heroes of Freedom. We heard about the Unmanned Air Systems (UAV) Operations – and folks, not too long ago, this would have sounded like a Saturday morning Science Fiction show. But it is very real, it is way ahead of projections and it is saving lives.

First up was Col. Chris Chambliss, Commander of the 432nd Wing – home to the Predator & Reaper Unmanned Air Systems Operations. It is from the 432nd, that pilots and sensor operators fly the MQ-1 “Predator” and its newer brother, the MQ-9 “Reaper” by technology and science. Following this extremely interesting visit, we heard even more from Col. Trey Turner, who is the commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Group and who told us about the UAV operations from the point of view of the line-of-site pilots and sensor operators who operate these incredible craft on take-off, landing and on some local missions in the MidEast. The 451st is also involved in some other major operations such as Medical Evacuations, Special Agents and more.

For more information on this incredible program, go to the website for article - www.maxwell.af.mil:80/au/aunews/archive/0309Articles/APredatorAMongUs.html

Our next guest, Dr Sam, has overwhelmed our country with a new song called “Before You Go” by himself and John Melnick. This song says "Thank You" to those who fought for our freedom in past wars in the most complete and beautiful message I believe I have ever heard. This song is also accompanied by two beautiful videos, version one dedicated to Veterans of WWII & Korea and version two dedicated to our Vets from Viet Nam. Many of you are probably already familiar with Dr Sam and his music, but the story of "Before You Go" is one that will stay with you. Listen to the song and see the videos at www.beforeyougo.us

Are you looking for a way to help our wounded Vets and their families? Peggy Baker, President and Founder of Operation First Response, has found many ways to do just that – including no pay back financial help with mortgage payments, travel to medical appointments, groceries, etc., and with great events like the Walk for The Wounded. Ninety per cent of all incoming financial donations to this group go to benefit our wounded Vets and their families. Join Peggy and all the wonderful volunteers at OFR to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors & loved ones who have given so much so that we can continue to live the American life we love and enjoy everyday. www.operationfirstresponse.org

Tune in next Tuesday, June 17th, for more real news from our deployed military members and on what is happening to support our military members, families & Vets here at home.

God Bless Our Military Members, Families & Vets! God Bless Those Who Support Our Military Community! God Bless America!