Notes:

09/02/04 Started to ad some notes here

09/02/04 Mailed Out 100 Postcards, 1 to each member of the Senate at their DC Addresses.

09/02/04 Mailed out 30 duplicate Postcards to senate members to  their State/Regional Offices.

09/02/04 Mailed Postcard to our President George Bush, Vice President  and the 1st Lady

09/09/04 Been working the last 2 days on typing up address labels for house members. Forgot how many of them there are. Over 520 so far. Will take a while to get them mailed. If you have spare 23c stamps, they will be appreciated.

09/09/04 Reminded some of the local news again that they keep forgetting about our troops dying in Afghanistan and that they are all part of the same war. My list reached over 1000 long ago.

09/10/04 I've been taking photos of the "Healing Field" and will be posting them at my random site, www.ThankYouHeroes.com . I should have them up by Monday.

09/13/04 It took a lot of hours, but the Healing Field Photos have been posted. 116 out of 1200.

09/16/04 Well, I've typed up over 530 labels to send cards to house members and applied the labels to the cards. Now all I need is stamps... Lot's of 23c stamps. Got any???

09/18/04 After prepping another 800 postcards to mail out, I've decided to take a friend's advise and allow people to donate to help pay for stamps and cards. You can only find the white Make a Donation button above on this page.

09/27/04 Well, last night I lost it, for a short while. I had finally prepared another CD for the widow of an Oregon soldier killed and the final task was to print the shipping label and stamp. MY HP972Cse printer decided to choke on the label sheet again and this time it crammed most of the sheet behind the roller and there was no way of getting it out. I already knew I was low on color and dreaded replacing that cartridge and now this damn label sheet refuses to come out. I even removed the back cover which allows for 2 sided printing and there was no access to behind the roller, tried lifting this and that, the stickers where not coming out. I thought about removing all the screws but they required a special screwdriver which I didn't have, I thought about how much and how long a printer shop would take... let's just say, the printer is no longer repairable. I hand wrote the label, went and purchased the stamp and mailed it this morning.

10/06/04 Even though the car I'm borrowing had a temporary breakdown yesterday while climbing the hill at Willamette National Cemetery, I managed to make it to the funeral there and the memorial service at New Hope. I'm glad I am always early, gave me enough time to summon a friend to help get the car running again. I'm working on the photos now and will have a few of them posted by tonight. The services where for Sgt. David Johnson from Sandy Oregon.

10/18/04 This weekend I added over 20 names to the list. Another hard weekend for so many. I've also typed up about 400 address labels and mailed out the cards this morning. Most of the cards are addressed to family names that I could find in the hometown from our fallen soldiers. I'm saving up now to try and get another 400 done by next weekend. I hope to get the word out to more of the family members that there is a place, a tribute, to which they can ad theirs.

10/21/04 I have successfully mailed out over 900 cards this week. I still have names on the list but it will have to wait till I get enough work so I can go at it for another round or two. I'm happy to see more people sending in photos of their friends, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters etc. to be added to the tribute pages.

10/25/04 Attended Corporal Jonathan Santos memorial service in Bellingham Washington. It was a sad and very long day. I have not worked on the photos but hope to get to them after next week.

11/01/04 I mailed out another 350 postcards and have another 32 waiting for stamps. Today I added 10 names to the list from this last weekends happening.

11/08/04 Thanks to an anonymous $10, I got the 32 waiting cards mailed plus labeled and mailed another 30. Tomorrow night I'm going to The Center for Social and Environmental Justice at the Washington State University in Vancouver Washington for "Supporting Our Troops" from 7-9pm to hand out postcards. I'm not sure if this is a political motivated event or not but have permission from one of the sponsors to hand out my cards. I hope a lot of people attend.

11/14/04 It's been a hard week, so many names. Today I'll be going to Vancouver Washington to attend services for Sgt David G Ries and later this afternoon meet up with some of the local Marine moms. Someone from Connellsville mailed me 10 stamps. Thanks, and I'll get a postcard out to you real soon, hopefully I'll get more cards in the mail tomorrow.

11/21/04 I wanted to attend L/Cpl Nathan Wood's memorial service. He's from Kirkland WA and everyday since his death was reported I checked to find funeral postings/story in the local papers there. I even wrote to the authors of some of the stories that appeared in those papers but they refuse to provide the information or even reply.  I finally decided to call Nathan's dad and he told me it was at 1100, I reached him shortly after 0900 that day of the service. One way takes me at least 3 hours to get there. I have always avoided calling the parents and relatives because I'm sure they are swamped with calls as it is.  Someone told me that the papers don't want the competition. But after hearing how they gauge and disrespect the wishes of the relatives of so many fallen heroes, I've decided if I can find a number, to just call and skip the media altogether.  I was going to post this a few days ago, but then decided not to until an email I received today.

I had posted on a local Flea Market Forum that I had more IraqWarHeroes.com postcards, you can get one by emailing me your mailing address. This is the letter from the moderator:

"This is not appropriate for this board. This is not a political forum, and this is a very controversial issue.
I don't want to offend you or debate it with you. I simply want to keep the peace in this community.
Please don't post these notices here. Thank you,  DJ  moderator"

I don't consider honoring and remembering our fallen men and women a political thing.  It is so sad and pathetic that so many people think that way. The brave men and women that die volunteered to serve and protect this great nation of ours. If you want to talk politics, why don't you take it up with your political leaders and quit disgracing those that have died serving this country.  These men and women that died are of flesh and blood like most of us. 

As I'm writing this, I just received this:   "The issue that people end up arguing about (I don't want to) is whether war is just or "heroic." "  And all I can say is, I'm not defining the war but I believe that anyone that dies serving this great nation is a hero.  Most volunteers that join our great armed forces don't enlist because they are suicidal, they enlist because they believe in this country and are willing to defend this country in whatever means or role that is presented to them by the leaders of our nation 

11/26/04 1830 I just got notice of Spc Blain Ebert's memorial service which will be tomorrow in eastern Washington so I went and got a case of oil and hope to get there.. so wish me good look. I did email a couple local dealers to see if they would let me borrow a car, but they probably thought I was kidding and never even responded. I'm glad things have slowed down again and I'm not adding names so often and will be happy when it stops.

12/08/04 Yesterday I attended and photographed the funeral and memorial service for Spc Jeremy Christensen. It was a very rainy day and where I was standing for a while so slick I did a complete drop onto my butt and back. With my total backside covered with mud I managed to continue the shoot, crawl back to my car, drive home and screamed in the shower.  My ribs where hurting pretty bad. Anyhow I was just in the middle of making plans to head to Fort Lewis in the morning for Sgt Mitts service which I found out about today in the paper, only to find out that Ft Lewis requires a 48 hour advanced pass request. I called the MP's and they told me that's my only option. Since Sgt Mitts' body has not returned stateside yet (as far as I know) I hope to make it to his funeral.  It's going to be a long week, there are 2 more pending, and I'm just waiting for the dates and places. I'll be glad when this is over with though.

12/13/04 I got back last night after driving down to Tucson AZ and back all within 3 days. Almost froze my feet off, guess the heater is on strike now. Why can't old cars be more like wine and get better. Wednesday morning about 0400 I'll be heading to Spokane Washington for the memorial service of Spc Harley Miller and hope it won't be snowing out that way. Anyone know where I can get a 12V plug in heater?  I've noticed that emails are becoming less reliable; I notice I'm not getting some and people are not receiving some from me. I think spam has burden the email servers so much that it's affecting valid emails. I just spend $19.95 and opened a 2GB email account with MSN Hotmail and it will serve as a backup. If you believe I haven't received your email, then mail me again at q@ourwarheroes.net and in the BCC line include iraqwarheroes@hotmail.com and once a week I'll check there to see if I received any emails that I didn't receive at my main account.  I have also noticed that some emails I've send didn't arrive at it's destination for a couple of days.

12/18/04 Just a couple days ago on the 15th I drove east again, Spokane WA this time for Spc Harley Miller and today to McMinnville OR for Spc Edwin Roodhouse and then his interment at Willamette National Cemetery. This has been another long week. KOIN news came and interviewed me today, I hope that went ok. I'm not good at expressing some things and quite vocal about others. I should have the new pics posted by tonight. there won't be too many posted online.

12/25/04 It's a very rainy and wet day out here today, almost reflecting my mood. Yesterday I added 13 names to the list that where killed by the suicide bomber in a mess tent.

01/07/05 Just added more names, including another from the NW and a lot from Arkansas. I have halted sending out more postcards until I can afford to get more printed and the stamps. This year has already started so slow, I feel I'm stepping backwards.

01/11/05 Attended Sgt Ficek's memorial service yesterday. I have posted some of the snapshots. I've been working the last 4 days to redo the Spc Jonathan Santos set. I finally heard from his mom and got a mailing address and realized that the backup of his set was bad. I didn't want to go through all the photos again and tried repeatedly to recover the set. Well, I finally dug up the original backup photos and redid the whole set and am about to post some on the net and by tonight I should have the CD ready to mail out. I am amazed sometimes that even though I shot them and have seen them repeatedly, that so many have enough of an impact to slow me down getting them done while at the same time instant messaging with some guys in Iraq wanting to be cheered up with some stateside stuff. I think it's coffee time.

01/26/05 This mornings news about the helicopter going down and the loss of over 31 came quite hard. I'll be glad when the elections are over with in Iraq. I've been selling stuff on eBay to raise more money for postcards and that seems to be going ok. 2 out of every 20 items seem to sell and every bid winner gets a postcard with their shipments. 

02/06/05 Some snapshots from James Lee Moore have now been posted. His memorial service was in Roseburg, Oregon on Thursday the 3rd. I'm now making arrangement to attend another NW hero's memorial service in LaGrange Oregon. Hope the wheels get me there ok. I don't have a date yet. There are a lot of Oregon based soldiers due to rotate home real soon and that will be good news for a lot of families out here. I hope they all make it home soon. :)

03/16/05 Last Friday I stood in rush hour traffic heading to the Morrison bridge in Portland and held my sign up and handed out 250 cards to drivers and pedestrians.  Sunday I drove to Bothell Washington to help a Vietnam Veteran who is pretty ill. I put him on high speed internet and wireless networking so he can access the world from whatever room he is stuck in at the time. Yesterday I drove to the state capitol, Salem OR and stood on the capitol stairs holding my sign and handing out postcards. If they looked important, they refused the card, if they looked like citizens, they where more likely to accept one. Funny huh? Today I mailed off a postcard to all 60 members of the Oregon House and 30 members of the Oregon 73rd Legislative Assembly. This week I have 5 local publications coming out with small ads, 2 line ads. Friday I'll be doing rush hour again in Portland, this time on Columbia & Front to catch the south bound traffic. This all has been part of my effort to remind people of our fallen heroes and that this Saturday marks 2 years of the Iraq war. If anyone out there can help me, it sure would be welcomed.

03/28/05 I'm adding a guestbook today, based on requests I've been getting. I found one that I could afford to run on this site. I've  stayed away from most guest books because of all the advertising that comes with them  Currently is shows ads and as soon as the payment goes through, they will remove the ads. I added 7 names today. Overall been a crappy Monday.

04/15/05 Tomorrow morning I'm going to try and drive to Redding California for the memorial services for Pfc Casey LaWare and then I have two more coming this week. I just sold one of my popular domains to raise money for a laptop computer so I can do onsite scanning etc. as I meet older veterans that would like their photos and information posted on one of my war tribute sites dedicated to these heroes. I hope the gas prices don't keep climbing the way they have been, when you drive hundreds of miles, it gets costly.  I just got done redoing my www.Delta15.com  / www.VietnamWarHeroes.com  web site. On May 7th, it will reach it's 5th anniversary and through it over 240 veterans of the same battalion that served in Vietnam have been reunited.

04/25/05 Saturday was another long car day. Drove to eastern Washington. Sunday I spend the day giving this site a new face lift. I've decided to ad the faces and names of some of our Northwest Fallen Heroes to the front. Hope you'll like it. They are the names of some of the funerals I've photographed.

05/05/05 I just posted some of the snapshots for Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Aaron A Kent's memorial service which took place yesterday.  I have another one scheduled for next Tuesday in Roseburg Oregon.

06/03/05 May sure was a long and deadly month. I have at least 3 more funerals pending next week. If you run a gas station between Portland and Sacramento or Portland and Snohomish and can spare a few gallons, let me know. The gas is killing me.

I have moved this website and other War Heroes related websites to a new hosting service for more space and bandwidth and a new root domain of www.OurWarHeroes.net . 

06/12/05 I finally got done cropping and picking the pictures for the last two memorial services I attended and have them now posted them. Sounds like I'll be going to Seattle again soon for another one. Last week was kind of rough, Sunday in Seattle WA, Tuesday in Sacramento CA (Had to leave Monday Night) and Wednesday in Snohomish WA, 1958 long miles total and I think that has drained me. I've been tired every day even more than normal, sometimes I think it's a slight case of depression but I have to keep going.  I've been logging AP headlines for 815 days now. I got interviewed by a reporter who was going to write about my project until he found out it's just one person doing this, then he lost interest. After the Snohomish memorial service I dropped in on a Vietnam veteran that lives in the area to see how he's holding up. His cancer is much worse than mine but he is undergoing treatment which at times is leaving him feeling even sicker. I hope that the treatment works and keeps this great man around.

06/25/05 I redesigned the postcard some, on front it has the root site of OurWarHeroes.org and on the other side it lists most of the tribute sites with an .org instead of .com, but you can still reach the sites with either.  Another one from Sacramento got killed, don't know if I'll make it down that far. Someone got a reliable car I can borrow that day? Just checking.

07/21/05 I couldn't attend the last 2 funerals.  The first because I had no car money and the second because the family requested total privacy and therefore the papers in Washington didn't announce the times and dates.  I've started a new campaign to remind people of our fallen heroes by posting daily photos I shoot on walks and make them available to people for free and the link to the website is on all the pages. :) I'm also trying to raise money for 1 or more television ads. I wish I would get less negative feedback and more positive support for our fallen heroes.

07/26/05 I've managed to save up $300 (OK $50 was a donation from one of our heroes parents for this purpose) to run a TV ad on KPTV Ch12.  They quoted $300 for 30 seconds and I tried getting it in 2 15 seconds or 3 10 seconds.  Just a plain black background with the slogan and web address and no music. Something that takes less than 30 seconds to generate on a CGI machine.  I don't think they where too happy that I'm only doing a one-time thing here and not subscribing for weeks or months. I felt like they where giving me the brush and am still waiting for a call back.  I got the hint and shopped around so more, and found that for the same money I can get at least 12 ads on a radio station (Should have it worked out sometime today) and also some real cheap ads on WB32 TV with which I'll be meeting on Thursday.  I did call some of the other local TV stations and they want too much and something about ratings week etc etc... I'll let you know how it goes. I've started another form of networking to remind people of our fallen heroes, so far it's slow....   I did have some sponsorship offers that wanted to place banners on my website.. I turned them down. I'm not here to sell stuff or distract from our heroes.  I would be outraged if I walked through a cemetery and ads would pop up while I'm there paying my respects.  It's going to be a hot day today. Going to try and stay cool inside the basement. :)

07/27/05 If you're in the Portland Oregon area, tune in to the Victoria Taft Show on KPAM 860AM August 1st to August 4th (Pick a day) which airs from 6pm to 9pm and you should hear an ad I'm running.  I won't tell you what it is (It's NOT a commercial ad), but if you hear it, let me know what you think, and if you like it, send an email to KPAM and let them know.

07/28/09 Well, still haven't heard back from the advertising people at KPTV 12 and my assumption is correct, they just dropped it and probably hope I won't bother to call them again.  I've done some cable access production in the past and know I can use a CGI machine to create a simple black background with 2 lines of text in about 30 seconds. When I drove all the way out to WB32 TV, and was told that production cost for my simple text screen would run around $5,000, I just about dropped bricks.  Well, when they told me they can get me real cheap ad time during the night, I should've know there would be a catch.  The sales person I spoke to will see if he can get that reduced.  Hell, my annual income is under poverty level.. Well, I hope the radio ad will reach some people. :)

08/15/05 I just return from Lance Cpl. Nicholas Bloem's services in Washington.  While there, I attended the services for one of our WWII heroes that recently passed away. I wish more people would have been there, when I showed up, there was only 1 person there and halfway through the service, about 6 others showed up.  I did some photos and told the woman to contact me and I'll send them to her  The turnout for L/Cpl Bloem was really nice. People lined the street by the church with flags, including some that recently served in Iraq.  Small towns truly honor their heroes, in comparison to big cities such as Portland . It was a hot day. No AC in the car and my engine check light kept coming on. I did bring along 8Qts of oil, just in case. The gas station where I filled up last night had increased their price another 10cents a gallon by the time I returned today, some as high as $2.79 here. Ouch!! Anyhow, I should have the pics posted within the next day or so after my body settles down again.

08/18/05 I just finally got done with L/Cpl Nicholas Bloem's memorial pics and have them posted. My friend suggested I put a donate button on all my pages, since he realized I really struggled with the gas this week. I told him I can't do that. If someone wants to help, they'll contact me, and besides, I have that info on two pages, including this one.  Tomorrow I'll work on Sgt Thomas' pics.

09/26/05 I started my day at 0400 and departed Portland by 0500 figuring I would be there at least 2 hours early so I can get some food and then consult with a family rep of the military about me taking pics.
Everything went fine until I got onto I-405, at which time it took over 36 minutes for the first 5 miles (I'm on my last 20 mile stretch), then another 40 minutes for 5 more miles etc.
I arrived just in time to be herded with the press people into part of the church. No time to pee, no time to talk, and after about 15 minutes, everyone not with the family that had a camera had to leave.
I did manage to get a few pics, and while I was out front, a Marine came up to me and said he recognized me and asked if I wasn't the guy with that website. I said yes. He shook my hand and thanked me for being there.
After I left the premises, I drove to visit a Vietnam Veteran , friend of mine in Bothell, to see how he was doing... 
I knew I had another upcoming funeral in Yakima sometime this week, but as I was returning home, I heard on the news that we lost two guys from Pendleton Oregon. Not good. When I finally got home, I had 9 more names to ad that have been emailed to me by DoD.
This next week is going to be hard.

10/05/05 It's 0339 and I'm getting ready to drive to Pndleton for Sgt Tane Baum's memorial services.  On Sep 30th, I was in Yakima WA for SFC L Morrisons funeral.  There where some nasty protestors there from a "church". I was interviewed by KNDU TV but they edited out everything about this website, guess they where just focused on the protestors and just pretended to care about why I was there.  Well, I got six bucks in my pocket and my gas card, I better get going for another long day and I don't know when the next one is for Pendleton, if I find out it's tomorrow, I may just sleep in my car out there. We'll see.

10/18/05 I just got done posting some of the snapshots for Warrant Officer Adrian Stump's memorial services. It was another long day. The service went pretty good. The most frustrating part was this media camera guy that kept jumping in front of me, blocking my shot.  Last funeral, same thing, in matter of fact that person would look right at me and get in front of my camera. 

I hope I don't have any more to do. This has really been wearing me down. There is an array of emotions involved that pull you in different ways at the same time. Don't know how to explain something like that, but it has
been keeping me very tired.

10/26/05 I've been sicker than normal the last couple of days and hope to either get over it or make another adjustment. The media once again has annoyed me with their reporting. talking about the 2000th that has died in Iraq and once again neglecting those have have given their all in Afghanistan etc. that's at least another 200 Americans.

I've heard from more parents this week which is good, it drowns out some of the hate mail I get.  I updated the Coalition List today with 3 more names.  I wish I had a better source for that information.

11/07/05 I just posted snapshots taken at SSG Travis Nixon's memorial service which I attended yesterday in Pine City Washington.  I think this must have been the furthest east Washington destination yet. Pine City is very small, I think 3 or 4 short streets. The Grange Hall was filled from people all over the place out there.  I went to JL for an oil change and all of a sudden they had different customer information about my car and they tried to tell me that it must be previous owners information. I asked how that was possible, considering I've had that car about 15 years and the info in their database was correct according the last 12 receipts I have from them. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything, there is now a huge oil puddle under the car and I don't know if they refused to tighten things down or did damage. Despite their ads on TV, when I want to watch what they are doing, they always try and distract me and tell me they need to talk about me needing an air filter at a terminal facing away from the car.  I wish I remember what TV station ran a story a couple of years ago about the scams at some of the JL's.  Now I need to decide what to do next, can't afford to take it to a mechanic right now.

11/11/05 Thank You To All Veterans!!!  Today with the help of a friend I walked along the parade route and handed one of my cards that reads: "Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away  www.IraqWarHeroes.org" to just about every adult present while carrying a large sign with the same message.  It's now 2230 and I just returned from Beaverton High School, where I attended a presentation from one of our Marines that did several tours in Iraq. I was given a table spot at the entrance and handed out almost 300 post cards to people coming to this presentation.  Last night on a local radio station I talked about my project and aired all the names I have of the men and women from Oregon & Washington that gave their all.  It ran me into the next hour but the young people doing the next show didn't mind at all... From what I was told, they where so awwed, they didn't know how to follow what I had just done and played some Neil Diamond songs.  That was great. I wasn't at the station, I called in for my presentation. The official Veterans day has almost come to and end, and I wonder if there is something more I could have done.... In reality I realize and know that every day is Veterans day and every day we should thank at least 1 Veteran. ...---..  Ohhh... before I forget... I went back to JL, and yes, it was their fault, somehow they crushed my nut seal for the oil drain.  They replaced it with a new nut seal and filled my oil.  I felt they should have given me a refund on top of that...  Still have a puddle of oil to clean and all the aggravation. -sigh-

11/29/05 I've been getting a lot more faces added to names. Been quite tedious and I'm over half way done.  Tomorrow I have a funeral in Albany Oregon to attend, then I'm going to San Bruno in California, then Coos Bay Oregon.  tried to get a couple of people to donate some cash for gas... Ohh well. I should have enough room on the gas card.

11/30/05 I'm back from Albany. I just started working on the photos for the family of Marine Lance Corporal Tyler J Troyer who got laid to rest today. Once I'm done, I'll be posting some on my tribute site.
I don't know if I can make Friday's service yet, not having heat in the car is causing me problems with the windshield and a snow advisory has been issued for this area. If anyone out there knows how to over-ride a non working auto-heat control for a Toyota Celica GT 1986, please let me know.

12/02/05 I had problems trying to get heat to work in the car, need heat to keep windows clear and keep from freezing to death driving over the mountains. I even contacted 4 local car dealers and asked if they had a car I could borrow and what I needed it for; ..well...they will if I spend lots of money getting another car repaired. If I had that, I would have gone to a car rental place.

I spend a good part of the day working on the heat problem and had it working for a little time... friend finally crawled under my dash, disconnected the electronic controls and moved the flap to heat only.

After solving the heat issue, I left Portland OR at 6:30pm with $20 and my gas card and headed for San Bruno to attend the funeral. The drive was pretty good and I stopped at a Denny's for coffee and continued until I got to Fairfield, something blew, lots of smoke and all I could do is steer away from the fast traffic of Fairfield California.

Some friendly Latinos pulled right up asking if I needed water. I told them thanks, but that's not steam. There was still a lot of smoke coming from beneath the hood. I'm still about 45 Miles from destination.

A CHP tow truck pulled up within 2 minutes of me opening the hood. He told me that the ac motor froze up which caused the belt to do something which then split and cause smoke. The ac unit looks broken. I don't use ac and don't need it. Can't find someone to fix it.

He asked if I had a favorite shop out here, and I told him I didn't even know where I was. He towed my car off the road because I was a hazard and by request he dropped it off near a hotel, gas station and coffee shop instead of their Drop Point.

Well, here I am.. where ever that may be. My car is F^&%$d and I wasn't coming this close without trying to keep my promise to be at the service. My nerves are frazzled and my fingernails all gone now and it took so long to have some.

I looked across the street and saw 2 cop cars at a cafe/gas station. they where having coffee. I told them I was stuck here and need to find a way to San Bruno. One of the nice cops let me ride in the front seat and took me to the nearest transit center. I asked him what the place is called where I met him at and wrote it on paper so I know where my car is. The paper also has the cemetery address. I thanked him and gave him a couple postcards.

I now went into the offices of the Fairfield Transit Center, they where also real nice and helpful and plotted my way to go. One person looked for a bus for me to take from there to the BART (train) system, the other looked up the train I can take to San Bruno, and another guy took my paper with the cemetery address to plot out a walk route to the cemetery, he took my paper to the back, because he wanted to call someplace. With any luck, I should barely make it.

The next bus I have to take is a few minutes away, it's now coming and I head for the platform, the 3rd guy hadn't returned. he then came to the bus as I was about to board and handed me a map printout of the area but didn't hand me my original paper back. I'm boarding, $5 to BART, and away I went.

I then got off at BART (train) and needed a ticket, only have $13, they have no humans there, just machines. I saw the chart, $4.15 to San Bruno with one transfer I have to make in Dale City. well, the machine wouldn't give me all my change, it insisted I have to spend at least $5.05 to receive any change. WTF? I looked at someone else and they told me that's how they make their extra money. you got to pay exact or close to it or lose your money. OK, I then took BART to the transfer station, got on another BART and rode to San Bruno.

Across from me sat a man and a kid. they where obviously together on this trip. The boy wanted to write something and the man searched and found no pen. I handed them my pen and allowed them to use it for the next 20 minutes. He then returned the pen and I handed him a postcard. He looked at it and leaned closer to me and stated something like; "I don't know if you know this, but here in Fan Francisco we don't support this war and all the bull involved with it blah blah blah". I refrained from blowing my already fragile top, and told him that card is not about the war, but about the men and women that gave their lives for us so we have the freedom to "express" ourselves he did keep the card.

I left the BART station and asked for directions shortest to walking to the cemetery. You can see the Golden State Cemetery long before you get to the entrance, it seemed like forever uphill walk in shoes not meant for walking.

I made it there in plenty of time and ended up walking the length of it again, as the burial site is on the lower end.

After the funeral, I got a ride with the family to a reception and then a gathering. One of them later helped me find my car again and dropped me off. He was amazed, (and so where some others) that I made it from there to the cemetery and the figuring out where the car was.

I normally don't drive that far for a funeral, especially with my 20 year old Toyota, but after getting the invite and promising to do my best to be there, I also realized what an honor it was to pay tribute to this young man.

12/04/05 I'm home at last.;  had to borrow a few hundred bucks for hotel and also mechanic fees. The car isn't fixed per say, but made drivable again so I could get it home. This was a very very long trip for me. It's 2100, and I just got the pics for L/Cpl Tyler Troyer posted. Will work on the Sgt Idanan (California) pics now and probably won't be don till late tomorrow.

12/11/05 Yesterday I did the funeral for Pfc Blake Tufts.  Today I went to Scappoose Oregon for a memorial service. I figured they where already expecting to see me there since a relative I know was providing me with the info etc. I did get a few photos out there before I was asked to leave since only 2 medias where permitted and they are already there. The way I was approached by two different people made me feel very uncomfortable even before I was told I can't take any pics because they don't want a media frenzy etc. etc. I was approached by a few people that wanted my card before I had left. I thought about stashing all my gear and attend quietly but felt like that wasn't an option without causing some kind of stir, so I left. I do my best, that's all I can do.  I'm feeling a bit depressed about it, guess I really shouldn't though huh?

12/19/05 It's now 2106, I just got back a bit ago from the services for Cpl Joseph Bier. The memorial service was in Centralia WA at 1000 and the funeral service in Kent WA at 1530.  I was happy to see such a large turn out of Marines at this service. As I usually do when showing up, I looked for brass and asked who the spokes person is for the family so I can find up if it's ok for me to shoot.  The captain took my postcard and left to go ask the father of the fallen hero and then returned with the card still in hand and said I should go introduce myself to the father and he took me to the gathering room for the immediate family.  I greeted the father with a handshake and explained why I was there and handed him a card. He looked at me and said something to the effect of, "We didn't get a photographer today, you are a blessing from god.".  I knew it was OK for me to shoot.  I told him to contact me in a couple days with his mailing address so I can get a CD to him.  I left the church service early, like I normally do to make that trip to the cemetery in advanced so I can photograph the procession arriving. At the cemetery  I saw a group of Marines, walked up to them, and said "I'm sure some of you have seen me here before"; a few replied "Yes Sir", as I shook each one of their hands and thanked them for their service and gave them all a small version of my card and reminded them of my mission to make sure that their fallen brothers in arms are not forgotten. After the 2nd service, which was at Tahoma National cemetery in Kent, after most of the people had now left, a young lady came to ma and said, "Aren't you the guy that took pictures my brothers funeral?".  I told her, if she saw me there, then yes. She asked if her family could have copies of the pics. I said of course, that's why I take them, and also mentioned that I gave her other brother a couple cards.  She replied that he lost them. I gave her a couple more and told her to contact me with the families address so I can get them out to her, and also to supply the name of the hero.

Last couple of weeks I've been busy going over all 2300+ pages for our fallen heroes and searching for photos that are free of copyright and now have at least one photo on 86% of the pages. I've also been receiving more emails with photos lately. That's good.  I've now compiled over 1200 email addresses and am still looking for more, and on Christmas Day, I will send each one of those people an email. No not spam, because I send each one manually one by one. I've got nothing better planned for Christmas than to send out Thank You's .  :)  

I tried a few efforts to see if I can get people to donate to my gas fund, and postcard fund. It hasn't been working.  A friend of mine on the cost send me $10 which helped on my trip today. Thanks Sandy. And Thanks to Scotti, a disabled Iraq War Veteran in advance for sending me some 23c stamps. Scotti is a Marine all the way through and through, he will also attempt to attend some funerals in Texas for me.  "I still have all appendages, thank god, and am capable and willing to travel throughout most southern states surrounding Texas...happily at my own expense. It would be my way of giving back. My corpsman, and current best friend, who patched me up in Iraq, might likely go along with me, he's in a similar boat as me. My wife is very supportive and enjoys seeing the southern countryside so good to go on all sides."  Can't beat them Marines.  That's it for now. I'm cold, need to warm up. Next funeral is in eastern Oregon after Christmas.

12/25/05 Today I started my day at 0300 and started to email to all the people whose email addresses I've been collecting the last couple weeks. I emailed each one by one and it's now 1200 and I'm done. I emailed 1576 people and only 184 bounced back, which means that 1392 emails made it. (I think). I will spend a few more hours sending out messages over other forums and will de done for this day.  Just had to add 3 more to the list. My sympathy goes out for the families that have just received the news.

01/05/06 Well, I'll be glad when this year is over with, or at least October. Despite the fact that I've been getting a lot more photos being mailed in by family and friends of our fallen heroes, my own personal status started off in the hole and is continuing to get worse. people think I'm kidding when I post a "Someone Feed Me" away message on my yahoo messenger.  Almost had some work the other day, but nature put a stop to that.  I just heard on the news that 5 more Americans where killed in Iraq.  If someone out there has some work for me, let me know...

01/13/06 I have posted the photos for SSG Christopher Van Der Horn from yesterday's funeral in Bellevue & Kent WA. I also got the CD mailed off to his mom.  It normally takes me longer but I stuck with it most of the night and morning. A friend of mine gave me a few bucks for gas and I hope I can make some money this weekend to get an oil change in before I drive to Pendleton OR on Monday for Ryan's funeral service. I put www.WeFreedIraq.org online.

01/21/06 On the 16th I went to Pendleton again. Today I started at 0300 and drove to Ephrata WA for 1st Lt Jaime Campbell's services.  Two people donated some money for gas, so I managed to get today's gas covered without more debt on my Chevron card.  I also had dinner with A.C.E.S. afterwards at a buffet in Moses Lake. M & her husband covered my meal which was nice.  It was cold out there in Ephrata, I didn't toss a coat in the car.  Glad I had an extra shirt with me to put on.  It didn't rain out there and the sun came out a few times which was great. I wasn't allowed to shoot on LDS property during ceremony, so I kept it outside. Even though I shot most of the events at the cemetery, for public viewing, some of the standard photos will not be seen here. You'll be able to tell when you see this set. I met Benjamin Isenberg's parents today.  I did Benjamin's funeral in 2004. They are good people.

02/13/06 I received a postcard from Mrs Baum requesting photos. She has no email and contacted me by mail. I got her CD in the mail that same afternoon.  My head has been getting worse again, last couple weeks I wake between 0245 and 0315 with a bad headache and it just lingers in the back most of the day.  I'm having other issues that are causing my body problems but I still managed to get a couple walks in during the recent sun breaks. You can view links to some of the pics at www.myspace.com/qfocal . My hands seem to becoming less useful, there is a weird feeling in them and a pain in the left one and my gripping strength is down a lot. You know it's bad when you ask a dame half your size to open something for you.

02/27/06 Just got back from Army Sgt Matheny's funeral. It will be a while before I get the pics posted. None of the radio stations that I emailed about the pending funeral made any announcements, nor bothered to email me back.  I did get an email from Governor  Gregoire's office thanking me for the funeral invite and telling me they didn't receive the email till today and the Gov is currently in DC.  Well at least I got a response for once.   I'm yet to get a response after emailing any of my elected officials. 

A support group called A.C.E.S. in the Tri-Cities area of Washington lost their website, so i grabbed a new domain for them and started to build them a new site. www.AmericanCitizensEncouragingSupport.org . I hope to have it done in a couple days, depending on when I get today's pics done.

03/01/06 A month ago a woman contacted me, asking me if I would photograph her hero father's funeral if he died. Today I received the funeral notice of his death. It ain't easy.

03/07/06 I've started to place more cheap ads across the nation, some as little as $5.20 for 6 months. I've posted a map page at www.IraqWarHeroes.org/admap.htm  and encourage others to place ads. (Well, I've been encouraging others a long time, but ....)

03/15/06 Sold my travel laptop yesterday so I can pay for my new supply of cards on order, maybe that got me angry, morons calling me on the phone in response to the ad on craigslist wanting me to shave off another 50 or 100 bucks for a great unit I'm selling for half price. I had an odd price, it ended with 3 and some people complained about that. I told them the $3 was for the coffee I'm going to need. After sending out notices to multiple radio and TV stations and thousands of people in groups I've joined, still can't find any volunteers for Sunday to stand outside and remind people of our fallen troops.  I have 2 maybe from people I know and asked directly. If this where a demonstration against our Commander and Chief, they would be lining up to volunteer.  It's so easy for the people in Portland to be hateful but too hard to say Thanks and remind people of the sacrifices of our heroes.

03/19/06 I spend 5 hours downtown Portland with my banner reminding people of our fallen heroes while a protest against the war and Bush and everything else was happening.  I got on 2 different talk shows trying to get people to come down but in Portland, most want to be seen with the anti USA crowd, rather than support our troops. They can all F themselves.

04/16/06 Yesterday I went to lacey Washington and attended Marine SSG Twitchell's funeral.  I spend most of today getting the pics done and got the mailer ready to send the pics to family.  I also did a set of pics on the Patriot Guard Riders which you can view at www.qfocal.com/photos/041506/ . Still waiting to see when the local funeral will be for the Beaverton OR man.  I'll probably be heading to Richland again on the 26th.

04/17/06 Today I added 12 more names of fallen heroes and also had 6 photo submissions by family members of other fallen heroes.  The day is not done and I've had 1015 hits already. My daily hit count has been going up a lot lately and so has the amount of emails. I'm now at 205,448 hits since the current counter was added in may 2005.

05/03/06 A couple days ago I drove to Bothell Washington after hearing that my friend Don, a decorated Vietnam veteran is dying and being looked after by hospice. A week ago I attended the funeral of someone else I knew personally and this weekend I have 2 more funerals to attend for our fallen heroes.   My energy has been really low, I don't seem to have time grief and gather some pieces.  My web site hits have been going up and a lot more people have been sending in photos of their loved ones and friends they lost in Iraq.  I'm doing my best to stay on top of it while also helping A.C.E.S..  I need to find some part time work, I can't seem to keep up.

05/05/06 Despite trying to get the word out, Portland just doesn't give a damn. At Willamette National where only 17 cars, 1 limo, 1 hearse, and 5 motorcycles. The 5 bikes belonged to PGR's that came in from out of town. Tomorrow will be another funeral. There will be more people, mainly because the Governor should be there also but not the crowd we should have. I'm tired.

05/09/06 This morning I mailed CD's to Curtis Nettles in Pasco and hand delivered a little while ago CD's to Christina.  I have removed the link to my guestbook, my ad free subscription expired and I can't afford to renew it at this time.

05/23/06 I wrote down with bikers to Phoenix Oregon to escort the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall up to Portland. I managed to borrow ten bucks and now had twelve for the trip. One of the PGR members on vacation volunteered to drive me so I could photograph the whole event down and back which I did. Go To www.SgtMyers.org to see pics.  Sgt Donald Myers, a friend of mine died on the 21st and I dedicated my mission to him.  His funeral is still pending.  I put together cd's with over 1200 pics for the riders, whom where mostly Vietnam War Veterans.  I got rained on a lot.

05/26/06 I drove to Woodburn Oregon in the morning to hang my banner at the Golfing for the Guards Event.

I left a CD of the Wall Escort Mission for both Jeff Kropf and Lars Larsen and the headed to Portland for the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery where the wall is on display.  I was going to do a bunch of wall shots and then photograph some special events I was invited to shoot.  Well, my Nikon D70 camera stopped working. All I would get is an ERR message. I tried changing lenses, batteries, film etc. and then called the camera store which directed me to call Nikon tech support.  Nikon had me try a few things and decided I need to send them the camera and I should know in 7 days how much it will cost and how long it will take. I have another funeral pending soon and can't be without a camera.  This really suxs.  I put my camera away and decided to help shuttle veterans to the wall from the various places they would park in this huge cemetery. I was driving an open golf cart and after 6 hours of getting soaked, I gave it up and went home.  My feet where too cold and wet.  It seemed like it wanted to snow.  I handed out my IraqWarHeroes.org cards to all the people I gave a lift for and handed out a CD every time I would see one of the riders that participated in the escorting of the wall.

05/27/06 I drove back out to Lincoln memorial to shuttle more veterans and visitors.  I knew they would be short of volunteers.  People are quick to volunteer, but when it comes to performing the task... well, that's another story.  I didn't volunteer, I just went and helped.  Drove the golf cart from 0900 to 1800 and was totally soaked on my left side. I cried when I picked up one of the veterans during the last hour I was there.  I spotted him on the other side of graves I was traveling along and did a quick turn around to head that way to see if they needed a ride.  It seemed that it was his mom with him, a woman much older than this Vietnam War Veteran..  I had him sit in front next to me cause he was just f*d up.  The mom got on the back seat and kept telling me how glad she was that someone came to pick them up.  I put my arm around his shoulder and reassured him he won't fall off and to also let him know that I'm grateful for his sacrifices to our country. I could tell that he wasn't home yet. I asked her if they where heading straight to the wall and she said that's all he wants to see. I cried quietly, and couldn't keep tears from running down my face and for a brief moment I was glad for the rain I've been cursing all day.  I drove them all the way to the wall, and along the way I beckoned for one of the helpers to follow me.  I apologized to a lot of people as I slowly worked my way through the crowds over the gravel path to the edge of the walk along the wall and a helper helped get him off the cart.  I thanked him for his service and welcomed him home and hope that he will come home soon.  I shuttled a few more rounds, found some food and went home in need of a hot shower after getting out of my cold and wet clothes.  I was going to do a walk tomorrow, but there is really no use since I have no descend camera, so I'll go help shuttle more veterans. I can't think of a better way to say Thank You to all of these men and women while also providing them with a small needed service.

05/28/06 Spend another day shuttling veterans.

05/30/06 Yesterday I spend another 12 hours driving veterans. It was a very long and tedious day. There was no rain and partial sun which brought out so many more people and driving a 10 passenger van through rows of cars and walking people on the street wasn't easy but it was my honor to serve these great veterans. Today I contacted 12 camera stores for a loaner camera or a donated camera. They all laughed or totally ignored me.  I have 2 funerals pending and a broken Nikon D70.  I need to find someone that will hire someone like me so I can get more money for my project.

06/04/06 I have a temporary loaner camera from my friend in Washington, Ernie.  It's a Canon Rebel and I took it for a walk yesterday to see what adjustments I need to make in regards to how it responds.  The after sleep on time and write time is pretty slow and I'm having some focusing issues but will adapt. I'm grateful I have something to shoot.

06/10/06 0025  Another 4 hours and it will have been 24 hours since I started my day at 0430 Friday morning.
My intend was to stop at a local 24hr restaurant where a radio show was doing a live onsite and get a free breakfast and plug my website www.IraqWarHeroes.org .
Things where a bit hectic there, so I dropped off a couple CD's and headed north. Drove about 2 hours and found a place to read my paper and have breakfast. I knew I was running real early, but that's ok, if I breakdown, I have a better chance of reaching my destination on time.
I located a library just outside of Kent WA along the route I was traveling and decided to hang around there for a while. The sign said they open at 1000 and it was only 0924. I waited till 1000 and then went in and found myself a table to plug in my laptop and check email and kill time. At 1115 I headed for Tahoma National Cemetery.
I parked at a too familiar spot neat shelter one and waited for a couple of people I expected by 1200 that where a no show. A little after 1200 PGR WoodCamera showed up, he volunteered to take some pics for me. Parked his bike, and mounted a pole with flag freely waving in the wind.
At about 1253 riders and their helpers from the Patriot Guard rode up. I saw familiar faces, and I was very happy to see as many as had come to honor my friend Sgt Donald Myers . The lined both sides of the path with flags.
I want all the PGR members to know how very happy this made Peggy and that made me even happier to see you there.
This memorial service was a bit harder for me to shoot, because it affected me much more than the many others.
The PGR gave Peggy a dog tag, handed me 2 for the siblings of Donald and handed me one also. That was very thoughtful.
I'm going to be passing that dog tag on to a Vietnam buddy of Donald's who couldn't make it. These are two guys that O located and united about 5 years ago, and you have to understand about things over 30 years ago to realize the bond that was formed over the last 5 years between these two.
After the service, I headed north for a reception left the camera in the car so I could be part of it. At one point, I was showing my IraqWarHeroes.org website to a couple of people that have not seen it, one, which was a 23 year friend of Don's from Utah?, I randomly picked a name out of over 2700 names on the list, and when that page pulled up, he recognized the name. He knew who that hero is. Wow.
Anyhow, I'm pretty tired; been a long day. Just want to thank you all again for being there! I'll be posting the letter Don wrote that was read at the funeral, tomorrow or the day after.

06/11/06 As I was updating my about page, I noticed that Donald's funeral was the 69th and it was on 06/09/06. Damn.

I'm still trying to raise money to at least get my camera fixed, since I can't get it replaced at this time and am considering trying to sell some of my 35mm SLR's.  I have another funeral coming up, most likely in Sacramento and will do my best to make it there. I did not make it to Richland on the evening of the 9th to ride with some others and participate in a parade in Ephrata WA. My possible host was sick and the float driver is presumed drowned after helping others search for a couple of drowning victims.  I received a roll of stamps and some lose stamps yesterday and got another 100 cards in the mail for house members.  I think I only have about 170 to go yet.

06/16/06 I'm sweating like a dog today. Don't know why, it doesn't seem to be that warm outside. I'll try a cool shower in a bit. I bought a case of oil today, saw a coupon for 99c a quart and the way I use oil, the less I pay for it, the better. Ever needed oil along the freeway?? Highest I think I ever was gauged for was $5.20 for a quart of stuff I can get at Safeway for $1.99 . I noticed after the gas prices went up, things inside gas stations went up also. They figure if we can pay that much for gas, we can pay extra for anything else. I'm doing better at getting travel supplies like snacks in advance at dollar stores or other cheap places.
The other day my bank charged me a fee of $22 and I thought it was because a store overcharged me 7cents, well, that caused the fee but the reason I was down more than normal is because someone gave me a bad check. He donated $10 for one of my CD's, well, now I'm down $32 for that. I think I'll just send him a postcard with a frown on it.
I've got my routes printed out, washing some clothes and getting ready for my long trip southbound. I figure if I leave around 2100 tonight, I should be able to make it for SFC Issac Lawson's memorial service set for 1100 Saturday. My car drops down to about 40MPH on the mountains, so I'm gonna leave with plenty of extra time.

06/19/06 

It is now Monday, June 19th, 2006 2344, almost midnight and I have just completed my base mission for our hero SFC Isaac S Lawson.

I started Friday the 16th at around 0500 and did all my web updates and emails that came in over night. Finalized and printed my drive route for Sacramento California. 

I departed Portland Oregon at 1800.

I napped at a rest stop around 0330-0445. 

I arrived the Saturday  morning in south Sacramento about 0820. 

First photo was shot at 0901 at the church. last Photo at the church shot at 1129.  Church was packed so I did not stay in there to shoot.  I headed for the cemetery.

First photo at cemetery was shot at 1205 and the last photo was taken at 1524.  I then started my drive back to Portland.

I napped at a rest stop around 2230-0210.

I arrived in Portland around 0530 Sunday morning, went for some breakfast, then home and crashed a few hours. 

Worked on photos from 1400-2000 and crashed hard.

Awoke this morning (Monday)  around 0530 , caught up emails and web updates and worked on photos from 1030-2344.

I selected, cropped and pushed 901 photos that will be sent to the family. Out of those I selected 59 for the general public and posted them on his tribute page.

Unfortunately, it looks like there are 2 more, possible 3 more funerals pending out here.

I'm still waiting to get my camera fixed or replaced.

06/22/06  Yesterday I received two nice emails and I also reunited a mother of a fallen hero with a sweetheart of his from school.

I've shared some of it with local media but they are non responsive.  Let's face it, what I do is not really news worthy, they want something more hateful and controversial.  I'm feeling real crappy today, don't know if it's the cancer or something else pressing on the inside. Almost like someone is squeezing my lungs like a sponge from the inside. I feel weird. Nevertheless, I'm getting my gear ready to drive to Gig Harbor Washington for another funeral and I know I have 2 more after that.  Hearing the loss of at least another 9 heroes makes it even harder, 5 in Iraq and 4 in Afghanistan.  While doing my mail run today, I asked the head of that post office if the flag shouldn't be at half mast for Sp Jones, he said I was right and he will get it fixed. I said thanks and handed him one of my IraqWarHeroes.org cards and left.  Sometimes I wonder if they hate seeing me, because I'm always there to mention when the flag isn't right on that pole.  :) Time to finish up and chill for a bit before hitting the road.

07/12/06 Well, I'm finally over a hump and have caught up on all the funerals. Today I mailed out CD's to Army Sgt Justin Norton's families.
Sgt Norton will not be forgotten here!!!
I mailed out another 100 post cards today.
I finally have my camera body back from the shop. Looks like they only shot 10 pics at quality control after the repair job that cost about $300. My pic counter only went up 10 digits. I quickly returned the loaner cannon I had from a friend in Washington, I know he was getting ancy about getting back his camera.
Had to use a tow truck again. I think the car is breaking down too often now. It has over 212,000 miles now. I'm now trying to find a way to get more reliable used car and have my eye on a 1985 car. It's a year older than mine but has a lot less mileage on it.

07/20/06 I've been busy with updates and been looking for people that can help chip in a few bucks for gas. Didn't find anyone. All talk.  I did try some of the larger organizations, and all the ones I checked have a police that says they won't help individuals, only large groups etc. And yes, I checked the gates Foundation also which send me an auto-responder telling me they won't. Sunday I'll be driving to Red Bluff CA for Sgt Turner's funeral service. I still haven't lost my Chevron card yet.  Today while I was sitting behind two card in the right lane at a red light, a bluish cross between a jeep and a HMVEE came up on my right side where the sidewalk is and some middle eastern looking person yelled at me, telling me Bush was bombing Lebanon. He yelled so more, then illegally passed all the cars on the right and proceeded across the intersection before the light changed and sped off.  He must have red the writing on my rear window "Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away www.IraqWarHeroes.org".   Did I mention, I stopped driving my 213k 1986 Celica and am now driving a 1985 Ford marquees, it has less mileage and I hope it won't break down as much.  last couple of days I've been busy trying to add people to my myspace list and make them all aware of my project. www.MySpace.com/qfocal .

07/22/06 It's 1939, been trying to sleep for tonight's trip but didn't do to well, too damn hot in here.  Will hit the road early and hopefully find a cool spot to rest on the pass. A friend donated a couple bucks and I used it to change the oil in the Marquee, it's been in there over 3 years and didn't want to chance it on a long trip.  If Chevron doesn't cut me off again, I should be fine gas wise and snacks for this trip. Found out at the lube place that this car has three different manufactures, Ford, Lincoln and something else. Anyhow, I'm going to dry up again and get dressed for the road.

07/25/06 I departed Portland Oregon at 2200 on Saturday, July 22nd 2006 and arrived in Red Bluff California at 0740.
Arrived back in Portland at 2155 on Sunday, July 23rd 2006. Total Miles: 912 Total Away Time: 23Hrs 55 Minutes
First Frame Shot at 0805 Last Frame Shot at 1357 July 23, 2006. Photos selected for the families: 740
It is now 1905 July 25, 2006 and I'm uploading the pics and writing this.
This was a very hot mission with the mercury hovering at 113F there where times I thought I was going to go down, I think I was sweating faster than the water I could possibly consume.
There where about 50 Patriot Guard Riders that showed up and endured the heat while honoring our hero during the services. Some where familiar faces from Oregon that rode down. Most of them are Veterans. I once again want to thank them all for showing up to honor Sgt Turner.
You will notice that there are 3 separate sets of photos I posted for the public. 
My thank you to the Turner family for allowing me to come and honor Army Sgt Thomas Turner Jr. I will not forget him.
Army Sgt Thomas B Turner Jr
www.IraqWarHeroes.org/turnert.htm  
PS. Until I can manage to get more band-with, please have patience if you cant get to the page. You're always welcomed to help me out.

07/29/06 Mission for Capt. Christopher T Pate is complete.  I'm glad it was local, still haven't recovered from Sunday's trip.

First Shot Taken At: 0903  Last Shot At: 1122 07/28/06  Local Miles: 10  Photos For Family: 562  Editing Time: 7Hr 45Min.

A few weeks ago at the Port Orchards WA funeral, a deer with a many points fury horn came out to greet me and left when others came to look at it, it was weird. Now guess what?  As I was leaving Shelter D at Willamette national Cemetery and started on the first hill down heading for the exit, a young deer stepped out of the woods and looked at me. I stopped the car and looked back at it, and the deer waited. I reached for my bag, got out the camera and took a couple of pics. Another car pulled up behind me and could have gone around, but it waited to see what I was up to. When I finished with the camera, shooting through the glary windshield, it turned around and when another car approached it vanished. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A DEER OUT THERE.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm being told that I'll be led to pasture soon or maybe it's a sign of new life.  So, when you look at the memorial pics for Capt. Pate, you'll know why there is a deer at the end.  The PGR walking up the hill was going to be my final frame to post.  I hope that my cancer or whatever else is going on don't kill me till this war is over with, so I'll be optimistic about these strange occurrences which could also be coincidences or natures way to keep me from getting too depressed over the flood of memorial services lately.

08/01/06 It's 2244 and it took me 12 hours today to finally get caught up on my inbox, answering emails, posting pics.  There is another California Funeral coming up but I have no way of getting the gas for that trip. The last one I had to charge $175 to Chevron and this one will be an even longer trip. I had one small job today and that was it for the last 10 days.

08/03/06 I have 4 pending Funerals, 1 tomorrow in eastern Washington, 1 in Forks WA, 1 at WNC, and 1 other (Location not known yet).
If anyone out there can help me with gas (I can do without food) I would appreciate it, don't know how much longer Chevron will tolerate me. Thank You!!

08/08/06 Today I attended the funeral for SA Ronald Lee Howell, finished the pics and delivered them in Clackamas before his mother and brother return to their homes out of state. My blood sugar is over 310, I hope it doesn't get worse. Doing some laundry now and getting ready for tomorrows trip to Forks. I'll be staying out there overnight somehow instead of driving all the way back and out there again for the next day service. The would be a 12 hour round trip and I don't think my chevron card will go for that.  Ronald's mom gave me twenty bucks, so I know food will be covered for those two days in the field.  I'm tired, stressed, depressed and I'll be glad when this is over with before I have to stop attending funerals cause I just can't afford it.

08/13/06 

Mission Report.  Mission# 80 (80 too many)

Total Away Time: 42 Hours  Total Miles: 737  

First Photo Shot: 08/09/06 1343  Last Image Shot: 08/10/06 1849

Total Image Processing Time at Home: 25 Hours  Total Images Posted: 70  Total Images For Families: 1272

After winding slow roads around the Peninsula in NW Washington and arriving at Forks Washington, I could tell that this was one of those towns.  You know the type, small, pretty clean, and filled with Patriotic Americans.  You won't see this in a big city unfortunately. Every pole had a yellow ribbon, most even had our flag. Many of the store front windows had something in memory of L/Cpl Jason Hanson. I almost thought it was the 4th of July after D Day.

I found a shade to park under at the High School and was going to take a nap before things got started and decided instead to walk down the main road down the length of the city.

I started down one side of the street and photographed the many things that the locals did to honor Jason, ribbons, flags, signs, news paper articles in windows etc.. I came upon a big fat tree next to a diner, and it had a big fat yellow ribbon around it and of course I photographed it.  As I continued my walk heading out of town, a woman came from the diner and called for my attention.  She asked who I was with, and I told her.  She reached out her hand and as I stretched out my hand, she grabbed it with both of her hands and introduced herself as the grandmother of Jason and that she was very happy that I came.  Wow.  I continued my walk.

At the end of the town (city edge with buildings) I crossed over to the other side of the street and started the opposite direction.  I noticed a cop car that has now passed me twice, wasn't for sure if it was the same driver.  I then encountered another pedestrian who asked me what i was taking pics of, I told him and handed him a postcard.  As I continued, the cop car came back, stopped in front of my and a young police officer came out and asked if I was broken down someplace. I told him what was up, gave him a postcard and shook his hand.

Early at the gym, there where a few Marines that recognized me and introduced me to the new faces.  One of the Marines came to me and told me there was a couple in the audience whose son's funeral I attended in 2004.  Before the service, but after many have been seated, a Hanson family member came over to me and thanked me for being there.

The town has a population under 3500 people, and over 600 showed up at the gym, with a line going around the building.  About 20 bikes of the Patriot Guard Riders made this long trek to pay honors to our fallen hero.

During the graveside service, people lined parts of downtown with flags (I couldn't see it) and also lined with flags on the street to the cemetery. I watched and captured people walking from blocks away (Farm area) to come and see Jason off. A 4th of July Float was refitted with banners that people signed the night before at the gym.

It was quite emotional.  There are more stories to tell but I have to get ready for my next trip.  I do want to mention that, ride captain with the PGR arranged with a friend of his in Port Angeles for a place for me to crash instead of sleeping in the car.  And thank to the man on the yellow trike for feeding me dinner on my way back to Portland.

L/Cpl Jason Hanson wanted to be a Marine since the age of 14. "He went to Iraq our hero, and has come home to be laid to rest as our hero."

I will not forget this Hero.  Rest In Peace Jason!!

08/15/06 Finished with the photos and posted some for SSG Brent Clearman's memorial service yesterday. I've been telling people I need gas money but no offers.  The funeral in Northern Cal will be low keyed.  Apparently this soldier hated the Army and was killed after he was extended. I'll be attending a local funeral tomorrow as a PGR for a Vietnam War veteran being laid to rest..  My next mission will be in the Kent area on Friday. Still no word/dates on two others.

09/01/06 I have finally got the photos done for the memorial service on the 29th in Redmond, and funeral service on the 30th in Portland for L/Cpl Randy Newman. If I find the gas dough, I'll be driving to Boise Idaho on Tuesday for a funeral on Wednesday.  I've added over 20 names over the last couple of days.  I'm still at a remote location in Washington which is about 50 miles from Portland.  I'm planning on being in the November 11th parade in Auburn with my banner. Need to find volunteers.

09/07/06 Been busy working on the photos for Sgt Jeremy King.  I drove to Boise Idaho on the 5th for his funeral on the 6th.  I was told I would get some gas money out there which of course didn't happen and I almost didn't make it back if a friend wouldn't have let me borrow their card for that trip in case of an emergency. I ended up getting half a tank of gas with it to complete my trip. Well, what should I expect; so far I've had "promises" of help from all kinds, politicians, talk show hosts, and even had a biker write me a bad check for one of my Wall CD's. I need to get the pics done. Will go shoot the Healing Field in Salem OR tomorrow morning and then make a trip to Yelm Washington.

09/09/06 I made it back from Yelm WA and no, I wasn't fed lunch or dinner. :(
Anyhow, I did have two volunteers that carried my banner in the parade and I handed out my cards to over 80% of the adults that attended the parade.
I started by handing them out to all the ones participating in the parade at the staging area and then handed them out along the route.
Some day I should write an essay on what type of people respond how when you hand them a card with a simple message such as "Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away www.IraqWarHeroes.org " coming from someone like me.
Last few hours I've been busy with Sgt King's funeral pics. It will take a while before I'm done and I have another funeral on Monday.

09/10/06 Army Sgt Jeremy E King R.I.P. Mission Report:
Departed: September 5, 2006 0900 Returned: September 6, 2006 2130 Total Away Time: 36Hours 30Minutes
Total Miles Driven: 886 Miles (52.1 Gallons of Fuel)
First frame shot: 09/05/06 1728 Last Frame Shot: 09/06/06 1430  
Photo Processing Time: 9.3 Hours Posted Pics: 56 For families: 485
Side Issues: At the cemetery some woman complained to me that she couldn't get any good pictures because where she wanted to shoot, I was already there. Then she started talking about the media (I'm still shooting away).
Then she started to complain to others and kept pointing them my directions. Meanwhile, her camera is doing nothing. 
The funeral went well, not as many people as was expected. The patriot Guard Riders where not at the church (By request I think) but where on the
outside road into the cemetery. I asked one of the head cemetery people to give me a ride in the golf cart up the hill where the main flag is, so I can shoot down. He was kind to do that, had to hurry, was expecting the funeral escort soon. I mentioned to him that the main flag was NOT at half mast and asked him to have that done. 
He told me, since this is a state run cemetery, they would need a directive from the governor. I told him at federal cemeteries for our heroes, the flag is always at half mast. He asked one of the other workers if they have received a directive yet to lower the flag. He said no. I told him
it wouldn't look right in my photos. He asked the other guy if he had the key and to lower it. Kudos!
Tomorrow (Monday) I'll be heading to Woodburn Oregon for another memorial service and then a funeral service on Thursday (or Friday).
No, it's not getting easier, matter of fact it's been getting a lot harder. Maybe that's why I'm such an unsociable person?
Army Sgt Jeremy Edward King gave his all for all of us. Many members of his family history are military. He will not be forgotten.

09/12/06 Yesterday I attended the memorial service for Sgt 1st Class Richard Henkes II in Woodburn OR. Between then and now, 3 more from the NW where reported killed. Next funeral is on Thursday.
Because of me, a CHP Officer that served in Iraq and got killed by a Hit & Run Bastard got a write up in a local Police publication called The Rap Sheet. It's on page 12 of the September Issue which you can download at www.ppavigil.org/rapsheet.htm  . I supplied them with one of my public posted photos. Memorial pics can be seen at www.IraqWarHeroes.org/clearman.htm in case you missed the posting in August.
Someone asked me why I don't sell my pics to publications. It's simple, that's not why I do this. Ever seen what some of the papers want to charge grieving families for a few copies of their pics? It's a crime, but their purpose is to exploit the fallen heroes and their families. (In my opinion). 
You be amazed how many times I've seen them print pics that the family didn't want taken in the first place. That's another reason why you don't see family members in the photos I post for all, unless I have a specific request or they are part of the service in a different way.
I photograph these events for the families, so they can pass this on to the heroes kids that may now be too young to understand. So the families can see who all was there, what all went on... Many things that you don't see when your heart is busy bleeding for a loved one, while your eyes a swollen with tears. This is something I do in addition to the website projects honoring our fallen heroes and reminding people of who they are and as long as I can find a way to get to them, I will.

09/14/06 I am so T'd off.  Camera failed 6 times at the funeral today. Shit, I can't even afford to mail it back in.  I wrote Nikon this email: Subject Line D70 Err error [Incident: 060526-000230]  After having the camera in your shop for many weeks, it failed again today at a military funeral. It locked up 6 times. Kept telling me to turn it off. On top it said OFF. So, I turn it off, wait a minute and turn it back on, then it would shoot again for a while. It has done that with 2 different lenses.
I have 3 more funerals pending www.IraqWarHeroes.org/about.htm and don't know what to do. I can't give you guys another 300 bucks and wait 5 weeks or so.
This suxs.
Q
I'll have to see what happens.  Got some job applications for some part time jobs pumping gas, let's see if anyone will hire me. This is really annoying me, and I take good care of my shit. *sigh*.

10/15/06 

Mission Report:

10/14/06 Depart Time: 0600  Return Time: 2000  Total Away Time: 14 Hours  Total Miles: 381

First Frame Shot: 1012  Last Frame Shot: 1617  

Photos Posted For Public on website: 88  Photos for  Family on CD: 716

Time spend working on photos and posting, preparing CD's, mailing: 9.8Hrs

I actually started my trip earlier and made a stop in Salem along the way. As I headed south on I-5, I was being passed by many cars flying green flags and weird yellow stuff hanging out windows, or clamped in door closings. 70 to 80 of them passed me and out of all of the ones that passed me, only one had a USA flag.  I was listening to a local talk show and the topic was about some of our brave that have served in Iraq and a book that was written.  I called in.  Hear my comments by clicking here or going to www.IraqWarHeroes.org/news .

As smoothly as things ran during this memorial service, it was one of the more stressful ones for me.  I don't know if you remember that I drove up north to Washington on July 1, 2006 to attend a funeral there even though everyone (OK NOT everyone else) else was heading for a well publicized funeral in southern Oregon.  The funeral I attended was for PFC Devon Gibbons, the young hero that suffered over 10 weeks with excessive burns and other wounds before dying at Brooke Army medical Center in Texas. This is also where I had a strange encounter with a deer that shouldn't have been there.,

Anyhow, as I was waiting for the Patriot Guard Riders to make their arrival, a couple came and introduced themselves to me.  They are the parents of Pfc Devon Gibbons.  They thanked me for the photos I did of their son's memorial and told me why they came down for this funeral.

PFC Dean Bright was one of 2 heroes that pulled their son out of the wreckage of the vehicle that was blown on April 11th in Taji Iraq.  And it was October 4th, in Taji Iraq when those bastards killed Dean.

They had talked and written to Dean but had not had a chance to meet him in person.  That really suxs.

Devon's father had also brought up the thing with the deer, how it showed up in an area that is very busy and I mentioned to him some of the other strange deer encounters I've had and the bit about the acorn.  You know, If I didn't shoot the pics, nobody would believe my stories.

MJ Kesterson, the mom of fallen hero CWO Erik Kesterson (Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot, killed 11/15/03) was there also. In the High School, a young lady introduced herself as the cousin of another hero, whose funeral I attended and she thanked me for being there.  I can't remember the name, my head was already in distress.

Over 135 Patriot Guard Riders came to the High School to honor our hero.  It makes me cry when I see them come in such force and everyone (most) was watching them roll in, they held their hand over their hearts and looked on with amazement, with pride.

A few of the PGR's rode with the funeral procession to the cemetery and the rest came in force separately.  According to at least 2 local cops, doing a great job helping , the procession was over 4 miles long.

One of the honor guard leaders came to me and handed me his card, stating that he has seen me at all the services they attended and asked for some pics.  I gave him a few of my cards and told him it's best for him to contact me.

At the end of the funeral service I was approached by another woman, she was the mother of another fallen hero and she made a statement about the pics I gave her. Something like: "I have received lots of photos from other people that came to my sons funeral, but yours where the only ones that showed the emotions. "  That was Nice.

When I finally left and headed home, it all started to hit me like bricks and I couldn't even talk. I was drying my eyes constantly until I got near Eugene Oregon, and got stuck in traffic, in the middle of a bunch of cars with green flags, duck stickers, yellow things coming out of their trunks and doors and I counted 2 USA flags as I cussed and cursed for an hour and then tuned to an oldies station until I got home.

I would like to thank the two of you at the funeral that gave me gas money to cover my trip and I would like to thank a myspace friend Marine Eric Y. (I'm using yours for a print cartridge for CD labels.)

It's almost midnight on the west coast. It's been raining out here. I'm getting this posted tonight.  I have another funeral to go to in a few hours.

I'm almost out of postcards and won't be mailing anymore and save the few I have for the CD mailings to families of our fallen heroes.

I asked Chevron via email if they can donate some gas or credit my Chevron card, they said the same thing all other companies have told me. We don't help individuals.  OK, in more legal terms.

"Because our guidelines restrict our contributions to nonprofit organizations, we do not provide product donations, fund individuals, travel expenses, or businesses.
We hope you will continue your efforts - another corporation or foundation may find that your objectives closely parallel theirs. Further inquiry and research may bring the support you seek."

Do you realize nobody else or organization that I know of, does what I'm doing? Well, they can all....

Please take a moment and give thanks to Pfc Dean Bright. A heroes hero. A recipient of the Bronze Star because he was there when a buddy needed him, despite the dangers and risk involved.  I will not forget him.

10/18/06

Greetings!!

It's hump day again and just past 0535.  Didn't get to bed till about 4 hours ago.  I hate these nights.  Ever get other people's dreams?? They wake you up and you know that wasn't your dream.  Weird Eh?

I'm gonna try and make this a short day cause tomorrow the day in Salem will be long.  If still on schedule, the cement is going to pour for the main part of the fountain.  You know, the Afghani-Iraqi Freedom War Memorial.  Sorry, haven't posted pics lately for it but will get to it again.

On Monday Sgt Chase Haag was laid to rest.  There was a special service at his High School on the 6th and his memorial service on the 16th.

That's what I was doing last night, getting them done and posted because I have another one on Saturday.

As I was looking at the pics I captured from the slide show and the pic that is in the little pamphlet they hand you out at memorial services (You would figure, after all this time I would know what they are properly called.) shows what a man he had become in such short time.

I'm not talking age, it's much more than that.  The first set of pics re from the 6th, and the 2nd from the 16th.

I would like to say, on this hump day, take a few minutes to go hump a man or woman in our military... but I'll stick with the proven stuff... say THANK YOU!!!  Let them know you support them.  Let them know you will remember their buddies that came home early.

I don't know what your rank is, but signature indicates you're in the Army; Thank You David S for your gas donation.  I'll be using it this Saturday.

I would also like to thank www.Salem-News.com for their story about one of my projects for our military.  If you missed it, here is the complete link.

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/october162006/man_named_q_101606.php   Please leave a comment there.

You all Take Care!!

Q

"Stay on course, and be proud of who you are, what you do, and what you believe in...I am thinking of you constantly." ~Sgt. Chase A. Haag, U.S. Army~

10/25/06
I'm glad my hands are too numb for me to pull out my hairs. You know it's getting bad when you can't even open a bottle of water without extra efforts.
I've spend most of the day working on emails and also adding names and every night I hope it's the last ones. We must not forget any of them.
I'll be heading to Salem again this morning, then to Vancouver WA, then home to feed my 2 evil cats and head right back out to the Airport to help escort home a fallen soldier. Then go back home, do updates, take a nap and head to Port Orchard /Belfair WA for a funeral of another...
Hey, if you're in Port Orchard / Belfair area... It's OK to feed the animal. :)
When I get back, I'll have 2 more services pending plus other related stuff. 
As you can see, no time for walks and new more pleasant photos.
Please help keep the story on top of the list, go to www.SterlingWolf.com and leave your comment. Got a new improved comment? Leave that too. :) Keep passing it on.
Take care!!! We are at war people, act that way. Support our men and women in the military!!!! Send them your love and kisses and all that mushy stuff. :) And send them some of your strength. 
OK, I need to find some coffee and get going...
Someone play me the "Green Berets". You know... the one from the movies by Sgt Barry Sadler (I think), Fighting Soldiers from the sky, Fearless men.... Great song, I love it.
10/27/06
I made it back last night from Belfair & Port Orchard Washington and was in Salem again this morning. I want to thank the two ladies that came to me outside the church and handed me some gas money. I think they may be on my list here. Thanks for dinner PGR Junius. Thank you to all the PGR members that came out to honor our fallen hero. Thanks for your support.
There where a lot of things that bothered me yesterday at the funeral service, things that many of the PGR members also noticed but I won't get into that now, except for one of the,.. A non invited photographer for a local rag was there and she would bend down to shoot pics and next thing you see is a huge butt crack. These are people that get paid by their medias to come and take pictures but they have absolutely NO respect for the fallen hero, the grieving families and others. A couple of months ago I mailed a photo to a TV station (Emailed) because of how their cameraman was dressed. He looked like he was going to a football party.
I don't expect them to wear suits, but I don't want them looking so obviously that they really don't give a damn. Darn, I'm getting pissed off again. And yes, I did get a pic just as she was shifting, but enough of the crack to send the pic to her paper. It also annoys me when they see my position, which didn't occur to them, then come around and either crowd me out or just block me.
I'm tired, I'm annoyed. last night my website broke an all time record for me, over 62,000 hits for this month. My highest monthly since May 2005 for this counter was 50248. Currently I have so many emails yet to work on and pics.
Tomorrow morning I'll be heading to Salem again and will be there all day till around 1700, at which time I'll head over to Salem-News.com 's headquarters to bid Tim King a good journey. He should be leaving on Tuesday to spend 2 months in Afghanistan and report from there.
[My head is hurting]
Sunday morning I'll be in Troutdale Oregone(e) and I hope by Sunday night to be caught up again ready to head out to a funeral on Monday.
After Veterans Day on November 11th, 2006 {In theory} I should have more time again since I won't be doing daily runs to Salem.
Help keep me on top of the list, read and leave a comment. www.SterlingWolf.com . OK, don't need to read it if you already read it. Pass it on.
I wish you all a great weekend!!!
Veterans Day is not far away, scrape off the faded flag and ribbon stickers and put on some fresh ones. get a flag (U.S.A. Flag) and perhaps a military flag all or one of your service branch.
Someone keeps messaging me about something big that happened on the 10th in Baghdad. I won't say what, but let me know if you heard this. may be just a rumor.
OK.. you all, have a good weekend!!! Be [##]Sane, Be Safe, have Fun!

10/29/06
Greeting Everyone!!
My body has been malfunctioning most of today but I've been trying to get caught up on pics anyhow without getting done.
My hands are really numb, I'm going to go horizontal in a few and hope to be more mobile by the time I get to Monday's funeral.
Hope you all have a great week.
11/01/06
Last night I added over 200 photos send in by families and friends of their
loved ones. I could finally see the remaining emails on one page untill I
checked for more mail. I hope that I will make it to a zero mailbox by
tonight, at least for a few minutes.
Today marks day 1322 since I've been tracking AP News Headers and decided to
bring you a few. Below are the headers for October 31, 2006, 2005, 2004
and 2003. MYSpace formatting tends to spread them apart, so
the email may be a bit over spacious.
Water testing should be happening at the memorial fountain today, hopefully
while I'm there.
11/02/06
I'm making more progress and have just completed posting pics for SSG Joey
Kane's memorial service from October 26 in Belfair & Port Orchard
Washington.
On another twist. I was requested to shoot a recent funeral (Pics still
in the works) and at the funeral home I was taking photos of the display in the
hallway and they kicked me out, telling me no cameras are allowed. I
explained why I was there but that didn't help and I gave the guy my card and
number to give to the family once they arrive. So I went outside in the
cold to wait on the PGR to show up and they guy from the funeral home came out
and told me they want absolutely no media on the grounds, and asked me to go across
the street.
I went across the street and started to wait. Got a few pics of the PGR
rolling in. After about another 10 minutes, the guy from the funeral home
plus another gentleman approached me and apologized for the misunderstanding and
even pointed to a side room where I could get coffee to warm up first. It
was too late, I had work to do here.
11/05/06
I've been up since 0400, the moon was too bright and I kept waking up thinking someone is shinning a flashlight into my window. I added two more Marines to the list and called one of my favorite hangouts to see if anyone working there will buy me coffee. 
It's now 0615 and I'm sitting in Tik Tok Restaurant reading yesterday's newspaper and typing this. The only downside, I tend to smell like I've smoked all night but this time of the day, most patrons are sitting on the other side, so it's not too bad. If I look up at on of of the skylights, I can catch an occasional pigeon pooping on me, reminding me that it' just part of life. 
Yesterday I spend a lot of time doing critical backups to CD's. I tend to back up to 3 different medias; call it anal, but unless you've ever lost something you worked on or created, you may not understand that your machine could crash at anytime. It doesn't matter if it's brand new or old. At any time for almost any reason.
I was in Salem yesterday morning and helped move a mountain of dirt via shovel and wheel barrel. Of course I'm not suppose to do things like that, am in enough pai as it is, but it's hard not to help when you see that people that volunteered to help are not there. Of course you won't see any pics of me doing anything, cause I'm the one behind the camera, except the occasional hand holding something.
There is an elderly couple that comes out there to help, he (I wish I remembered his name, I don't remember names. Sometimes I remember so little that people think I'm rude.) is a farmer, 81 years old and he kicks butt. After I had shoveled and moved 10 wheel barrels of dirt, they showed up and he started to wheel the dirt. If I where in his shape, and health, damn. He helped last Saturday during the sod laying and worked all day long.
Yesterday a couple in their 5's stopped by to take a pic of of the project, I went and talked with them. They lost their son in 2003, one of the first few killed from Oregon. They told me how the local paper keeps twisting what they say and making it negative. This couple is for the memorial.
..In a couple hours I'll be heading to The Dalles Oregon for a memorial service for SSG Paul. I hope the rain holds up a little.
Having lost my muffler, I noticed that my car tends to set off car alarms when passing some cars. I hope by next week I'll have that fixed. I think the fumes are triggering my migraines to come more often.
Well, one more cup and I'll get out of here, looks like they are starting to get a crowd. Not on this side yet.
If you're in Oregon(e) , November 11th at 1400 is the public dedication of the memorial. Please come by. I don't know if I can be there yet or not, but my banner should be.
11/06/06
Rain, Rain, Rain, rain, rain....Ohhh and did I mention Rain?
Yesterday's memorial run went OK. The PGR headed for the wrong school but I guided them in. About 18 bikes and 5 cages made it out there despite all the rain, rain, rain and more rain.
I was there early as I usually am and looked for family contact and left my card with someone who passed it on to the police captain who told me that when the family arrives, he'll check with them. Until then I did most of my shots outside where there was rain, rain, rain and more rain.
It did stop on occasion, just long enough for me to put down my umbrella. The Portland Police Highlander Bagpipers came out also. That was nice, I thanked them all for coming out.
A few minutes before the start of the service the police captain found me and gave me an all clear. I did not shoot many pics indoors, it was too dark for my equipment. (I adhere strictly to the NO Flash Policies).
Afterwards many of the PGR's where going to meet at a pizza joint recommended by a local cop. Not all of us had directions, I followed a group of bikes until I lost sight of them and now I had a choice of a right or left turn. Made a right with another biker tailing me. It was the wrong decision.
Another cop on that stretch of road figured out the bike was lost and as she was making a turnaround in a parking lot, he offered to give her directions and decided to play lead car. Not having figured that out yet, cause I was further down the road making a turn around, as she passed I gave her the international "I don't know where the hell I'm going" sign and she pointed to follow her and then I realized the cop was playing lead. It was a couple miles down the road. So here is another Kudos for The Dalles cops.
The pizza place is called Spooky's. One of the riders offered to buy me lunch. That was great, only had 3.75 in quarters on me. We both ordered a mushroom cheeseburger, it was really good. Went down so fast that I forgot I ate.
I then headed back to Portland to look up the "mother" of a fallen hero whose funeral I attended a couple years ago. She was suppose to be working in a restaurant that day and I wanted her permission to photograph some plaques hanging at another location. (That's based on info received from another location.), As I waited, I noticed none of the workers there looked old enough to be his mother and I figured I'm probably too late for the day but I waited. A young lady asked if she could help me and I asked if Mrs. .... was still here or did she already leave for the day. She smiled at me and told me she was her. I looked at her and puzzled asked ... mom? No; she told me, I'm his wife. Ohhhh ok, nevertheless, we had a brief conversation (She was at work you know) and I gave her some of my cards and also told her of a special dedication coming up.
This morning as I headed out to Salem, it was raining again and the last time I looked out, it hadn't stopped.
Thank you Susan from TN for your letter!!
I almost got my muffler fixed today. had enough dough on me for the cheap place. They hoisted my car on a lift, and what do you know... The muffler is still there, it's everything behind the muffler that is gone. All I could say was " Shit~!!". The guy looked amazed at me and said, wow, that's still the original muffler you have there. It's not good, but still the original paper-thin muffler. Well, the new cost tripled literally, so he lowered my car, I gave him a couple cards and spend most of the money filling up my tank for the next couple Salem trips.
*Sigh*
I noticed that My, myspace page has been down again good part of the day. Why can't those myspace people do this crap at night, like between 0300 and 0430 when I'm most likely not up.
We lost another hero from Idaho, still within a days drive for me. If I find the gas, I'll try and be out there for his family.
OK, I know this one has been long, just been looking for an excuse not to work on pics for a few minutes.
I have posted more pics I took at the memorial project. WHICH reminds me.... (RANT TIME)
The anti-American socialistic communistic state newspaper called The Oregonian (Some call it simply a fish wrapper, but I wouldn't eat my fish if they where wrapped in that trash.) previously ran an article about the memorial being build and they are gearing up for another negative story.
They keep saying that the memorial is TOO BIG and it makes all the others in the park look small and it's too early... blah blah blah.
Today I spotted one of their people out here with a tape measure, measuring all the monuments but not the whole memorials. He told us that he was told to write a story a certain way and it's not up to him to add real facts.
The memorial being build is not the largest, it's the 3rd largest there out of 5. The largest is the memorial for our Medal Of Honor recipients. It's a granite column which includes 13 huge trees, one for each name. I'm sure by now you see what I'm getting at.
Anyhow, it's a shame how much media is anti-American and anti-Troops (Military) That's just my opinion based on what I see, and read.
11/07/06
I've finally have a few pics posted for SSG Paulsen's memorial service. He will not be forgotten.
You will notice that instead of active duty military, the Honor Guard is provided by the American Legion Post #14 from Vancouver Washington.
I of course had to ask why. The wife and his brother-in-law made a special request for this. His brother-in-law belongs to Post #14 and I think that SSG Paulsen did also.
I hope all you Americans took the time and voted today. Me personally, I don't believe I'm being represented most of the time by the locals, but I vote to preserve my right to bitch, whine and moan. :) I'm not gonna get into a political rant.... :)
It rained again today , and it rained and rained. I photographed picnic benches in water today. The river behind the memorial site is so high that the fountain backflow valve is getting a testing.
Today we had another volunteer from the Oregon National Guard, he worked on the flag poles. Between pics I helped a little, was already soaked on my right because I helped re-erect one of those flimsy tend like thingies that's suppose to keep the rain out of the manhole while the electrician is below doing his thing.
I'll be heading out there again in the morning. Only a few more days. I managed to catch up on my emails 3 times today but am still a couple thousand frames behind catching up on photos. My hands get so numb that they don't function right and I give up after a few hours.
Thank you Karen for some gas.
There is a new website out there to provide help to returning veterans. I don't know if it will only be Oregon based or not. They have started to list some resources. www.returningveterans.com . Click on Links and Resources there. If you find it useful, tell them I send you there. If you find it suxs, let me know and I'll be sure not to pass it on to others. I don't have the time to research them.
I hope you all have a great evening!! (I know you're up waiting for results huh?)
11/09/06
Yesterday (Wednesday) was heck of a busy day. I spend all day in Salem. In the afternoon we covered the fountain with huge tarp to keep out the rain and dry the floor of the fountain in order to put on the blue.
Yesterday evening we also mounted the statue while it was raining like heck, wind blowing, trying to keep the tarp in place and keep dumping the water sacks that where forming and then getting a crane to pick up and bring into the "tent" the statue.
On the latest pics, you won't see the statue on it's mount. The first photos can be seen at www.salem-News.com on Saturday morning. The day of dedication to the public. Those guys are always nice, not like the print media out here, so I'm giving them some exclusive shots for a head start.
Of course, you never see me doing anything, cause I'm the only one most of the time slamming the shutter.
Early this morning, a woman that comes by the construction site towing a suitcase on her daily path to work strolled by and as she was passing she gave me a friendly greeting as she has so many days prior. I offered her my "warm tent" (There are still burners going to heat and dry the paint) and she looked the direction I was pointing and noticed something on the pedestal. I offered to hold whatever she was carrying in her arms and told her to go in and take a peek. She did. She came out in tears and commented on how great it looked. I handed back her stuff and she went on to work.
This evening I delivered 2 sets of CD's to a brother-in-law of a recent fallen soldier (One set for his sister, the wife). He doesn't have a computer, so I took out my notebook computer while we stood in his cold garage and I showed him a slideshow of the pics. He was still crying when I left. He kept apologizing to me and I reassured him each time it's OK. He invited me to come up to the Legion on veterans day for free lunch. I had to turn him down, that day will be the public dedication in Salem. (You all know, I hate to turn down a free meal).
It's been another very long day and I imagine tomorrow will be the most stressful. There will be a private dedication for Oregon Goldstar families. Most of whom have probably seen me at their services. I'll be there to photo document it. And then I'll run.
I just got news of another NW soldier killed. I now have 4 pending funerals. Sh..!
OK, time for a nap... Please help keep the article high on the commented list, read and leave a comment please at www.SterlingWolf.comn . Feel free to forward it or any of my bulletins.
Wishing you all a great Friday tomorrow/today. (It's almost midnight again)
11/13/06
I borrowed 200 bucks and got the muffler and pipe problem solved. I had a friend ride in the car with me and she could tell it wasn't healthy, well, after she made some comments about the garbage on my floor on the passenger side. I told her I empty that at fueling stops. The car is much quieter now also.
I finally have the pics posted for SSG Robert Paul's memorial service in The Dalles OR. The actual funeral took place in Indiana I think. Not a whole lot of pics, they lowered the lights too low inside and I don't have the equipment to handle that.
Tomorrow is a funeral in Buhl, Idaho and there are two more funerals this week. In gas talk, Buhl is $120 away and if I can't find it, I'll skip that one and will have an extra day or two to get gas together for a funeral in eastern/central Washington for which I don't have a day yet, nor for the one in Scio OR.
I'm not pulling on my hair.
11/14/06
Good (Damn Too Early) Morning To You!
It's a few minutes after 0100 and done sleeping. Was going to sleep till 0300 but my pounding head won't let me. I hate migraines, I've hated them every since I knew I was dumped here as a human.
Anyhow, a couple people promised to help out some with fuel on the other end, (I know....) so I will head on my long drive to Idaho this morning.
I do have a back up plan (It will cost me later) just in case.
I hope you all have a great Tuesday!! I'll be checking in when I get to the first Wi-Fi spot. (Most public Libraries have them now).

Here is a travel update. It's slick out there.
I hit a patch of something and spun around a few times and managed to get back most of the control before hitting into a guardrail that has a big black void on the other side.
I started the car up again and decided not to get out of it until I'm at a safer place to make an assessment. I luckily didn't strike my full side, had pulled away from the rail just in time before coming to a halt facing the wrong way. After I came to a stop, and looked o my left, there was nothing and would have been a long drop. My pump did pause for a second or two. My rear corner did suffer damage, mostly to the tail light assembly. I got some duct tape and will tape it to minimize further damage.
I'm now at a Flying J and paid the $4.95 for 24 Hour Wi-Fi Access since I needed to sit and chill out for a bit. 
Daylight is finally happening and the clouds look mean.
This car doesn't drive like my Celica, well, the Celica sat closer to the ground and I had studs on all 4 wheels.
I'm glad I left plenty early, cause I passed a wiped out truck and cars along the way already. Travel may be slow.
11/15/06
It's a few minutes after 0500 and I'm almost back home. It's been a very long 27 hour day so far. Gonna eat some grub and make the final couple of miles.
I'll be unloading images and mapping out directions for the eastern Washington funeral Thursday; then get some sleep.
Thanks to PGR members that passed the hat, Karen and Jill for donating gas money to make this trip less stressful.
-------------------
Well I was about 3 hours into my nap when the phone rang and a voiced asked if I will be there for the escort mission. HUH? Marine Sgt Wold died in the hospital after having returned from Iraq. I didn't even have him on my list (I do now) because there was no DoD release which is often the case when they die at home or PTSD kills them.
BTW Sgt Wold was a Honor guard to the President for a while.
So, I'm sitting at Shiloh Inn, near the staging area and Junius (PGR Member) just walked in and we're having coffee. I'm typing while he's reading n article I brought along.
So as it stand now, Escort Mission in a couple hours, Funeral in Moses lake WA on Thursday and another funeral on Friday. On Thursday are actually 2 funerals, and on initial contact with the 2nd one, the father said they already took care of having a photographer.
And I thought I was gonna get some rest this week.
I'm always looking for more gas money or gift gas cards.
11/16/06
It is now Thursday 0215. My head is hurting and I'm on my way out of the door. I started this post (Not this part) yesterday. I'll be heading east on I-84, then take I-82 North, so if you have a gas station along the way, my number is listed on the bottom of my website www.IraqWarHeroes.org .
-----------------
It's 1716 (Wednesday Evening when I'm starting this post), I just got off the phone a few minutes ago with the mum of another fallen hero. She asked me how I was doing, and I told her, probably a lot better than how you're doing and passed on my condolences. She then said, "The answers is yes!"; and I asked her to inform the funeral people so they know. I'll be attending her sons funeral on Friday. I was part of the escort mission earlier today and left my card with one of the SSG there.
Tomorrow morning I'll be getting up at 0300 and will be heading to Moses lake Washington to attend the Memorial service for Sgt White which will be followed by a traditional Native American service on a reservation Friday night which runs about 6 hours and is located someplace else. That would be a colorful (I'm being selfish) and very interesting event to be part off but I won't be able to make it out there for that. I don't have the resources.
I lost another umbrella; anyone got a BIG one? The winds at over 40Mph shredded my last halfway big umbrella.
Do you think I whine a lot here? I need time to go on walks and unwind probably.
Traveling the Oregon(e) corridor of I-84 really suxs when it comes to radio. I have one of them rope tuners. For everyone born after 1970, that's a radio that has a manual dial which has a string attached to it and it drags a pointer behind the frequency numbers whole tuning. If I think I have a good station, it gets flooded out by Hispanic stations on all sides (I'm assuming it's Hispanic based on 3 or 4 words I know). Those stations and overly religious stations are easy to pick up.
well, I did find a station I can tune into, AM 1060 All Classic Country Station. I think it's a great station to listen to along that stretch and you wanna guess where it's coming from?? Calgary Canada. there is something sad about the best C/W station along I-84 having to be a Canadian station.
I'm typing this while I'm dumping memory cards, making back ups of the images before clearing the cards for tomorrow. I could use a few more I guess. I'm down to 2 high speed ones. Yup, they wear out also. Even faster when you drop one on a cement floor.
I emailed 3 radio personalities (local, 3 different stations) that have promised (Yup, TALK radio, irony huh?) to help in the past. Well, not even a response as usual. I'm not asking for much, just more gas. the rumor that I'm related to anyone is just that.
OK, I've also added 6 more names and am expecting 11 more of our fallen heroes. 
11/18/06
I've been real busy sadly. I've covered more than 2,000 miles this week
during 4 funeral missions, and wish I could say I'm done but next week has more
for me to do. www.IraqWarHeroes.org 
Yesterday I went begging to a couple of Les Schwab Tire Stores out here to
see if any can donate me some studded tires. Well, I got the usual, We
already donate to our local community etc etc.. One of them said they
would look further.
As painful as it was, I did finally managed to find time and do a 10k walk
again. It will be a while before you see the pics, There are not many, I
was too tired and couldn't even see the fall around me. It wasn't raining
this morning.
Anyone out there have cats? My two B*tches got fed at their regular time this
morning and I decided to lay back down for another hour before going on the
walk. You think they would leave me alone? Jole' the black evil one
was bitching up a storm and then starts rattling things and doing other things
that make noise to irritate me. And just short of killing her, I decided
to get up... and you know where the damn critter went? Right to bed.
^&$^%^$..
At a funeral yesterday morning for one of our heroes, I captured the photo
below. Click on it for a larger one.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
11/21/06
Mission Report
Depart Time: 11/14/06 0130 Return Time: 11/15/06 0600 Total
Away Time: 28.5 Hours
Total Miles: 1070
First Frame Shot: 11/14/06 1314 Last Frame Shot: 11/14/06 1809
Public Posted Pics: 64 For family Pics: 571 Working the pics and
posting: 6.2 hrs
Challenges: Hitting Ice, spinning around and busting taillights.
Challenges: Dark yellow lighting in auditorium.
Challenges: Dark outside for Military Honors.
I have finally completed the pics for our Hero, Spc James Bridges' funeral
service.
A large portion of the town turned out to honor James. The state's governor
also attended. The religious band that performed did an excellent job.
What was unique and just beautiful where the military honors that took place
outside after the services. The flag draped coffin was carried outside
with the whole family following behind. A mule (OK I think they where
mules) drawn hearse carriage was waiting; accompanied close by with a missing
soldier horse. After the draped flag was folded and presented along with another
flag to the family; a third flag was draped over the coffin which was then
loaded onto the carriage. Led in this order, Patriot Guard Riders on
motorcycles, then the honor guard, then the carriage, the missing soldier horse,
members of the honor guard, then family followed by many that came to honor this
fine young man. They all slowly walked around the school grounds to the
middle school.
Army Spc James Lee Douglas Bridges, You will not be forgotten. At Ease
Soldier! You Done well! Thank You For Your Service!
--------------------
Well, I've decided to get to the funeral in Sacramento California and will hit the road in a couple of hours. I realize it's early, but at the current rate of the weather forecast, I would rather catch a nap in my car on the other side of the mountain range.
If you have a gas station along I-5 and can donate gas, You can find my number at the bottom of my site IraqWarHeroes.org.
Couldn't get anyone to donate studs. I tried 9 tire places. It's against their policy or they already donate to the community.
Hey Sandra P, if you're on my MySpace list and see this; THANK YOU!!! I received your hand written letter today.
I will try and check in if I find free Wi-Fi spots along the way.
If everything works out fine, I should be back in time to stuff myself with some prime rib on Turkey-day. Got someone feeding me if I get there in time.
11/23/06
It's almost 0100 (1am for you 12 hour day people) and I got back from the funeral in Sacramento a little while ago. I did get snowed on over the pass. All that later. I'm too pooped right now.
Today is Thanksgiving. Please; if you can, set up an extra setting at your dinner table today. If you don't have room at your table, perhaps another one.
When someone ask who that setting is for, you tell them it's to remind you of our fallen heroes from past and current wars that gave their all so you can be thankful about a whole bunch of other stuff.
When I go out to eat on Thanksgiving, I order an extra plate setting. They used to look at me weird like, but most understand. (Most think I'm weird anyhow.)
I bid you and your families a good day. 
11/25/06
Yes, I've been busy and it isn't slowing down yet for me. This morning I'll be heading to Vancouver Washington to honor our fallen hero L/Cpl Michael Scholl.
This morning I tried repairing my tail light with one of them repair kits. Looks like crap but may work for a while. My biggest problem has been changing the front blinker light bulb. My hands are so numb I keep breaking the bulbs. OK, you can start the jokes... How many does it take to screw in my light bulb....
I'll see if I can find someone later to do it for me, or find a different method.
I hope you all have a good weekend!!

12/03/06

L/Cpl Timothy W Brown R.I.P.

Mission Report

Departure: 11/21/06 1630   Return: 11/22/06 2359  Total Away Time: 31Hrs 30Min

First Frame: 11/22/06 0757  Last frame: 11/22/06 1302

Time Selecting, Cropping Pics: 9Hr 20Min

Total Pics For Family:  756  Total Posted on Tribute Site for Public: 107

Complications:  Oregon part of drive down was very nasty. Dark, Windy and a lot of rain mixed with idiot drivers.  Return trip, very slow traffic due to a couple of snow flakes and then lots of rain again. I pulled over a couple times to nap.

I arrived early and recognized I've been here before.  I drove down the street close by for some coffee.  When I returned, the 1st of the PGR bikes showed up and eventually more drifted in.  The PGR showing was pretty good and their numbers increased even more when a late pack showed up.

I didn't even need to go look for anyone, one of the funeral people came to me outside and wanted to put a face with name and said I'll have access to go anywhere I need to and the media will be restrained to the back.  A while later, other of their people came to me and introduced herself.

The chapel was totally packed which was great.  There where people standing between the walls and benches and people spilling out the main door. It made it hard to move around any and I disturbed the people at the entrance only a couple of times.

Military Honors where conducted outside. Friends of Timothy each carried an item of tribute to him.  2 flags where presented, one to the mom and one to the father.www.IraqWarHeroes.org/browntw.htm 

01/18/07 Wow, I haven't entered anything here for a while. Early this morning I got the pics posted for Cpl Jeremiah Johnson's services. This was a 3 separate days mission and currently I'm working on Sgt Allen's pics. Without my laptop, things have been much slower and the camera has been acting up again.  Lately I've been selling stuff on ebay trying to keep afloat.  I hope I find more paying work soon before I lose my connectivity with the outside completely. I hope in 2 days to be caught up with emails again and I have a pending mission in the Redmond Washington area and if I have gas, I'll be making a trip to eastern Washington also next week.  Tim from Salem-News.com made it back from Afghanistan ok.

02/04/07 I spend all day today from 0700 to 2000 working on the pics for Pfc Hill's missions and I just got them posted.
Total miles was over 335. Onsite times around 16 Hours, Offsite (working on the pics) about 13 Hours.
Total pics posted: 125 . Total made for family: 868 photos.
The first of 44 pics where shot during the January 31st Portland Airport to Albany OR escort mission.
The next set was shot at the steps of the state capitol, then at the church and finally at Willamette National in Portland.

I came home to a cold house last night after returning from a funeral for Maj Johnson in Yakima WA.  If I don't get more paying gigs soon, I'll be coming home with no juice for this keyboard.  I have a older used notebook computer that I'm barrowing, so at least I can sit in some of my hangouts and keep up with some of the updates.  I haven't been posting much here lately, been just too damn busy.  last month I had over 88,400 hits and recently on Friday, I had an all-time daily high over 10,000.  Took me 9 hours to keep up with the emails that day.  I wonder if I go work to pump gas if I'll get a discount? 

They had too much food at the reception in Yakima yesterday and I left with a big plate of sliced ham and a plate of cookies and a pie. That's what I've been living on today.  I hope I find some more work soon. I'm always amazed at why people approach me with these big plans to help me and nothing happens.  Well, I'm not amazed, I seem to always know better. People that can make things happen do them, not talk about them. .-.

02/09/07 Got a shut off notice, so I'll be spending more time looking for free Wi-Fi spots to do my updates. Been looking for more work with no success.  On the bright side, Salem-News.com did a nice article on me. www.salem-news.com/articles/february082007/q_bjk020807.php . I hope it will get noticed by a few.  I've been emailing print papers with the link.  I have been tiring a lot quicker again lately (Well, I'm always tired).  I hope it's not cancer related.  I sometimes wonder about my cancer but try not to dwell on it.  I've got most of my emails caught up again for the day and been waiting for DoD to release the names of all that where shot down in a copter a few days ago.  

I've removed the statscounter from the front page so it will no longer dump unwanted cookies and will just use the server stats to track some of the hits.  It's 2120 and it looks like I'll be going to a memorial service tomorrow in Washington. Hope I got enough gas. Need to plan my route.

02/10/07: What's so offensive?
I got back a little while ago from another mission and the first thing on my list is to check my email and see if there are any new DoD releases. I don't know what's going on, but I'm missing a bunch.
Anyhow,.. wait, before I go further... think of all the bad words you use and just imagine me sitting here uttering them.
I get this email from the head of another online community I belong to telling me that they don't want me posting my link to my website www.IraqWarHeroes.org unless I change things on the front page. Seems like they are getting too many complaints saying that it's offensive.
OFFENSIVE???? &^(*&%&*((&^^$*^%(&)*&)(
I think those people are offensive. If they had it their way, they would sweep our heroes under a carpet, so they don't have to be reminded that someone died for their ^%*(&(%..
I removed my profile and membership from that website.
My head is hurting.

02/11/07: What's so offensive? Part II
1. The "missing a bunch" I referred to, are not MISSING EMAILS, but
releases that have not been sent out yet for some reason or another. I always
check their website to make sure it isn't me not having received the email.
OK....
It's a little after 0615 here on the west coast and I've been checking and
reading a lot of good responses to my bulletin/blog from last night and many had
questions, so I hope this will clarify it.
I did not mention the name of that website because it has many members that
do a lot of good to honor our heroes.
When you click on my link www.IraqWarheroes.org,
the page opens with 2 columns of photos, one on the left, one on the right and
in the middle a list of names of our U.S.A. Heroes.
I've had people complain because they need to wait so long for the list to
load and that I should break it up blah blah blah. Folks, it's very simple,
If you don't have the time for the list to load and then find what you're
looking for, you don't need to be there.
Each photograph on the right and left represent some of the
memorial/funeral services that I personally attended for our heroes.
In the right column you will see photos of flag draped coffins, and these
pics are not very big. But that's what is offensive.
The fact that someone can click on my link at their website and see coffins
is offensive and they keep getting complains.
I told this person from their Board of Directors that I will stop posting
there and that those people will never stop complaining and that they have no
clue.
I received this reply:
"Q,
Please don't take that approach, thats not what I'm suggesting at all. Personally I believe you do a wonderful service to the families who wish you have photo's. I'm just trying to find a happy medium to make everyone happy. If you link on our site does not include photo's of caskets, aand another link on your site does. I then can tell those who have raised concerns that if they dig father into your site, thats their business. I really appreciate what you have done, but I'm just trying to make peace, and find that happy medium which all can live with. Please reconsider.
Respects,"
For me, there is no compromise by sending them someplace else first. I could
do that, but that wouldn't solve the problem and would defeat my mission to
remind people of our fallen heroes and who they are. There is no way on this
planet, that I can make everyone happy until I drop dead. So, all those offended
people can go ^ themselves and go find a political correct memorial/tribute
site.
So, I pulled out of their completely. I have many friends there, most
that I've met in person , and they know how to contact me. (I would like to
thank one of them for paying for my gas yesterday)
I don't have the energy to deal with that crap, I get enough hate mail as it
is.
As for my head, it's doing a bit better, I'm a chronic migraine sufferer, and
have been ever since I was found. That's why I wear darker glasses most of
the time.
Hope you all have a great upcoming week. Looks like my next 2 destinations
are Astoria WA and Richland WA this week. But for now I need to find some food.

02/12/07: Greetings Everyone!!
I spend most of Sunday on it and got it done. Memorial service pics for SSG Casey Casavant.
You could say this one was a bit different from many of the others I've done.
SSG Casavant was an Army Ranger out of Ft Lewis and served in the Gulf War and later in Afghanistan. He separated from the Army in 2004 after his stint in Afghanistan and went to work with Blackwater USA, a private security firm and ended up in Iraq. He was in the helicopter that got shot down on January 23, 2007. (Some of the above facts may not be accurate, I have not spoken to his fiancé for all the details yet.)
The event took place out in the country, at the Flying M Stables. One of those horse places. Most of the pics you'll see that I have posted for the public are of Patriot Guard Riders which where the main attraction here. OK, attraction.. is that the right word? Nevermind.
It was mostly a gathering of family and friends and from a quote I read, it said something like: Casey is a cowboy with the heart of a biker.
Casey served our country well and will not be forgotten.
Total Miles: 271, Away Time: 13.2 Hours, Total Time working up the pics and getting them posted: 10.8 Hours. 103 pics posted, 796 pics for the family.
The day went pretty smoothly. The camera only locked up a couple of times and the overall lighting was good. My gas got paid for by one of the riders which was great.
In 30 minutes it will be midnight which was my deadline to get this done, cause I have more coming up.
I bid you all a great week!! Please take a moment to remember Casey, and all the others that have served in our military!!
Go find at least 4 veterans this week and tell them, THANK YOU!!

02/13/07: Greetings Everyone!!
There is a lot I want to cover from the last couple of days but I'm too tired.
I've been in touch with the fiancé of SSG Casey Casavant which resulted in me posting another 111 photos to share with the public.
I simply titled it; Thank You Patriot Guard Riders. You'll find a photo and link on his tribute page. Link is below.
For many this is a rare view of some of the things I capture for families that don't get posted.
I have a 2 hour job in the morning and another interview for a PT job in the afternoon. I hope they hire me, I have to keep my lights on.
I wish you all a great week. 
THANK YOU TO ALL IN THE SANDBOX AND EVERYWHERE ELSE UNCLE SAM HAS YOU DEPLOYED!!
Q
PS. Donald Trump was within 20 feet of me last night but couldn't get closer to give him a card or ask for a job or for one of the two babes he had on each arm. A friend had an extra ticket to WWE and wanted me to drive him so he wouldn't have to go alone. Damn, last time I w4ent to see wrestling was in the early 70's when I saw Snucker? in New Mexico. I was hoarse this morning but had fun. Can you believe people actually think this is real? hahahah I guess most of it airs on USA Channel on Thursday.

02/15/07: Good Morning All!!
It's 0508 out here on the west coast. My mind was tripin' so much during the night I almost scared myself out of the house. No it's not drugs or booze etc. (For those that don't know me personally). A nice Scotch would have been nice though. I've always hated to sleep. They need to come up with something so I don't have to and yet get my rest.
I went through all the trouble of the interview yesterday to get a night part time job stocking shelves and when it was all done and over with I was told I won't get the job cause of the way I look. (They said I would have to be clean shaven. Yeah right!)
I'm heading to Scappoose Oregone this morning and tomorrow I'm gonna hitch a ride to the memorial service near the coast for Spc Browning.
I hope you all have a great day!!

02/16/07: This morning I'm heading to the Astoria area to honor one of our heroes.
Saturday I'll be heading to Boise Idaho to honor another hero.
If you're between Portland Oregon(e) and Boise Potatoes, and you run a gas station... call me. Or get one of those Pompom girls to flag me over so I know where to exit.   Last night I was on KPSU radio on the Fathers and Family Show.

02/17/07: Morning All!!
It's about half past 2 and the rooster hasn't farted in the morning out here.
Yesterday's mission to Camp Rilea (at Oregon coast, near Astoria) Warrenton OR went OK despite the wind, rain and lots of fog there was still a good bike turnout. 53 bikes showed up to honor Spc Brian Browning. 
I'm dressed, teeth brushed and getting ready to make that long drive to Boise Idaho. This will easily turn out to be a 24 hour day. I'll try to find hook ups along the way. (Internet)
You all have a good weekend! And remember to thank a veteran !!

02/19/07: Good Morning All!!

I hope you had a good weekend. I posted the pics for Sgt Clevenger's memorial services a few hours ago. This one was in Idaho. I hope to get the Astoria mission done tonight or Tuesday night. Next funeral is tomorrow.

If you emailed me here or left a comment and I haven't reciprocated, it isn't my usual rudeness, I've just been real busy. Here is my quick report.

Saturday 02/17/07 Departed: 0230 Returned 2318 Total Away Time: 21 Hours 12 Minutes

Total Miles Driven: 806

Trip Difficulties: Got pulled over at night for my busted tail light. My temporary fix had got ripped off by the wind. Nasty rain and wind on night approach to Portland.

Sunday 02/18/07 Spend 9.3 Hours getting the photos done. Total Posted for Public: 106, Total for family 736 being mailed tomorrow.
Trip down was good, I forgot about the 1 hour time zone difference and skipped having a slow breakfast after noticing the local time.
53 bikes riding with the Patriot Guard Riders showed up. A few came and donated toward my gas. I'm grateful for that. Thank you guys and gals!!
3 soldiers came and greeted me and said Thank You! They recognized me from previous time.
I always try and thank each uniform that I see, and as I reached out to thank a tall Sergeant, he reached for my hand and said he had heard about me. He smiled and said something like, "We are told to leave you alone to do what you do.". I felt honored.
A family member at the end gave me a few bucks for gas, I was a bit hesitant, but he just gave it to me.
At the end of the day. all my gas was covered plus a double cheeseburger which relieved some stress as I gear up for the next trip.
I need to find some red tape today for my tail light. Last night I received an email for a SSG that was at Camp Rilea, here are a couple lines:
"I've seen you at every army funeral honors service I've led or have been a part of. I just want to thank you for this amazing web page you've put together for all the fallen soldiers across the nation. You are a true patriot and I want you to know that your hard work and dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. What you do for these soldiers and there families is simply amazing."
You know, it was that email that helped me push through the night and get the pics done so I can get started on the other ones. I draw energy from various sources and I don't get to pick them.
Please take a moment to honor Sgt Clevenger and all our other heroes.
Take care!

02/21/07: Greetings All!!
Yeah... been busy.
I hope to be caught up again by midnight tomorrow night. Had 2 more missions yesterday. I'm glad they where local, which allowed me to get to both of them. Next one is Saturday, I've been cleared for that one. There is one on Friday which I haven't heard back from and may not do it unless I can get a rested driver for the return part because the day will be too long pushing me right into the Saturday one.
Anyhow... I bid you all a safe hump-day.

02/22/07: Good Morning Everyone!!
I've completed the pics for Sp, Browning's memorial service which took place at Camp Rilea (Near Astoria OR) on the 16th and internment at Willamette national on last Tuesday the 20th. 
You'll notice that it got to be real wet and windy and foggy at times. Camera locked up 8 times that day. I posted 110 of 746.
Today I will work on pics of another mission completed but need to go find more work. A white city truck pulled up yesterday and hung something on my door. 
I wish you all a great day!
Q
Please take a moment to remember this hero and all the others.

02/24/07: Building 18 and some other rants.
Why is it that the phone company charges you a extra fee every month to help poor people in rural communities, but if you're not making enough money yourself, they are there in a heartbeat to cut your landline?
In Portland they charge you for the rain that hits your roof. Believe it or not. If you use $26 of water, you end up paying $140 after they add the rain fees and if you can't afford the rain... guess what?...
The other day I say reading the local propaganda paper and on the inside of the back page they had a story that I started to read but couldn't finish. It made me very angry and flabbergasted at the same time.
A story about Building 18 and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I almost cried also but my anger was above it.
THERE IS NO REASON WHY ANY OF OUR WOUNDED SOLDIERS SHOULD BE HOUSED IN SUCH CONDITIONS!!
WHY ARE LAWBREAKERS GIVEN BETTER TREATMENT, MEDICAL CARE AND HOUSING THAN OUR WOUNDED HEROES?? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE??
Maybe I'm reacting to a story blown out of proportions, maybe not.
"Soldiers Face Neglect, Frustration At Army's Top Medical Facility "
All I'm saying, our guys and gals in the military deserve much better!!
Cpl Howard Verne Ramsey has died. He was in the U.S. Army when cars where still few but he was a good driver. In France he drove officers, carried water for the troops to the front lines and also transported dead soldiers from temporary graves to cemeteries. He was proud of serving his country. He died peacefully in his sleep on February 22, 2007 at the age of 108. He was Oregon's last living WWI veteran. He enlisted in the Army in 1918. If I'm around, I intend to attend his services to bid him farewell and encourage anyone else that can to do so. THANK YOU HOWARD!!
Today I attended the memorial services for Sgt Nguyen. It was a very wet day and cold in the morning. I thought winter was coming around again. Despite the weather, at least 21 bikes and 12 cages of the Patriot Guard Riders showed up to pay honors to this fine young man. I'll be working on those pics soon after I get back from a run to Washington tomorrow, need to visit a veteran of another war.
There is a memorial service taking place on March 4th in Richland Washington and apparently those nasty people are planning to show up and test the new law that was passed in Washington, having to do with unwanted people. If you don't know about these scumbags, click here.
I pretty much allow anyone on my friend's list here. If I find out they are inappropriate, I remove them, when I have the time to find them on my list. I wish Myspace would allow you to sort your friends list alphabetically. Don't add someone to your list just because you see I'm on their list. I'm here to remind everyone of our heroes and who they are and I realize some see the world totally different than I do, and yes, even some of them have lost loved ones.
I bid you all a great weekend and week ahead!

02/26/07: Thank You FlirtingInTraffic.com
This is so cool!!
By the subject title you probably thought I got 'lucky' but it's better than that.
www.FlirtingInTraffic.com is hosting on their front page a banner of mine for a while. This website is still being run by people and one of them is a Marine!! (Thanks Mike!!!) . 
I would also like to thank my friend Sean of Fyoocher Design for putting together last night a new banner for me. http://www.myspace.com/fyoocher
You can find other banners at www.IraqWarHeroes.org/banners . Feel free to use any of them.
If you're creative and want to make me a banner, go for it, I'm looking for something that could occasionally replace my profile photo here.
I'm sitting at Tik Tok, making phone calls, getting ready for my next mission. I'm so glad I got Wi-Fi put into this place a few months ago. :) I replaced my broken notebook with an old Toshiba Tecra and got it running as a internet notebook for me.
Later I hope to be done with the pics from Saturday. Have about another 5 hours of work to do on that.
I hope you all have a great week!!
Please take a couple minutes or more to thank a veteran and to let our boys and gals serving know that we support them with more than just a faded yellow ribbon. They can't see your faded ribbons over there, so even a short email with some great words can make the day. We have many of them here on Myspace also.

02/27/07: Greetings Everyone!!
It is snowing out here again, especially if you're at 500ft and above.
Last night I posted pics for Sgt Nguyen's memorial services. (Posted 85 out of 615). It was a wet mission. The first couple pics are from the escort mission which happened a couple days earlier.
Long was born in Vietnam and came to the USA at the age of 3.
He served in Operation Enduring Freedom Kosovo, Hurricane Katrina in Sept 2005, and on June 25th, 2006 he served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan until his death February 9, 2007. The exact nature of his death has not been released but PTSD seems to play a large role in it.
He received during his time of service, 2 Army Commendation Medals, 5 Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Kosovo Campaign Ribbon, Superior Soldier Award, Emergency Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Achievement medal, Parachulist Badge and even was Soldier of the Year for the 141st in 2005.
The reason I listed some of his accomplishment is to show that he was a dedicated and good soldier and no matter how much you train you never know when the unexpected killer known as PTSD hits you.
I often get crap from people for including these heroes on my list and I often wonder how much the complainers have done for our country.
Sgt Nguyen served his country well and will not be forgotten here and in my eyes, he is a hero that served proudly.
Please take a moment to honor him and all the others that have served proudly!
Q
PS. I'm looking for gas money for my eastern Washington mission this weekend. Saturday I'll be doing some volunteer work for a group that sends out care packages and Sunday another memorial service. www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm  .

02/28/07: Happy Hump Day Everyone!!
(Please remember to hump responsible, Wear Seat Belt, Have House Key, Have extra socks....)
It's snowing out here again and it's about 0630 right now. Last night I got caught up with all but 4 emails and added over 60 photos that came in yesterday from various family and friends to be added to my website www.IraqWarHeroes.org aka www.AfghanistanWarHeroes.org and for those that keep insisting that they are not heroes, you can go to www.IraqWarCasualties.org .
It looks like this month I'm going to beat my all time record from last month and this month is 3 days shorter. According to my stats, that will happen sometime this morning. DAAAAMN!!!
Yesterday I spend 3 hours at a restaurant installing kid games on an old laptop for the barkeep. I would get strange looks every now and then from by passers cause on the screen and coming from the tiny speaker .... Hello Katie in wonderland or some stuff like that, or Land Of The Lost Pre-School Adventure. Well, the barkeep's daughter has her own laptop with working games and educational stuff and I got free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Well, free is a relative word here.
I heard from another family yesterday and this morning I'm shipping off the CD's for the service of their son.
I hope you all have a good day!!!

03/02/07: Greetings All!!
Last night I participated in an escort mission for one of our heroes from Portland to Clatskanie OR and that went well. Upon pulling into Clatskanie in the middle of the night, there was a line of kids and adults waiting quietly with lit candles and lanterns. That was really nice.
I finally got back home around 0200 this morning. The house was really cold now so I tried sleeping on an air mattress near the fireplace and one of my cats decided to sleep on top of me to suck up my body heat and the heat from the fire. I didn't sleep good, damn mattress, I kept ending up between the air and on the floor. I got in a couple hours before I headed out for a very different funeral today. I didn't have to go, this was not a Iraq or Afghanistan war veteran....
Today I had the honors to honor the last WWI Combat Veteran who died at the age of 108. He was also the last WWI veteran from Oregon(e). There are about 36 WWI veteran remaining on this planet, and all of them never left for overseas. I will be creating a special page for him, but it will have to wait till I can afford it.
His name is Cpl Howard V Ramsey, born April 2, 1898 in Colorado and died in Portland OR February 22, 2007. THANK YOU HOWARD!!
Tomorrow morning I'll be heading to Richland Washington and then to a service on Sunday in Pasco Washington, and then another service in Oregon on Monday. can anyone spare some change for gas and travel? www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm 
I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

03/05/07:  Greetings Everyone!!
No time... It's been one after another. Today I was in Clatskanie OR, yesterday in Pasco WA.... and tomorrow for the 6th in a row I'm heading to McMinnville OR, just got notice a couple hours ago. Have lots of stories, but right now I'm running so far behind...
Looks like gas went up another 20 cents again. I know, for some of you it's no big deal but for me that's 4 hamburgers or a cheap breakfast.
I'm so tired right now that I just want to get up and go lay down. I planned to do that yesterday after returning from eastern Washington, when I thought today's service was going to be in Portland.
I know.. I'm whining huh?
I wish you all a great week!!!
Q
PS. THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU SERVICE MEMBERS OUT THERE!!
PSS. Don't forget The Gathering Of Eagles on March 17th. If I had the means, I'd be there. If you can make it, please do.

03/07/07: Greetings Everyone!!
Last night I posted pics from my mission for SSG Maul. Yesterday I completed 6 missions back to back for as many days. This afternoon I have to leave town again and should be back tomorrow but will have Wi-Fi access all night.
Total Miles: 322 Total Away Time: 17 Hours. Total photos for Family: 535, Photos Posted for public: 73. Photo Work Time 5.8 Hrs.
Marine SSG Eric Maul served 2 tours in Iraq and was killed along with another recruiter in New Jersey in a car accident. 3 others in that van injured.
Please remember SSG Maul and all our other service men.

03/10/07: Greetings Everyone!!
Last night I finally got done posting pics for Sgt Travis Pfister's memorial service. There was a large support of people that showed up and over 400 where on bikes from the Patriot Guard Riders and some ride clubs. The flag line even before they showed up was impressive.
Those nasty scumbags made an appearance also and because of Washington's new law about unwelcome scum, they where far enough away and surrounded that most people didn't even know they where there at that time.
I posted 2 sets of photos you will see. Please take a moment to remember him and all the others that have served our country proudly.
Departure: 03/03/07 0930 Return: 03/04/07 2039 Total Away Time: 35Hrs 9Min Total Miles: 470
First Frame: 03/04/07 0847 Last Frame: 1619 Total Shoot Time: 7 Hours
Total Posted Photos: 160 Total photos for Family: 834 Photo work time at home: 14.3 Hours

03/11/07: Hello All!!
I hope your weekend went well.
I spend most of the day working on web issues. 
Had most of my windows open for a while because it was a lot warmer outside than inside today and also stocked up wood to burn. I'm sure the temps are going to drop again.
Earlier today I received a phone call from Military Talk Radio which airs on 1230 WBZT in Palm Beach Florida and also over the internet at www.GIRadio.us or www.giradionetwork.com and they will interview me on at next Saturday around 1900EST. I did let them know I'll be out of town again, will be traveling to Coleville Washington for a memorial service.
It's a radio show for Active and Pass Military and they air Saturday's between 7:06 PM - 9:00 PM EST.
" A Call-In Talk Radio Show, Military Talks, is aired to give men and women who have served, and are currently serving in the Military, a chance to tell their stories, become informed and have a few laughs. "
I don't mind plugging folks that help me get my message out there. Now I need to figure a way of recording it to add to my clips.
A friend took me to see the movie 300. What an amazing work of animation and realism. It was about a piece of history "Battle of Thermopylae", Spartans fighting the invading Persians. If you want to see lots of blood (Even if it's animated) and bloody fighting, and piles of bodies etc... Then this might be a movie for you. I watched a few people leave the room, probably got a bit more action than they expected.
Tomorrow I'm heading to Scappoose Oregon(e) to try and earn a few more bucks before I lose another utility here.
I hope you all have a great week. Have you Thanked A Veteran lately???

03/12/07 

As I type this, I'm in the process of uploading photographs that I shot at a memorial service one of it's kind. (Unfortunatly)

It was an honor for me to attend the service for Cpl Howard V Ramsey who passed away on February 22, 2007.

Howard passed away peacefully despite the fact that he lived through WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and a few others which included most of the current war thus far.  No, he didn't serve in all those wars.

Howard died at the age of 108 Years and 11 Months and was the last living combat veteran of WWI.  You remember?  The great World War. He was also the last living WWI veteran of Oregon. The vehicle that is carrying the coffin is the kind he drove in France, bringing supplies to our troops and bringing back our dead.  He was the only survivor in his unit.

I didn't have a tribute site for WWI and thought I had the 8 bucks to grab that domain but was a buck short so I got charged 29 for overdraft on a debit card; damn these banks. Anyhow,  I now have www.WWIWarHeroes.org and it should be online by now for most of you to get to.

I hope your week is off to a good start!

03/17/07 

Good Morning/Night!

It's a few minutes after 2 am when all is quiet, nothing creeping around except ME...

I'm taking off in a few minutes for the long drive to Colville Washington.

Yesterday's escort mission was a teary eyed one.  I was amazed at how many people on a 4 lane highway, opposite direction totally pulled over as we passed by.  It will be a few days, I have Coleville today, St Helens tomorrow and then 2 to 3 more places, don't have all the details yet.

You all have a good weekend, and if ya're slammin' green ale, slam one in honor of of guys and gals over in the sand boxes and every where else.

Take care!!

03/19/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

This weekend I've spend about 1200 miles on the road which included service in Colville WA, followed by St Helens OR and the next one is tomorrow followed by 2 others pending. I'm beat.

I would like to thank all the PGR members that helped pay for my gas on these long trips. I really appreciate the help.  I feel weird about it because I know they take the time out of their lives also to come honor our heroes but am thankful for those that can help me out on this.

I did get a few pics posted for March 6th service for Shawn Freese.  The American Legion in McMinnville OR organized this special memorial service.  Shawn's mom did not receive the flag that was draped over Shawn's coffin but received a flag that flew in a special place.

If you remember a few postings ago, Shawn's girlfriend won a court ruling to bury him in Texas.  Just let this be another reminder to you, have your wishes in writing or you'll never know what will happen should you drop dead or get killed.

On the 10th I attended the services for Walter Rowell Jr.  CD's have been hand delivered to his family.  No photos will be posted since this was a small all family and friends event.

Tomorrow night I hope to get started on the Colville WA photos and then the St Helens ones. But don't hold your breath, my days tend to rapidly change.

A bunch of morons protested yesterday in Portland. Some even held signs that said F the troops.  Another protestor defecated on our flag. Welcome to Portland Oregon(e)!  Of course the protest organizers say they can't control what people do that join the "peace" march. I'd like to see all these wannabees actually do something to support our troops, but they won't. 

In MY opinion, they want the troops home so that the bad guys win and our troops look like a bunch of wuussies. (OK, I was going to use this other word, but I have young readers) And they will feel that they have beaten our president. ISN'T THAT SAD!!

On a local talk show they asked what should happen to the person that defecated on our flag and I called in and suggested that this person is not a real American, that he or she should be locked in a cell without a toilet until they die in their own poop. I'll post the audio clip in my news section next week.

Maybe all these GD protestors can charter a plane for peace and get all the terrorists to lay down their bombs, and guns and promise never to come across our borders and harm them. Yeah right!  I saw what terrorists did in Europe in the 70's, long before these morons learned to eat their own poop cause they don't want to harm any animals, plants or terrorists...

OK...  I think my blood is a little high and am making less sense...  Sorry...

I hope you all have a great week!!! 

Shawn Freese served proudly as a soldier in the United States Army and served in Iraq.  He was killed after returning to civilian life and working as a bouncer.  He will not be forgotten!!  We as a nation need to remember all that served!!!

03/22/07 

I have the pics posted for our hero's services for Spc Bell.  I'll be working on the St. Helens ones next. There where 3 missions involved with that one.  I hope you all have a great day!!  Q

Mission Report

Depart Time: 03/17/07 0245  Return Time: 0745 03/18/07  Total Away Time: 29 Hours  Total Miles: 843

First Frame: 0608  Last Frame: 1354  Total shoot time 8 Hours.

At Home working on photos:  12.4 Hours.  Total Posted for public: 109    Total photos for family: 715

Thank you to the Patriot Guard Riders that chipped in for gas. Thank you Jim W from A.C.E.S. for dinner and a fill-up. Thank you to Marylyn from A.C.E.S. for a place to crash a couple of hours. It beats sleeping in the car. I was just beat.  Thank you Tom for the waffles at 0330.  You all rock.

Army Spc Ryan M Bell was born in Portland OR only 21 years ago and he was killed by cowards using an IED in Samarra Iraq on March 5th, 2007.  Ryan did what he wanted to do, serve his country proudly and he did a great job.

Thank you Ryan for your service!!!   You will not be forgotten here!!!

Please take a moment to remember Ryan and all others that gave us so much so that we can remain a nation of free people!!

03/23/07 

Tomorrow morning I'll be heading to eastern Oregon(e) to escort home one of our heroes and will probably be out of touch most of the day.

I have just posted photos from another escort mission which I participated in on March 16, 2007 for L/Cpl Nathanial Windsor. This is the 1st of 3 missions for this hero and I hope to have the next set done by Saturday night, maybe earlier if I can't sleep.

I hope you all have a great weekend!!   Remember to thank a veteran!!

03/25/07 

I have finally completed all the photos from the 3 missions for Marine L/Cpl Windsor's services. I had a real hard time working through some of them.  I think working these photos after the event is emotionally the hardest part of what I do here.  All the grief, hurt, pain, frustrations that I witnessed get repeated at a much slower pace, frame by frame and sometimes I catch myself jumping ahead a few frames to avoid something you know is gonna hit you deep but I go back and add them, they are part of this story, they are part of this life changing event for so many.

Now I need to find some space but have no time, as I'm gearing up, corking my emotions and preparing for another long road trip in the morning.  Destination LaGrande OR and if I make it back in time, Newport OR.

MySpace has been screwy again, couldn't log in most of the day when I tried. Ohh Well.

I hope you all have a safe trip, and if you see me on the NW highways and freeways, give me a wave.

Please remember our men and women serving our military.

Q

Mission Report

03/16/07 Start: 1030  End 1930 9Hrs 82 Miles Escort Mission

03/18/07 Start: 0930  End  1840 9Hrs 10Min 76Mi  Memorial Service

03/20/07 Start: 0730  End:  1830 11Hrs 256Mi Funeral Service

Total Away Time: 29Hrs   Total Miles: 414 Miles.

Working on photos at home: 25 Hours 15 Minutes. Total Posted for Public: 222  Total Photos selected for family: 1417

Photos are posted in 3 different sets.

Thank you for your service L/Cpl Windsor!!!!   You will not be forgotten here!!

03/26/07 

I'm sitting at the Flying J Truck Stop along I-84 5 miles outside of La
Grande OR. Been here a while already.

It's been a rough night. Last night I broke a bog bowl over the sink, my numb
hands lost grasp of it and it broke in hundreds of pieces.  I noticed it
cut a finger of mine and so I put a band aid on it and while doing this, the
sleeve on my left arm rode up a bit and I noticed I was bleeding near my wrist,
so I put a bigger band aid on it.  I then checked the rest of myself for
more glass cuts.  I think I have some invisible splinters, I fee them but
don't feel them.

I went to bed and woke up every few minutes, too many dreams from a time long
ago and yet so vivid. Finally after something was biting one of my toes (Not my
cats), it was internally, probably another nerve going nuts, I gave up and
around 0200 I headed out for coffee and a slow drive east.

A friend who rides with the PGR from Lacey showed up early a few minutes ago,
now the wait should go a little faster.

This Flying J is my least favorite especially after what happened the other
day I was here. In the restaurant area, the stall in the restroom has no hooks,
so I decided to set the camera on that water thing in the back of the
toilet.  I didn't notice the slight tilt it had and the camera went
crashing to the ground.  Luckily it landed on my lens hood which absorbed
most of the shock before splitting apart.  One of the riders had some duct
tape handy, so that's holding the hood together on the lens till I can replace
it..

1 more hour to go before more people will start showing at the staging site,
then I need to head out and scout out the area I'll be shooting in.

I hope you all have a great week!!  Next funeral is in Newport this
Thursday unfortunately.

03/27/07 

Don't know if you noticed, by myspace has been crappy the last 4 days. No msg and no comments can be left on my myspace.

Please remember you can always contact me through www.IraqWarHeroes.org / www.AfghanistanWarHeroes.org .

When I think I'm totally drained mentally, I'm out there again.  Yesterday morning I drove to La Grande OR to honor a hero and drive straight back to barely make it in time to join a escort mission to bring home a hero to Newport OR.  That was yesterday, I just got home a little while ago, till trying to figure out what day it is.

My hat of to all the PGR riders that came on the escort mission on this rainy, rainy, dark, cold and rainy night.  Rain and I don't get along, it screws up my camera and causes me headaches.

I'll be hitting the road again Thursday or Friday. Most likely Friday, that's what a paper reported. Don't have a confirmed yet, so at this point, everything for those two days has been canceled.

Which ever day it is, I would like the waters along Newport to be lined with a new color... instead of grey..  Red, White and Blue!! Hey, what better reason do you need to take a day off work and head to a coastal town??

I would like all those foreign shipping ships see that Americans come out to honor their heroes!!!!

If you want to come and can't.......take an extra moment to think about our hero and send the family strength and tell others about my project to remember them all!!

I hope you all have a great day!!  Those of you in the sandboxes and on trampolines around the globe; THANK YOU!!

03/29/07 

I just posted pics for the La Grande OR missions for SFC Stephens. I'm really bogged down as I'm also getting ready for another mission in the morning.  After I returned from la Grande OR on the 26th, I then went straight to an escort mission which lasted past midnight. It was a very long day again.

Mission Report

03/23/07 Depart: 0630  Return: 2130  Away Time: 15 Hours.  Miles: 519

03/26/07 Depart: 0300  Return: 1815  Away Time: 15 Hours 15 Min, Miles: 516

Total Away Time: 30 Hours and 15 minutes.  Total Miles Traveled: 1125

Photos posted for public in 2 sets: 156   Photos for family: 956   Total Time Working At Home on Photos: 17 Hours

Army SFC John Stephen served his country well. He will not be forgotten. Please take a moment or more to think of him and all our other heroes.

03/30/07 

Once again I'm up before the roosters have even farted. (sigh). I'm sitting in
my favorite bar getting coffee'd up.

I don't know what made it a short night again, the dog barking, the neighbor
breathing, the spiders whispering or just that bad anxiety that keeps me from
being late to honor one of our heroes.  Did I say bad?  Well I hope
you know what I meant with that.  If not, check with me in a couple hundred
miles. 

I'm trying to be there extra early to watch a flag get hoisted up by the
local FD.  Two people here already told me I should've gone to Newport
yesterday or the day before, it was nice out there.  Hey, I just hope it
doesn't rain. My camera has issues as it is.

I'm feeling so drained again this morning and hope to shake it off before I
get out there.

Hey, Memorial Day is coming up again soon, plan something now to honor our
heroes. It shouldn't be a day to just have an excuse not to work and to toss
stuff on the barbie.  Of course, I think everyday we should think a bit of
those that gave their all for our freedom.  You know, in some countries I'm
sure it's illegal to gather with friends and squirt mustard on a hotdog
bun.  I'm not being extreme, I just think too many people take our men and
women in the military for granted.  Someone waves a magic wand and all is
honky-dory........  until of course, they lose someone close to them.

It's 0336 now on my clock here, need to find the waitress and get one more
cup before I press the metal to the floor.

If you can come out to Newport today, please do, if you're too far away, you
should watch your area.....

03/31/07 

Yesterday's trip to Newport Oregon(e) went well.  The turnout was good. I'll be working on pics today and tomorrow.

I hope I won't have to make anymore trips.  As of tomorrow, my wheels are no longer street legal.  If anyone in my area has 4 P195/75R-14 tires, I could use them.  The cheapest I found at Les Schwab are $251.40 for the set. (Product# 01403828).  I haven't checked tire factory yet.

If you want to get me a tire or more or certificate, Les Schwab 2410 SE 122nd, Portland OR 97233  503-255-0602 Salesperson Randy.  Tell him it's for Q from IraqWarHeroes.org.  (No, they won't donate any.  I tried that last year when I needed to get the studs after my first ice incident going to Idaho). [93% of my driving last year was directly related to my work for my heroes project and other veteran related.]

Which reminds me, Thanks Noah for the oil! That last 3,000 miles came on me too fast again.

The weather outside is cloudy and on and off rain stuff coming down.  I need some dry days to cut some grass and finish cutting up the trees that fell down last winter and return my neighbors chainsaw. :)  I did show it to him last night since he hadn't seen it for a while.  He chuckled and reminded me he didn't have use for it and knows where to find it. :)  I had an electric one but it couldn't handle the big trunks etc.  I think the electric ones are designed for twigs when you're too lazy to use loppers. :)

My two cats still hate me, so I know they are doing OK.  The black one is still getting pilled and she fusses less about it. She walks me around for a bit and then flops over for the abuse, swallows it, sneers at me and heads to the kitchen to be fed.

Anyhow... You all have a great weekend!!  I hope that by Tuesday night I'll be all caught up again.

Take a few moments to thank a veteran this weekend... and yes, all them gals and guys in the sandbox are veterans also.

04/02/07 

I've been wanting to go back to bed all day, even though I know it won't help me from being tired.  I'm malfunctioning more again lately. Despite the weird dozing I do at the keyboard, I finally finished the pics for the Newport mission and have some of them posted. My quick report is below this babble.  In ten minutes I need to go feed my cats.  Jole' the black one all ready came and threatened to rip my head off a couple times. I think this double clock changing has her irritated.  

Yesterday both didn't want to touch the food I put out. (They get moist food twice a day and have dry food available all day) and I wondered if it was contaminated food or not.  When the black B doesn't eat the food, it's best to just flush it and pop another lid and they ate that just fine.... OK  just got my 5 minute warning... I'll take care of it and finish this...

Ela' my grey cat is much more tolerant but if she comes to nag, then I know I'm pretty late.  She won't eat it then, but wants it there for when she is well and ready and sometimes barely ready before the other cat has switched plates. Hahahaha

Well, time to drag in more wood before it gets dark again. I bid you all a great week and please remember to thank our veterans and send your Thanks and Well Wishes to our gals and men serving this country all over this globe they call earth.

Q

Mission Report

March 26, 2007  Start 1830  March 27, 2007 Returned: 1400  Away Time: 21 Hours 30 Minutes, 315 Miles

March 30, 2007  Start: 0300  Returned 1718  Away Time: 14 Hours 18 Minutes, 279 Miles

Total Away Time: 35 Hours and 48 Minutes,  Total Miles: 593

Working on the photos at home: 14.2 Hours

Photos posted for public (2 sets) Total: 163    Total Photos for Family: 720

Challenges: Making the escort mission after returning from La Grande.  Moving and shooting inside a packed area in bad lighting.

Sgt Nicholas Lightner died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol March 15 in Baghdad, Iraq. He will not be forgotten!!!

Please take a moment or more to remember him and all our other heroes.

04/06/07 

I declare today to be Thank You Coalition Day!!! April 6 is Thank You Coalition Day Now!!

It's bad enough the media hardly talks all the good our men and women in the military do and they talk even less about the coalition forces that are out there helping us.

I know that there are not many of them, but I'm pretty sure that each one of them that has died has family and friends.

If you're familiar with my website and scroll past all the 3652 American Heroes, you'll find a link to a list of coalition members that have died serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  I wish I had a better source for all their names, because there also I'm sure I'm missing a few.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/index2.htm .  For a list of Coalition Countries on March 20, 2003 Click Here.

So mark April 6th on your calendar and also remind me if I'm still breathing next year.

So, please take a moment or more to remember some of these coalition members their gave their all.  I hope you all have a great weekend!

Please remember to eat the purple eggs before eating any yellow, red, or blue eggs, and especially before any pastel colored eggs. Real Rabbits lay bold colored chicken eggs.

04/09/07 

I spend most of it still trying to catch up and also creating a new web page.  The new site has a low priority at this time.  It's currently for folks in the NW area that stand behind the flag.  Patriot Guard Riders and others that give up their day to come and honor our heroes by standing on the flag line.  It will also help them recognize each other better.  You can see who is who by Road name, First name, Mug shot or Bike pic/description.

Within 1 day I've already added 31 people.  I'm currently looking for a webmaster that can create an automated site for me at which point I'll open the site to accept Patriots from all over.

Let me know what you think of it.  www.BehindTheFlag.org  .

Can you spare $8.20 ?  Go here www.behindtheflag.org/help.htm .

The city of Sutherlin Oregon will be honoring PFC Dean Bright who was one of the soldiers that pulled Pfc Devon Gibbons out of the burning rig in Iraq.
Dean later got killed in the same town in Iraq. I attended both of their funerals.
The event will be on the 14th in the main park. They will engrave his name on the war memorial and also declare the 14th to be Dean Bight's Day. Please attend if you can.

I recently had a request to photograph a funeral for one of our heroes on the east coast and I had to explain, as much as I would want to, I don't have the means to travel that far.  I barely make it across my own state at times.  Maybe someone can talk Kalitta Charters or Airlines to let me fly with them?  Maybe someone has mileage that can be traded for round trip tickets?

I would try it, don't know how I can handle it emotionally and what if my shoot really suxs that day.. is the expense justified?

Anyhow...   I need to get back to emails...

I hope you all have a great week!!  Feel free to repost this bulletin.

04/13/07 

Tomorrow I'll be heading to Sutherlin OR for a special dedication in honor of Pfc Dean Bright who was killed in Iraq last year.  It will be at 1000 in the main city park, so if you're in the area, please come join us.

Yesterday I spend most of the day cleaning my desk, sorting papers and keeping on top most of the emails.

I am angry this morning because I forget to remind myself not to trust people.  I know yesterday my checking was balanced just fine, I had around couple bucks in the black and this morning I'm in a huge negative.  Someone send me a check for gas for $10, want to guess what happened next? Well it was no good, so they took back that $10, charged a $5 bad check fee which caused a domain name payment to be not covered, bank covered it an  charged another $26 over draft fee. I don't need a lecture about not spending a check till weeks have passed.

I have enough gas for tomorrow trip, lets say I made a special commitment to be there and I will be there.

I have two other memorial services pending, one of which I don't even have a DoD release yet but watched it on the news a few minutes ago.

I think it's time to head out for coffee and catch up on the latest propaganda, then I need to replace the smoke detector in my stairwell.  I'm glad I had a spare new one. Can't remember why I had bought it a year ago.  It's been going off with my hot head passing and making weird noise.  It's old.  battery was just replaced a couple months ago.  They are not expensive, so if you got a pretty old one, go ahead and replace it if you can.  That's one annoying noise maker that can save your life or home.

I hope you all have a great weekend!  Thank you everyone serving in our Armed Forces !!

Q

Ohhh... almost forgot...  NYT talked to me for 38 minutes.  They are doing a story about tribute web sites.  I don't know if they will mention one of mine or not. (Most have issues with my name I adopted years ago. Ands you think I only get judged by my scary looks.)   Suppose to be in Monday's edition of the New York Times.  I'll have to keep my eye on a couple hotels out here that may have gratis issues.

04/16/07 

I haven't seen the actual print paper yet but I was mentioned in an article in today's New York Times called Link by Link

Watching the War and Acknowledging the Dead

www.nytimes.com/2007/04/16/technology/16link.html

Cool!! 

04/17/07

All my schedules are changing again rapidly.  This morning I'll be going to Hillsboro OR to escort home home our hero Pfc Brett Walton.  I don't have a day for his memorial service yet.

Sometime within the next few days I'll also be driving to Boise Idaho for a memorial service for Pfc John Borbonus, and I have a pending for Auburn WA and Hood River OR.

If you can help with gas, please do.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm  .

Did you catch that article in the New York Times yesterday? "Watching the War and Acknowledging the Dead"  It only brought  987 more visitors to my web site. (Based on daily averages). That's about 20 per state where it's available.  Some of us may know why.

It is Tuesday and it's still cold, but at least not freezing or flooding out here. The flames in my fireplace look to see if I've gone to bed and then immediately blow each other out so it's damp and cold in the morning.

I bid you all a great day!!  Please support our troops no matter where they are currently stationed!!

04/20/07 

My fire died early and it was freezing this morning.  When I stepped outside to find some coffee, there was frost on the grass, on the roof tops, on the cars....  I'm so sick and tired of this global warming.  It's suppose to start getting a little warmer isn't it??

32 people where killed in cold blood on Monday, why are people holding 33 candle vigils??  What is wrong here.  Why are people making excuses for this killer?  I'm glad he killed himself, little coward, cause these people would probably put him on a throne even though I personally would like to watch him swing in a town square and send out the message that what he did is WRONG! 

Of course they will use this as an excuse to put another noose around law abiding American citizens.  Wanna bet?

Must be the cold in the house eh?

I have 4 more missions pending.  Beaverton/Hillsboro OR, Boise ID, Hood River OR and Auburn WA.   I don't have a date yet for 2 of them.  I hope to have the Boise date by tomorrow.  I'm cleared for that mission and said I'd do my best to be there.

Thank you everyone that's serving and has served in our great Armed Forces (U.S.A. Military) for your service!!!!

My black cat (Jole') sucks up all and any heat.  When sunlight hits the floor, she is there, totally stretched out with her inseam toward the light.  Last night she was doing that in front of the fire place again and this morning she was pressed up against the glass to extract what little heat was coming from the warm ashes.  I'll try and have some pics soon.

I bid you all a great weekend!!! Help keep my travels safe, be sober when you hit the roads!!!

04/21/07 

It's just a nightmare past midnight and I'm getting ready to head to Puyallup
Washington to honor SSgt Casey Combs. I didn't get word of this till
yesterday afternoon.  When I get back, I'll nap a little on Sunday till
midnight and make my way to Boise Idaho and as always, if you can toss me a
gallon or two or more for gas, it will be greatly appreciated.  www.SterlingWolf.com
for those that don't know.

Wishing you all a great weekend!!

04/25/07 

Been real busy here again unfortunately.  After returning from the funeral in Idaho, I hear of 2 more of our NW heroes that got killed.

I just completed posting a few pics for the memorial service of SSG Casey Combs.  Please help remember Casey and all our other heroes.

Mission Report:

Start 04/21/07 0300  Return: 1550  Total Away Time: 12 Hours 50 minutes,  Total Miles Traveled: 355

First Frame Shot at: 0702  Last Frame Shot at: 1137

At home photo work time: 9.4 Hours. Photos posted for public: 83  Total photos for family: 592

SSG Combs was killed in Miri Afghanistan by cowards using IEDs.

SSG Casey Dean Combs will not be forgotten here!!!!!

04/29/07 

Yesterday was day 1500 since I've been logging AP headers.

On Friday afternoon I managed to squeeze in a 5K walk in Vancouver.  It's been since November since I've done 10K walks and decided to do a shorter one.  I was going to do the 2nd walk yesterday but ended up going to the airport to see someone off going to the sandbox and was there long enough to welcome someone home from the sandbox.

Late last night I finally got done with the photos of Pfc Borbonus's memorial service.  Today I'll start on Sgt Vaughans candlelight service that was held in Lincoln City OR.  My mailbox has 327 messages pending and I hope to get caught up on them by Tuesday, depending on if I have a escort mission tomorrow or not in southern Oregon.

Hey, on May 20, 2007 is Armed Forces Day and on May 19th in honor of Armed Forces Day, there will be Echo Taps played at national Cemeteries all over the USA and in some other countries such as Normandy France.  Here in Portland, they are expecting at least 100 buglers to line the paths through the Willamette National Cemetery and at 1100 the first bugler will start playing taps and when a certain point is reached, the next bugler starts and so on and so on.  This will be so amazing.  I encourage everyone to go.  Unfortunately I won't be able to attend, I already know I have a memorial service for one of our heroes in Hood River OR and it's too far away for me to be in two places at once.  Our heroes are a priority with me.

Mission Report:

Depart 04/22/07 2300  Back 04/23/07 2010  Total Away Time: 21 Hours and 10 minutes.  Total Miles Traveled: 847 Miles

First Frame Shot At 0756  Last Frame At 1248

Total Time At Home Working The Photos:  12.5 Hours

Total Photos For Family: 693   Total Posted For Public: 73

Our hero Pfc John Borbonus will not be forgotten.  He was killed in Baghdad Iraq on April 12th by cowards using IED's.

Please take some time to remember John and all our Heroes.

04/30/07

Recently I was approached by Portland Monthly magazine requesting photos of Patriot Guard Riders I have for a story they where doing on them.  I requested that they give credit to IraqWarHeroes.org .  Last night I went and purchased an issue (May 2007 Page 27&28) and the article is titled Honor Guard.  I'm happy that more attention is brought on the good work that the PGR does but I had a feeling that they wanted to promote those nasty protestors instead.

The only web site that they mention in this article is one of the links that goes to the protestors site and no mention about the www.PatriotGuard.org  website.  And of course, they didn't give credit to my site for the photo on page 28.

If they where totally sincere about shining a light on the men and women that come to honor our heroes, they should not even have mentioned those nasty people. They could have left it at 'protestors' and they definitely should not have posted a link to the uglies website.

Someone told me that it may just anger more people enough to join the flag line, but why can't people just come out an honor our heroes for the heroes, for what they stand for, for their sacrifice for all of us?  Why do people need an excuse like those protestors to take a couple hours out of their day to come and honor our men and women that die to preserve their freedoms?

OK, enough rant....

Last Thursday, the 26th I drove out to Lincoln City to see what this small town does to honor one of their heroes at a candlelight vigil.  The turnout was great.  When I first drove through the city, I noticed many marques with Michael's name on them.  I slowly drove up both sides of the main drag and photographed the ones I could spot.

I have posted a few photos. The memorial service for Sgt Michael Vaughan is scheduled to be on May 8th.  I don't have times etc. yet.  I will probably be there to escort him home as soon as I have an eta on that.

Wishing you all a great week!!

05/01/07 

Over this last weekend I did manage to take the time to do 2 walks.  First 2 of the year, well, since last November.  Just been too busy.  On Friday I did a 5k and on Sunday I did a 10k walk.  I didn't make it to the Saturday one (3 day event in Vancouver) because I had 2 missions.

As I find time, I'll get some pics posted from the walks. Well, I've actually posted my first set which is a reminder of how cruel nature seems to be.  These pics where taken during both walks, the first few on Friday when I noticed some rabbits and the second set, when part of the 10k walk took me past the same area I noticed 3 rabbits and then a commotion... and then a crow.

A mother rabbit tries her best to distract a crow from going after one of her very young bunnies.  Too bad the mother rabbit didn't have a Glock 45.  I was too far away and had to push these photos a little, so they may seem a bit blurry.

I've spend most of the day working on my emails, only 179 to go.  At this point I have at least 4 missions pending starting as early as this Wednesday, so I may not get all caught up but fall behind again.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm if you can help.

I bid you all a great day!

05/02/07 

Tomorrow I'll be traveling to McMinnville to escort one of our fallen heroes to Lincoln City.  On Saturday I'll be traveling to the Burns / Redmond area for a memorial service of another and then on Tuesday back to Lincoln City.

Yesterday morning I drove to Salem Oregon(e) and spend some time around the capitol and below is the link to some of the photos I shot.

I heard on the news today that DoD is planning to cut off blogging done by our military members in the sandbox. THAT JUST SUXS!!

THAT'S A STUPID IDEA!!!  If you got a few out there that don't know better than to share restricted subjects, deal with them. A couple article 15's should cure them, but don't cut off the rest of our troops!!!!  IF A FEW OFFICERS ARE UPSET BECAUSE AN ENLISTED WHINED ABOUT THEM, BIG F DEAL!!!   LIVE WITH IT!!!  Get off the laptop and join them on the front line!!

Thank you all for serving!!!! 

Wishing you all a great hump day!!

05/04/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

It's been another very very long day out here and I'm not making much progress.  I added over 120 family supplied photos to various hero pages at www.IraqWarHeroes.org and still have about 200 emails to go.  I'm going to call it a day soon so I can get a few hours of down time.

Tomorrow morning I'll be making the 6 to 7 hour drive to Burns OR to honor one of our heroes.  It's going to be a tedious drive to the middle of the state.  I don't know if I'll make it back tomorrow night, depending on how far back I get before it turns dark on me.  Small 2 lane roads with oncoming headlights scares me too much cause it blinds me.  At night I wear clear lenses which don't stop the bright headlights.  Well, As long as I can find a place to pull over and wait for the morning red, I should make it.

I did call a couple cheap hotels to see if they could donate a no-frills room, but they thought I was nuts.  One of them thought my request was so idiotic, they didn't even get the manager to return my call.  I try though.  They can't say I don't try.  :)

And you wonder why I'm always looking for help from people.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm 

On the lighter side of things, I finally scrounged and saved enough to get my tail light fixed, so I don't have to worry about that getting me pulled over again at night.  The shop I went to found a used part in Nevada.  I had also paid for a front corner lens but they received the wrong one and should get it while I'm out of town on Monday or Tuesday.

I'm going to watch Bones in a few minutes and hopefully go to sleep.  I hate sleeping.  If I could only rest, then maybe I wouldn't see it as much of a waste of time.  OK, granted, it does reenergize my eyelid muscles what little rest I get.

Thanks To Everyone Out There Serving Our Country!!!! (USA)  I am behind you!!  I will continue my pledge to make sure your deceased brothers and sisters in arms are not forgotten!!!!

I do read all your messages received here and most of the time respond, even if it's a short response. You don't have to like me, I just want you to remember our heroes and not forget that Freedom has never Been Free!!!

I bid you all a great weekend!!

05/10/07 

Today is Wednesday, or Thursday or something like that... nevertheless a very emotional challenged week and it ain't over with yet.  I feel so drained.  OK I'm always drained, just even more so this week and it isn't the cancer. 

There have been many killed at once from the NW again and everywhere else. I don't know how else to put that. 

Fng cowards that can't fight like men and use hidden bombs and cowardly acts to kill our men and women. These cowardly bastards even kill their own just to kill one of ours.  That alone should ring some bells. WE MUST SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!  WE MUST LET THEM KNOW THAT WE DO CARE, (Well, I know I do).

In Sherwood Oregon(e) a soldier returns from the war and the city of which he was chief of police took away his job while he was at war. They finally somewhat changed their tune, but this should never have happened. Link To Story  WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE ARE THESE BASTARDS SENDING TO OUR TROOPS????

I want to thank Noah, from The Brake Team on Beavercreek in Oregon City for for paying for my oil change today.  I knew I was due again, so much driving in short time.  Best I get out of Jiffy Lube is a puddle of oil because they over tighten my pan nut, or an offer to sell me a $1 tail light bulb for $9 that I can get for $1.25 at Auto Zone.  They can't help it, it's against company policy to help people like me.  I admit, I still use them when I'm desperate for an oil change and they have a special going and I'm too far from cheaper places.

Yesterday I received a letter (The kind in a paper envelope) from the U.S. House of Representatives with a postal cancellation from Santa Ana CA signed Loretta Sanchez, Member of Congress.  The last line "Thank you so much for all you are doing for these most precious human beings and their families.".  Wow, in over 4 years, that's the first I've heard from one of our politicians. Twice did I mail all members of the house and congress one of my postcards, reminding them not to forget our heroes (2005 & 2006) and never had any respond.  I was told that those kind of things go to the trash before the addressee even gets to see it.  I understand this is how they can keep their deniability, the "I didn't know" never got the letter from the citizen.  (Maybe I'm just in a real P mood today)

I need to get back to doing email. Haven't started on the pics yet.  That may be a while with all the upcoming missions starting tomorrow.

If you can, make time and go to a memorial service near you and pay honors to our heroes.  If you can't go, consider what you would have spend on gas and help me go.  $3.42 will buy me 17 miles out here. Wanna guess how many miles to cross the state just once? www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .

Thank you Chyblee!!!

I bid you all a great rest of the week!!

05/11/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

I have just posted another set of pics for the Sgt Vaughan mission.  These pics are of the escort mission to Lincoln City OR and some of the people in the town that came out to welcome him home. I still have 2 other sets to work on but that may be a couple more days.

I have the feeling that the NW is being targeted.  We've lost so many at once again. My plans for Saturday have already changed several times and it hurts me to decide where I'll be going because some of them are overlapping and too far apart in distance.

Tomorrow on Saturday, I'll be going to the Freedom Bridge outside Ft Lewis and then escort home another soldier. On Sunday I'll be escorting back another soldier. On Monday, Wednesday and Saturday next week I have at least 3 confirmed mission which doesn't include the names that came in today.

So, instead of wishing me a nice weekend (I always get those), figure out a way to make it an easier weekend for me.  A nice bottle of Scotch would be nice, but I don't have have the time to enjoy it but it sounds good, but I need to drive....

I've been feeling kind of numb most of the day.  At around 1am I managed to see the bottom of the email box for a brief moment and I spend most of the day working on the pics I just posted.  I won't have a mission report till the last set is done. There where 4 different missions on as many days.

The governor of Oregon(e) t'd me off again.  He says that we are in Iraq just for the oil according to our commie paper The Oregonian. The war in Iraq was never about terrorism, Gov. Ted Kulongoski says. "From the very beginning," he says, "it was about oil." I read this in today's paper and by the time I found a link to it, they moved it to their blog section. I have a lot of text I want to type about this.... all I can say, No wonder he never responds to my emails... I'm Too American!!!

Today I met The Vest Guy and showed him my ragged photo vest.  Maybe he'll be able to make me a better one. He is in my top 16 on my profile, check him out.  He mostly makes vests for cops and safety personnel.

I still have some postcards left.  If you would like one, visit www.IraqWarHeroes.org and email me your request from there with your mailing address.  I mail them in batches of 30 when I have stamps.  

I get my cards made at Vista Print, because they are the cheapest I've found so far.  If you know someone cheaper, let me know.  Every buck I save is a hamburger or a few drops of gas.  :)

OK, I typed a lot again... cause I'm gonna be busy.. so read this over again slowly.  Feel free to repost.

Ohhhh... Before I forget...  A lot of you out there have mothers... (Some of us don't)  It's almost mothers day and I'm not trying to get you to spend money on a card... NO... I would like you to do something for a mom that has lost her hero.  Maybe just a note of Thanks.  Letting her know that her son or daughter will not be forgotten.  Thank her for raising such a fine warrior, citizen, American, Hero.  I'm sure your mum won't mind.

This mother day weekend I'll be seeing the faces of a couple of mums that have just lost their sons.  It's hard.  Very hard!!!

You all take care!!

05/14/07 

Morning Everyone!!

I'll be leaving for Washington again in a few minutes again to escort home
another hero.  I was just there the day before yesterday and will be out
there again at least 4 more times as far as I can tell.

I was going to be in Spokane this morning but was told the family isn't
interested which took the decision off my hands of which way to go.  I hate
it when there are multiple on the same day because I do want to be there for all
of them if I can.

My body doesn't want to move yet and I'm watching the clock just skip
ahead....

I bid you all a great week!!  Remember to Thank A Veteran!!  Please
Support Our (USA) Troops!!! Ohh, if you run across one of our coalition forces,
send them a Thank You for helping us.  :)

05/15/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

Mission in Washington yesterday went well and I'll be heading back north around 0330 in the morning again.  I finally got done with the pics from the services for L/Cpl Dale Peterson that took place in Burns OR.  Mission report posted below.  Please remember Dale and all our other heroes.

I'm pretty wore out but kept on it all day to finish it.  I hope to get the next two Lincoln City missions done within next few days.  I have at least 3 more services pending, 2 in the Tacoma area and 1 in Coe d'Alene Idaho.  For the first two I have a green light and for the Idaho, no info yet.

In a little while I'll be updating the list again, just received the names of our MIA's also.  I hope they are found, and I hope we kick down every door and spider hole till we find them.

Thank you Gary, Junius, Kim, Lynn and Chyblee for helping with gas on the last 2 runs.  Some of you know how many miles I put on in very short time.  Every buck helps me.

I hope you all have a great day, if you're in the Lakewood WA area, please come out and pay honors to Sgt Joel Lewis.  You can contact me for specifics.  It will be an early one.  My contact info (including #) is at www.IraqWarHeroes.org .

Q

Mission Report

Start: 05/05/07 0500   Return: 05/06/07 0017   Total Away Time: 19 Hours 17 Minutes     Total Miles Traveled: 562

First Frame: 05/05/07  0539  Last Frame: 1755

At home working on photos:  13.6 Hours    Photos Posted for public: 136   Total Photos for Family: 798

L/Cpl Dale Peterson was killed while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Please remember Dale!!  I will not forget!

05/16/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

I'm back from today's mission in Washington and have another out there on Saturday.  I don't have a date yet or more info for the Coeur d'Alene services which could happen at any time within next few days.

This morning I sat in my car trying to clean my Nikkor Lens when I realized that the seal has been allowing dust inside.  Nothing I can do about that.  Guess they don't make them like they used to.  Another piece of equipment that needs to be replaced; probably cheaper than bringing it to a shop to have completely taken apart.  I remember how much they charged me the last time I brought my camera in.

I have finally completed and am in the process of uploading right now the photos for Sgt Vaughan's Airport Mission.  I'll be working hard tomorrow to try and get the memorial/funeral pics done.  These missions you'll notice spanned over 4 different days for each part.  If you click on the photo on the blue background, that's the set just posted.

Don't forget that on Saturday May 19th, 2007 is Echo Taps at all National Cemeteries.  I encourage all to go and if you have 2 legged critters, take off the duct tape and take them along.    I'm sorry, I won't be able to make it to one, I'll be on a mission for another of our heroes.

This memorial day, no matter where you plan to be, please set and extra place setting at your table, complete setting everyone else would have, even if it's a picnic table.  Add a glass/cup holding a small USA flag and a white rose or white carnation.  Before you eat, have one person explain clearly to all present what this is for and tell them of our fallen heroes, that paid the price for our freedom, that therefore can not be present.

Memorial day should be more than shopping, hamburgers, steaks and stuff like that.  Take a few moments, to remember those that helped make it all possible.  (Please send me a photo.)

I just realized it's hump day... ohhh well......  maybe another year....

Take Care!

05/18/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

I have finally completed the last set of photos for the Sgt Vaughan missions
and my report is below.  There is enough time left in this day for me to
scratch my head, find some food, and prepare for tomorrows trip north to
Lakewood Washington where another of our heroes will be laid to rest. 
Please come if you can.  Also, remember that there will be Echo Taps at a
national cemetery to you.  I encourage you to go.

I'm including a PayPal Link (if it shows).  You don't have to join
PayPal to make a donation.  Even if it's just a buck, it will help
some.  I have a lot of domains that need to be paid up this month. 
Been too busy. 

I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Q

Mission Report

Part 1 04/26/07 Lincoln City Candle Light Vigil Start: 1400 End: 
2330  Away Time: 9.5 Hrs   205 Miles

Part 2 05/03/07 McMinnville Airport Mission Start: 1030 End: 1530  Away
Time: 5 Hrs  83 Miles

Part 3 05/07/07 Escort Mission Newberg to Lincoln City OR  Start:
1000  End: 1800  Away Time: 8 Hrs  230 Miles.

Part 4 05/08/07 Memorial & Funeral Service Start: 0400  End:
1730  Away Time: 13.5 Hrs 221 Miles.

Total Away Time: 36 Hours  Total Miles: 739

Working at home on photos: 32 Hours.  Total photos for family:
1838  Total Posted For Public: 365

Sgt Michael Vaughan was killed in As Sadah,
Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their location. He died
serving our country. He will not be forgotten here and I hope you take some time
to remember him and all the others that have served and given their all to keep
this country a free nation.

05/22/07 

I'm sitting at my favorite morning hangout reading the local papers and drinking go juice to face another long day.

Yesterday I mailed out CD's to some family members of another completed mission.  I normally mail them in a small USPS Priority Mail Box which would run $4.05 a piece.  Yesterday I found out the price went up to $4.60 which is an additional 55 cents. The part that made me angry is my new supply of boxes, they are flimsier and the glue doesn't hold the same and I have to reinforce it with tape.  Maybe I just got a bad batch huh?  I don't think so, I think they decided to reduce quality and jack up the price to get more money. 

I used to be an AT&T devoted fan many years ago until they joined the concept of other phone companies, "Let's see how hard we can screw a customer." Every program I had with AT&T that I liked they discontinued. I had a custom travel cared, even a national 700 and 500 number.  Most of you don't know about those.

The last thing I still had was cell phone service with AT&T until they sold us out and became Cingular Crap.  Cingular Crap wanted more money and made promises..  you know, the promises I always get from people.  Now it looks like all those converted are getting it again, Cingular is now the new AT&T.  F them all!!  Are consumers so stupid they don't see the scams they are doing.  They are not the only ones though.. .-.

Yesterday I had a family rep call me to come shoot a memorial service, I had to let them know I have no means to getting to Arlington VA.  Hey, if I had the means, I'd be all over the place and probably kill myself in the process.  I spend most of the day working on emails again and posted over 100 pics send in by friends, families and others to be added to tribute pages, to give our heroes a face.

As I worked my way through a batch of them, I got to one that was send on the 16th asking for an interview on KXL. I let them know I just got to it and will be available if not at a funeral.  The Coer 'dAlene one is taking place in Arlington.  I have currently one for Nevada and one for Stockton CA on my pending list.

Postcard stamps went up 2 cents.  As I was creating my shipping labels I was going to order 200 of them for $2 but the shipping fee is $1, so I'll try and get some today so I can get the next batch of cards in the mail.

If you can, you should start buying a bunch of FOREVER stamps at current rate and put them away.  The prices are going up again.  Personally, I hope I have a roll when the postal workers have forced the prices up to $1.50 or even $5 a stamp and then  use them.  Wanna bet congress would pass a law invalidating my stamps??

Well, I wanted to B about something else... forgot what it was...  which reminds me... damn global warming, I can't believe my place was in the lower 40's again and I had to scrape in more wood.

I've been threatening my black cat Jole' to trade her in for a goldfish, cause they fuss less.  She rolled her eyes at me, the way cats do.  My gray cat Ela' often gets to the food too late, so sometimes I go find her, pick her up and put her in front of the dish facing the opposite direction.  Boy, if she could talk in English. hahahahaha.

I hope you all have a great week.  It's getting close to 0730 here on the west coast.

Q

05/23/07 

War Heroes Project Report 05/23/07

Greetings all.  I'm about to head out for a radio interview to be broadcasted on Memorial Day Monday when everyone is out BBQ'ng of course.  I put together some current stats on my project which you can share with others.

I'm always looking for donations and appreciate every buck, food or gas card I can get my hands on. www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .

I have 3 more missions pending.

War Heroes Project Report

IraqWarHeroes.org

3847 Names  (76 Oregon, 79 Washington based on DoD releases)

26,162 JPG Images, 11,365 Htm Pages

Over 150 Missions,  Over 40,440 Miles Traveled (That's over 740 Hours Just Driving) [2,380 Gallons of Fuel]

Created: 031903.com  on 03/17/03 I knew 2 days in advance when it would start and wanted to start logging events.  and IraqWarHeroes.org on 04/07/2003.

Record Visits & Hits:  April 2007  88,818 Visitors and 2,652,468 Hits  Daily Visitor Avg 2960  Hits: 88415

Current (05/22/07) 69,237 Visitors and 2,003,514 Hits.  Daily Avg.: 3010 Visitors, 87109 Hits

From June 1, 2006 to May 22, 2007:  786,873 Visitors   and  24,395,587 Hits

Daily Time Spend answering Emails and posting photos sent in by friends & family and updating sites:  8.2 Hours

Longest away mission:  3 days, San Bruno CA, car broke down 50 miles from cemetery, I got there by Tow Truck to get me off the freeway., Police to get me to a bus headquarters, Bus to get to rail system, Train to get me in the area, and walking the rest of the way and got there 30 minutes before start of service. Then it took me 2 more days to get back home.

Most photographs for a family:  1838

---------------------------------------

All War Heroes Projects since 05/10/2000:

17 Websites (73 Domains)

23,217 Pages,  34,864 Jpg Images

Over 73,400 Miles Traveled.

05/24/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

Today I spend from 0700 to 1500 in Salem Oregon(e) to witness and photograph the engraving of more names on the Iraqi-Afghanistan War Memorial.  I will have pics once I get done with the last two memorial services.

Memorial Day Is coming up and I encourage everyone to be an influence on another to observe this day to remember our heroes and not just a BBQ or shopping day.

Set an extra place setting to remind all and yourself that someone is missing because they gave their all.  Take the family to a local national cemetery (Or even a local town one) and identify at least 5 that have served this country.

Today's local newspaper was full of advertising, you know, Memorial Day Sale this and that.  If that has to be your thing, consider donating the 'savings' to the Wounded Warriors Project or Soldiers Angels Wounded Program, or find a local chapter that helps our war wounded or PTSD programs..  Help the wounded heal, bring them strength, bring them hope. Let them know you support them.   I DON'T WANT THEM ON MY LIST!!!

You all take care.  I'm wore out.

Q

05/25/07 

Good Evening Everyone.

I hope by Memorial Day I'll get caught up with funeral pics.  I have just completed the ones for Sgt Joel Lewis.  Mission report below.  I'll get them burned to CD tonight and in the mail tomorrow and will spend most of the day on the next one.

I hope you have a thoughtful Memorial Day Weekend!!  If you're in the Salem Oregon(e) area on Monday, please come to the Iraq-Afghan War Memorial at 700 Summer St NE, Salem.  The event starts at 1300 (1pm).  I'll be in the neighborhood as early as 0900.

Today I spend some time mowing grass, help relieve some anger, frustration and keep it from growing taller than me.  Well, I got a good chunk done before my system started to fail. My cats took turns sitting in the right window to laugh at me.  Dumb morons don't get it, if I drop dead, nobody might feed them.  Which reminds me, I got a new Will program and should take care of a new one this weekend. You got your wishes on paper??  Backed up your hard drive lately or your digital music collection? Remember to thank a veteran this week??

If you set a place setting for our fallen heroes, please send me a photo.  If you know of a fallen hero, please make a name sign for that seating and send me a photo and I'll post it on that hero's tribute page so others know that someone cared enough to remember them.  Please include your Family name in the email.

You all take care!!  Please help support my efforts. www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .

Q

Mission Report

05/14/07  Escort Mission  Start Time: 0800  End Time: 1717  Total Away Time: 9 Hours 17 Minutes  303 Miles

First Frame: 1132  Last Frame: 1420

05/16/07 Memorial & Funeral  Start Time: 0400  End Time: 1630  Total Away Time: 12 Hours 30 Minutes  338

First Frame: 0709  Last Frame: 1310

At home working on photos: 11.3 Hours  Photos For Family: 611  Photos posted for public: 111

Sgt Joel Lewis was killed in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.

Sgt Lewis is Canadian born and fought and served in our military as an American Hero. He will not be forgotten.

05/27/07 

Good Evening!!

I barely got it done before midnight.  I have posted some pics for the memorial service for Spc Jerome Potter.

Please remember this hero!!

I'll be in Salem tomorrow, among families that have lost a hero.  Send me strength, to be a source of strenth.

Mission Report

May 12, 2007 Escort Mission  Start: 0600  End: 1600  Away Time: 10 Hours  280 Miles

First Frame: 0802  Last Frame: 1235

May 19, 2007 Funeral Service  Start: 0400  End: 1900  Away Time: 15 Hours  280 Miles

First Frame: 0817  Last Frame: 1428

TOTAL Away Time: 25 Hours, Miles Traveled: 560 Miles

At home working photos and posting: 15.2 Hours.  Total Photos for family: 853  Total posted for public: 93

Jerome was killed in Baghdad, Iraq,  when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was killed by coward scum in a cowardly manner.

Spc Jerome Potter will not be forgotten here.

05/28/07 

I bid you all a thoughtful Memorial Day!!

I will remember!!  I will not forget!!

A little while ago, KXL Radio aired a news interview. This is a MP3 File. Right click on this link and click on Save As and save the sound file before playing it.  Feel free to send the file to others.  www.iraqwarheroes.org/news/kxl052807_0620.mp3 .

I'll be heading to Salem soon.  You all take care!

 05/30/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

It's going to get pretty warm out here today. I spend most of yesterday working on emails, I have over 400 that have photo attachments. A couple of people have been helping to supply me with more photos for the pages that don't have any yet.

Over the Memorial Day Weekend, Tik Tok Restaurant in Portland had photos of me plastered all over the place and held a fundraiser for me.  Other than the kind passing of the hat a couple times by PGR members at a mission, this was the first time someone did a fund raiser for me. That was really great.  I'm now halfway to replacing my broken laptop.  Thank you Tami!!

Tim King of Salem-News.com caught up with me at the Salem Iraq-Afghanistan War memorial on Memorial Day and included me in his story   Salem, Oregon Honors War Dead on Memorial Day. Tim has a MySpace account here, check out some of his other stuff.  www.myspace.com/timsalemnews and check out his stories from the front. He is still new with MySpace.

As soon as my battery is charged I'm heading out for coffee and then will spend most of the day working on the emails.

On Memorial Day my site was down for almost 2 hours but I had a record number of visitors in one day, 5949 Visitors and 2,071,041 Hits. I have already broken last months highest 88000+ visitors, Last night I was at 94,046 Visitors.  as some of you know, I'm out there constantly promoting the website and reminding people not to forget.

Well, I'm going to head outside and see how the battery is doing and head out. 

I wish you all a Happy Hump Day!!   Remember, if you're riding a bull, you only need to last 8 seconds and the women go wild!.

06/03/07 

Well, Sunday is almost gone and I spend most of the weekend trying to catch up on personal stuff.  Most of Saturday I spend training a laptop and today mowing grass and whacking down stuff that's grown pretty tall.

Now I'm preparing myself for a short notice mission up north.  I'm too tired to get anymore emails done, I think I'll take a nap until my cats pester me to feed their lazy butts.  After all these years, you'd figure they cull pull open a lid on a can of food.  I mean, the have no problems opening the cupboard door and slamming it shut to get my attention. Ohh Well.  :)

Hey, I hope your weekend is going OK.  Unfortunately it's been another bad one in the sandbox.  So, take some time and send your support to our men and women in the military and remember those that gave their all and their families.

Last month my site www.IraqWarHeroes.org had 103,274 Visitors and 3,28,1258 Hits.  That's an all time record. Now you can see why I have been so busy.

If you have change, and it's not enough to do anything with it, just send it to me. And yes, I still pick up pennies off the street also and put them to good use.  There are different ways one can help, www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .

06/06/07 

I've added more than 500 photos emailed and have my email box at this moment under 40 remaining.  I thought I'd never get that low.

I'll be heading to Ft Lewis on Friday to escort home one of our heroes and then I'll be in that area again on Saturday for his services.

Yesterday I did take a break from the Iraq war Project and worked on a packet that was mailed to me and started to scan in pages of news and a few photos.

Do any of you remember the downing of a helicopter during Operation Just Cause in Panama!  Some parents still don't have clear answers on what happened but at the end it was just blamed on the pilot and most of it just disappeared.

Anyhow, I would like to introduce you to WO Richard T Block who gave his all in service for our country.  I never think it's too late to recognize one of America's finest.  WO Richard T Block R.I.P.

06/08/07 

It's 0545 and my head has been pounding since 0237.  I'll be heading out the door in a few and drive to Ft Lewis Washington  to escort home our fallen hero Pfc Hester.  His Memorial/Funeral service will be tomorrow.

I would like to Thank Marilyn & Gary E for making it easier for me to access the internet and work from remote locations.  Finding free Wi-Fi spots isn't always easy.  And Thank you to Peggy C for your gas contribution.  Many Thanks to Brad S and his helpers and Normandi for sending me all the photos that I've been posting lately.  A few hundred over the last few days.

It's 0604 now. I just changed shirts again.  They are all the same color and style pretty much but don't always feel that way.

My cats are fed and one of them is already resting from all the hard work in pestering me this morning and watching me open her can..

Well, gonna get my shoes, pop a couple more aspirin and get on the road.

Thank You Everyone Out There Serving This Great Country (U.S.A.) Of Ours!!

Remember, it's ok to repost any of my bulletins, which in most cases also repeat in my blog here.

I bid you all a great weekend!!!

06/10/07 

I was googling around and found a news article that quoted me that I have not seen:  The North Lake Tahoe Bonanza May 27, 2007.

I've also updated my news page, added more article links and put all in chronological order, newest first. www.IraqWarheroes.org/news .

I know this story is getting old, but I would like more comments to be left at the bottom of it. I want to keep it on top of their list. Click here to read it.  The leave comment box is way at the bottom. Remember, OK to forward my postings.  :)

One of my recent posting titled D40.......D200.... people where confused.  It refers to a NIKON Digital SLR Camera Model. Sorry, I forget that some people haven't read past postings or just don't know what the heck I'm talking about.

Know any camera stores that might donate a camera? (Nikon D70, D80 or D200) I've had mine in the shop already at over $300 for the last repair. It's wear and tear. At yesterday's funeral for Army Pfc Charles Hester in Lakewood WA and at Tahoma National in Kent, it froze up 12 times and the day before at Ft Lewis 5 times.
I've tried local camera stores in Portland, but they just laugh at me.

  I've been on over 200 related missions and photographed funerals for more than 150 families in the greater NW. 

My website requires my attention at least 9 hours a day, so I have less time to earn money to replace failing equipment etc.. Last month I had over 103,000 visitors and over 32 million hits. And I don't know how many emails with photos send by family and friends for me to post on their hero's page. I know over the last 7 days it's been at least 600 photos I added by hand.

Any help or useful advise appreciated.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm 
I will be posting this as a bulletin several times on Monday 05/11/07.

I bit you all a great week!!
Take care!!
Q
PS.  I'm backing up photo images before clearing my camera cards.  I back to a drive and to CD's.   If you value your images, back them up twice.  :)

PSS. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE OUT THERE SERVING!!! 

06/12/07 

Yesterday I completed the CD's, labels and package for Spc Potter's mom and it will be mailed this morning.

Today I'll be working on Pfc Hester's memorial pics.

Yesterday I received another DoD release of  NW kid killed in Iraq. I just tore out my Saturday plans and will be heading to Spokane Washington on Saturday.  For me that's about a 7 hour drive each way.

That's It!!  Hope you all have a great Tuesday or at least a better one than last Tuesday. :)

06/13/07 

Across I-5 from Ft Lewis at Exit 122 you'll cross the Freedom Bridge and find
a restaurant there called Galloping Gerties and there you will also see a new
billboard.

King TV 5 from Seattle interviewed me. I just found the
video at http://www.king5.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=151132&shu=1 
. This story is also being aired on cable TV, NW Cable News channel which can be
seen in Idaho, Washington and Oregon(e).  If you know how to capture that
and send me the video, please do.

There was a lot more covered in the interview than what you see of course,
but at least my site is getting out there to remind people of our heroes.

I don't have Dish or cable currently, so I haven't seen it yet; but have had
2 phone calls, 6 emails and 12 msg from people that have seen it.

Salem-News.com will do something on it also tonight or tomorrow.  Which
reminds me, please leave a comment at the bottom of the story you'll find at
this link:  www.salem-news.com/articles/february082007/q_bjk020807.php 
. About 56 comments this week would be nice.  It's easy, FREE and
Painless.  :)

06/14/07 

Good Morning Everyone!!

It's 0423 out here. Last week some Sirius radio program said they wanted to chat with me today at 0440 (0740ET).

Yesterday was quite the busy day.  I knew the story on KING TV Seattle was also airing on the Northwest Cable News Channel but what I didn't know, until I read enough emails, it was being seen on the east coast also.  Apparently some program on CNN was running it.

Of course my tired mind was trying to figure out why it managed to run on CNN and not FOX News? I really don't care though as long as the word is getting out that we must remember our heroes and support our troops. It was great that my website got some national mentioning.  

It's now 0453 and I'm done with the on Satellite interview.  You know, to some questions, there are no simple answers. I do know however, that the egg came before the chicken.  You see, the answer is simple, another animal laid a bad egg.

Trying to decide if I should go back to bed or not, was up till 0120.

I hope you all have a great day!!  By now I know I have another friend over there in the sandbox, he was shipped out recently.  So, Randy, if you can see enough through the sand in the air, I bid you and all others there with you a successful mission and safe return.

06/14/07 /2 

Please Remember Today Is Flag Day

That would be the RED, WHITE AND BLUE flag of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

In case you live in a neighborhood where it's no longer politically correct to wave the Stars & Stripes, please click on the link below to be reminded what a beautiful, great flag we have. > Stars & Stripes <

06/15/07 

Today is Friday here on the west coast and I finally got done with the photos from my last mission honoring Pfc Hester. 

People keep asking me how I do it.  I don't have an answer for that because I ask myself that question and I know I get overwhelmed trying to get it done.  I need to recharge but haven't figured out how to accomplish that without creating more work for myself.

Today I'm going to start knocking off some emails, I think I'm back logged over 500 now. Will do what I can and then rest because Saturday is coming real early and I'll be driving to Spokane Washington.

On Wednesday the 13th I came upon a car wreck and rollover in the middle of SE Powell & SE 82nd in Portland.  One vehicle on it's side and one vehicle on the back of a flatbed tow truck.  I pulled over and decided to take a few pics and noticed a larger type pick up in the 7-11 parking lot on the corner, and it became evident that the driver of that vehicle was getting a citation.  Looks like the guy that ran the light and set the events in motion didn't get his vehicle damaged but the other two severely damaged.

I continued to shot a few pics and the driver from the rolled over vehicle caught up with me and asked if he could get a few.  I handed him one of my IraqWarHeroes.org cards and told him the website has my contact info.  Anyhow, last night he emailed me, turns out he's a vet that served in the Gulf War. I emailed him 72 pics.

I hope you all have a great weekend!!  Below is my mission report.

Q

Mission Report:

06/08/07 Start 0700  Return 1900  Total Away Time: 12 Hrs.   289 Miles Traveled.  Ft. Lewis Escort Mission.

First Frame: 1234  Last Frame: 1511

06/09/07 Start 0400  Return 1920   Total Away Time 15.3 Hrs  343Miles Traveled   Lakewood & Kent for services.

First Frame: 0712  Last frame:  1410

TOTAL AWAY TIME 17.3 Hrs  TOTAL MILES TRAVELED:  632 Miles

 At home photo work time: 16.5 Hrs  Photos for Family: 970   Posted for public: 114

Pfc Charles Hester was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device which was planted by a coward piece of scum.

Charles was 23 when he got killed and leaves behind a wife and a young daughter and many other family members and friends who all should not be left alone to remember him.  We must all not forget this hero!!  Please remember him and the many others that gave their all. PFC Charles B Hester R.I.P. 

063/16/07 

Hi All!!

It's 0341 and the rooster has no heartbeat yet, and the bars have stopped serving a staggering following....   yeah early in the morning!

I'm having coffee at my favorite 24 hour watering hole Tik Tok and in a bit I'll be making that long drive to Spokane Washington.

Which reminds me, I still have an old checkbook from Fairchild Credit Union. That reminds me of some interesting day's overseas. :)

If I didn't have pics, people would never believe some of my stories.  :)

Anyhow, I hope you all have a great weekend!!  If you're in the Spokane WA area or closer enough that you're willing, please come out and help honor Sgt Derek E Dehn who gave his life for all of us. Funerals sux, they are depressing, you don't need to go inside if you don't want to but you can come stand in the flag line with or without a flag.  You can even join the Patriot Guard Riders out there. You don't need to look mean and all leathered up or even ride a pig or full size hog. Come as you are, walk, ride, drive, boat, fly and bring a flag (USA Flag, RED WHITE & BLUE) small or large.  :)

I'm a slow typer, I use mainly the bird fingers, hmmm is that why they call it keyboard pecking?  Time has passed, need to get a moving.

You all take care!!! For those in our armed forces, THANK YOU FOR SERVING!!

Q

06/17/07 

Good Evening!!

It's Sunday, 1638 out here and I got back a little bit ago. It was one of those mixed trips where briefly I thought I should have just stayed put.

Mission Report:

Start 06/16/07 0400   Stop: 06/17/07 1500  Total Away Time: 35 Hours  Total Miles: 755

First Frame: 1203  Last Frame: 1316  Total Posted:  16 Photos

Army Sgt Datiek E Dehn was killed in Sharkat, Iraq, by an improvised explosive device.

Sgt Dehn will not be forgotten here!!! Please help remember Dariek and all the others that gave all!!! Sgt Dariek Dehn R.I.P.

06/22/07 

Good Morning

It's about 0330 now and I'm not sure why I'm up.  My head has been killing me the last few days, and I hope I'll be more funtional today.

Tomorrow morning I'll be driving to Aberdeen WA to honor another of of heroes.  I thinks it's near the coast.  If you're out in that area, please come to pay honors to Pfc Casey Carriker who gave all.  Please remember all that gave all!!!

I've been busy adding pics to the tribute pages and at this point, over 90% have at least one image. I still have a few hundred emails waiting with attachments.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

06/23/07 

Greetings All!!

It's 0535 and I'll be heading north in a few minutes... well, actually south first far enough to suck down some muddy water before I spin on a dime; destination Aberdeen Washington to honor Pfc. Casey S. Carriker, 20, of Hoquiam WA.

I now have less than 500 emails remaining and maybe by Wednesday I'll be caught up again... then maybe not cause I have another mission pending.

Have you backed up your important stuff on your computer lately? Updated pics on your loved ones? Checked your smoke detector? And most of all.... Thanked a man or woman in our military lately? If you haven't, what's your exuse?

You all take care!!

06/24/07 

Yesterday I went to Aberdeen Washington.  I don't think I've been there before and probably won't go back unless it's for another service for one of our heroes.

I thought Aberdeen would be a small caring coastal town but I was wrong.  This town suxs.  The participation of this town to pay any honors, recognition, respect for our fallen hero was 0.  Now, keep in mind that this is from what I saw, and felt.  

I didn't see any fire trucks, cop cars (Other than the 2 or 3 assigned), no signs, marquees, flags etc. etc.

If it weren't for the around 25 strangers coming from out of town as a collective called the Patriot Guard Riders, there wouldn't have been any flags.  (OK, there where 2 or 3 in the flag line that may have come locally. I didn't recognize their faces.).

You know, maybe nobody in that town knew about this hero.  Maybe the way he died wasn't spectacular enough for the people of Aberdeen.  Maybe they forgot that war can suck the life out of you in different ways..  Maybe I'm just tripping.....  Anyhow, I don't know when I'll have pics posted, still need to make another dent into the emails.

I still haven't told you about my Spokane trip.

Well, my plans are changing again.  Another of our heroes is coming home on Monday, so I'll be heading to Ft Lewis WA again and on Saturday is a service in Gig Harbor WA and I have a 3rd mission with no date pending in CA. 

I need more work too, need to keep the lights on. Which reminds me of another annoying thing, why I am being charged a tax on my utilities to help poor people and the second I'm late with paying, those bastards are there to cut me off?  How much poorer do I need to be to qualify for a refund on that tax?

You all have a good weekend!! 

06/28/07 

Greetings All!!

I hope your day is off to a good start for a good finish!

I'm ready for a nap.  Tried to rest all night and it wore me out again.

As soon as I'm done with my breakfast and mail run, I'll be spending most of the day working on emails. Less than 500 to go.

After a mission on June 23rd I decided to take a quick detour via Exit 77 off I-5 in Washington.  In case you haven't taken that exit before, there is a museum there and on this day, there was something else.  I shot a few frames along the way.

Yesterday I replaced my headlights, one of them went dead and they all have moisture in them so I replaced all 4 with new ones.  First I went to the AutoZone on 122nd & Glisan in Portland and they had 3 out of 4 and the guy 'helping' me didn't want to help put them in.  Instead of just being straight forward, he made all kinds of faces and excuses.  He did look up to see who would have the 4th and thought that they would probably not be as busy as he was. (I couldn't see what he was talking about). 

So, I drove to the one near Gresham on 163rd & Division. They looked just as busy (NOT) as the last place and I asked the guy if he could help me put them in.  He didn't answer and eventually said something like, "I wonder why they didn't put in any, they are not as busy as we are.".  

On these old cars it is pretty easy if you have both types of screwdrivers required.  One is a Philips and one is a star shaped for the Bessel. I had no trouble helping remove the outside stuff, it's those tight area ones I have problems with because often I have no feelings.  I thanked the guy a few times and when he left, handed him a couple of cards.

You know, people should not advertise that they will help you with simple things if they don't really mean it.  I realize that it's more fun to stock the shelves and be busy that way than helping some guy.  The only thing that was time consuming was all those screws, don't they have those electric thingies that makes that part fast?  Hey, I did spend 90 bucks for headlights you know. (I got the bright ones, I like to be seen at day and see at night).

Thank you everyone out there serving this great country of ours!!!

I would like to see only 1 new law passed...  Every time an elected politician lies or is caught having lied to get elected, he's out within an hour without any severance pay or tax payer paid perks.  I don't care on what side of the political isle you're on, they all have a bunch of lying bastards that don't care about us or our military.  They act nice before election times because there are many voting morons out there that forget all the lies if the latest lie is to do something for them.  (Did that make sense to you?  I hope so)

You all take care out there.  If things work out, in 20 days I should be able to replace my camera and one of the lenses.  If you're looking for ways to help  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .  It's OK to post a link to my site wherever you want. It's my mission to remind people of our heroes and who they are and any help is appreciated.  Over 95% of the names now have at least 1 photo/face to go with them.  I'm striving for 100%.

06/29/07 

I haven't started on my Independence Day message yet.  I have a funeral tomorrow to attend for another of our heroes that helped keep this an Independent Free Nation.
It's easy to dust off the flag in the attic and put it out on the 4th and then focus on the BBQ.  For most Americans, (my opinion) it's not easy to take the time and really think what this day is all about.  We lost a lot of red to achieve this goal and will feel a lot of blue for those continuing to keep it and see a lot of white in the .lily's that cry for our loss.
So, hold your head up proudly, pronounce to the world that you are an American! Look upon the Red, White and Blue with pride and compassion.  Judge a man not by another's words but by your own encounter and interaction and studies!  Yield some of your pride to allow others to think and express freely as you have been.  Remember all of those that have laid down their lives to create this free path of choice. 

06/30/07

Top of the Day to Everyone!

It's almost 0400 and I wonder what I'm doing here.  I should be on a beach somewhere surrounded by beautiful women for the tired  eyes while relaxing to the crashing of the un-rythmatic waves......  DREAM ON!!! (I wonder if that would help my headache.. going on 3 days, I hope it's not one of those long ones.)

I didn't get much accomplished yesterday.  Often when I move the head, it's like the brain slamming against my thick skull and I hear these crackling noises.  I think it may be due to sensitivity, that I can hear all the movements from my neck up.  Dpn't worry, I'm also in the process of adjusting my mood as I type this.

I'll be heading out in a bit to start today's mission to honor SFC Henderson who will be laid to rest in Gig Harbor Washington today.

Monday I'll be heading south.

Yesterday I broke last months record of visitors to www.IraqWarHeroes.org with over 109,000 Visitors and over 3 million hits.

I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

07/01/07 

Here is the story by Margie Boule' of the Oregonian.  There are a couple errors in it but it's OK.  VietnamWarHeroes.org is a tribute to Delta 1/5 and others  both living and deceased.

I hope you all have a great Sunday.  I think I'm almost done with my headache (The current one).  Tomorrow I'll be on the road again.  have to get more emails caught up today.  Yesterday my site had an unusual high for a Saturday and I figured out why.  My friends at www.Salem-News.com had over 45,000 visitors and one of my banners is on their front page.  :)

Take care!  America's Q Branch...

07/05/07 

Good Morning All!!

It's hot out here.  I hope you all had a good and safe Independence Day yesterday.  I spend most of it, around 14 hours working on emails and finally got to the bottom again with 3 remaining that require a different kind of attention.  I'm still 3 funerals behind in getting those photos done and that will have to wait.

This morning I'll be heading to St. Helens OR for the memorial services of Maj Gregory Young and then I have another pending.

The article in The Oregonian from last Sunday so far yielded 14 emails and 4 phone calls and 5 entries into my Vietnam website guestbook.

It all just reinforces my opinion.

I need to get ready to head out.  I hope you all have a great Thursday!!!

07/08/07 

Good Evening/Morning

It's been a very long time since I've had a vacation and a long time, at least 5 years since I've even left the country and as many of you know I relay don't have the time or resources for either. BUT, I had decided to do both on the 7th and the only possible way to accomplish this was to go north across the Canadian border.  

It sounded simple enough... a quick day trip, do a walk, rest over night and head back.

I couldn't save the money needed for the hotel room I had reserved and on the 6th was going to cancel it and noticed that a 48 hour cancellation time was required.  So, on the 6th I posted 3 items on Craig's list at such a low price that I was positive I would sell them that day.  Which I did.  (One of my inside brain segments is still calling me an idiot).

When I returned after selling the 3rd item, and dumping the money into an ATM machine to make sure the hotel is covered, I noticed that the last three on my odometer turned to 777 as I backed into the drive way.  I took this as a positive sign.

Yesterday morning, the 7th, after checking my oil, I headed north.  I had my cheap GPS thingy out because it warns me when I'm driving too fast.   Sometimes you just can't leave town fast enough and you have to be a certain distance before it dawns on you that you are gone and going.

I stopped at a rest stop and was approached by a familiar face and then another, bagpipers from Portland heading north. They wanted to know if I was on my way to another funeral.  Chatted a few minutes and headed on.

About 50 miles from the boarder I decided to fill the gas tank, wasn't sure If I would find a Texaco/Chevron on the way within Canada.  Instead of giving me at least 12 gallons, it stopped at about 5 gallons and acted like my tank was full and wouldn't take more and the needle even jumped to Full.  This was weird. Anyhow I got back on the road and the needle immediately dropped over 1/4 of a tank. I still had plenty to get to destination and back to USA before needing gas again.

As I got closer to the boarder, I noticed on my MIO GPS that the world was coming to an end and I was about to plunge into a sea of blue nothingness.  I was now facing a long line of cars and I waited, waited, creped, waited, waited........

Finally at the boarder I handed the guard my passport and he came back asking why I was going to Canada, if I've ever been there before etc etc., what do I do for a living, noted my PGR sticker and wanted to know who the patriot Guard Riders where etc etc, He then handed me a slip of paper and directed me to the Immigrations Office.

I parked, locked my vehicle and walked into immigrations and got in line.  The woman there wanted to know why I was there, where I was going, where I will be staying, what I am I planning to photograph etc etc.... Do you mind if we do a background check?  I said, "Sure go ahead!".  It will only take a few minutes she said.  I have to admit, it didn't take too long and she then asked if I was bringing any guns into the country.  I told her I left secured in the states. She said, OK, you are cleared to go.  I asked if this was a random thing or if there was a reason.   She said it was kinda random but also because I have a CHL.  (They probably didn't like my garb either).

I finished crossing into Cana-ada (7 letters, see) and tried to find a radio station to listen to as I watched myself drive off land into this blue field on my GPS.  I tuned into a Canadian news station and they where talking about hundreds of container truckers holding some sort of strike and slowing down traffic as they inch their way into downtown Vancouver.  Guess what,  they where using the next 3 roads I needed.  And yes, there where many, many, many trucks.  This part of Canada must have a huge Indian population, cause I saw lots of them, driving trucks.

Most of the day was now shot, I checked into the hotel, grabbed the camera and went for a walk despite already feeling worn out.  I walked a couple hours under the hot sun, shot a few pics and  grabbed some cheap groceries and headed back to the hotel Ate, turned on the news, showered, watched the news and found out a group of Canadian soldiers stationed in Afghanistan got killed.

I woke up several times at night, I could hear people outside 6 floors down, heard people shuffling about in the halls, had to p a couple times from all that water I drank after getting to my room, and there was now light breaking the dim orange sky of this city.

I listened to the radio, they said the south boarder wait time was already at 20 minutes, I wanted to spend the 5 dollar Canadian bill and hit a drive through and grab some breakfast.  That went well, except, there was no onramp for south, so I headed north again until I could find and off ramp with an overpass allowing for south. The radio now said wait time is 40 minutes.

I turned on my GPS and told it to take me home, as the little arrow showed up on a empty blue field, it told me that there are no streets where I currently am.  As I got closer to the boarder, I could see land approaching on the screen.

The wait was 43 minutes. 8 questions, a smile and back across the boarder I was. The rest of the trip was un-eventful until I got home.  Some cardboard I was using to block a window from allowing direct hot sunlight on my refrigerator had dropped off and the fridge was dead and everything inside was melted or warm.  This happened a few hot days ago when I came back from a funeral near Eugene. I think I need to replace my refrigerator. It is running again now.

I then got around to checking my mail and messages to learn that we've lost more from the NW and I have at least 4 missions pending.  I think I'll wait a few more years before attempting another vacation.

I posted a few pics, here is the 1st of 2 sets.

I hope you all have a great week!

07/10/07 

Good Morning!!

It's already hot out here and expected to be over 100. I completed last night working the pics of one of 3 funerals I'm behind on.  I have t least 5 services pending over the weekend and don't even have the DoD releases on 2 of them yet.  I'll do the best I can.  I know 2 may be on the same day but too many miles apart.

I'm going to head out for some grub, then buy a bag of ice, shed some attire and hope to get another set of pics done today.

I hope you all stay cool and I wish you a great week!!  Thank you to everyone serving our nations out there!!!

Q

Mission Report:

06/23/07  Start: 0600  Return: 1910  Total Away Time: 13Hrs10Min  Total Miles Traveled: 352

First Frame: 1001  Last Frame: 1502 

Photo Work Time at Home: 7.8 Hours.  Photos posted for Public: 54   Photos for Family: 576

Pfc Carriker died in Kirkuk, Iraq.  He will not be forgotten!! Pfc Casey S Carriker R.I.P.

07/11/07 

Canadian 7's Part II & Good News - Photos by Q Madp

Last night Gary and Marilyn gave me a ride to The Dalles OR and within 1 hour was the first time I've left a car dealership feeling like I got a real good deal on a used car.  I upgraded from a 1985 Marquees to a 2002 Buick Century.

A couple of Sunday's ago Margie Boule' did a write up on me.  I did whine because I didn't get a lot of feedback.  I got about 15 emails and 4 phone calls.  One was from a man wanting to know how tall I was because he wants to donate a car so I get better gas mileage and have a newer and more reliable vehicle.

David Griffith who doesn't always read the paper, did read it this time.  He's the owner of Griffith Auto in The Dalles.  When I showed up and my ride hadn't even parked yet, I spotted my car among a bunch of others.  It didn't have my name on it, but it sure called me, and yes, from phone conversations I had some idea of what it would be... but not this.

I expected to just get a used car... yeah but this one was all shiny, cleaned inside and out, detailed, even inside the door hinges it was clean.  Four brand new tires, a fresh oil change and to top it off, they did all the motor vehicle department paperwork.

This is awesome!!!  Better gas mileage and less worries about breaking down and working A.C. .

When I did a quick test drive out there, I took Gary and Marilyn along.  She sat in the back and I looked at her and told her she should feel real special, because she's probably the only one that ever gets to ride in the back seat.  You'll understand if you ever have seen the back seat of my car.  I already have 1/2 of it blocked with stuff.

I feel like my Thank Yous to David is not sufficient, so I'm thinking, I'll send him a written one also.  Any of you that still know how to use a pen and paper and would like to mail him a Thank You note, please msg me for his address.  It isn't just me he helped, he helped my project and that's what it's all about.  Remembering and Honoring our Heroes!!

The content of my Mercury Marquees trunk did fit into the new trunk after I removed 2 extra spare tires (old ones).

I'm going to take some time today and acquaint myself with the car which may see it's first mission as early as today as I await for all the dates and times and locations of at least 4 Oregon Heroes and possibly one in California. 

So, I'm going to gloat for a little while and figure out where I can get the electronic key copied.  Only got one, and when under a certain stress, tend to lock myself out of the car, so I need to have spares.  You would have laughed (If you have a newer car), I couldn't get back into the car cause the key I have won't work, it's for the ignition only, had to use that battery operated thingie.

Anyhow..  I must get going... I hope you all have a great Hump Day!!  Hump Safely!!  Always make sure the undercarriage of your car can clear 15Mph Speed Bumps when doing 17Mph. >Canadian 7's Part II<

07/12/07 

Good Morning Everyone!!

Right after I posted my bulletin yesterday, on how I was going to get acquainted with my newer wheels, I was contacted and told a Marine was coming in to Coos bay OR and I had to hit the road which was around 0700 and returned last night around 2200.  Along the way I picked up a PGR Capt that wanted to go and had no way of getting there.  About 30 of them showed up to welcome home and escort from the airport L/Cpl Stacy.

The car did pretty good, except I can't tell how much gas is in the tank.  After the first 247 miles it was still showing a full tank and I doubt that I can do 1000 miles on a tank.  So, that freaks me out a little.  Going to find out how big the tank is, do a Mpg average and see how much I should be able to get per tank mileage average.  I thought it may be an air bubble or something, but even opened the gas cap and pressed down on that metal thing over the whole.  Didn't make a difference.

I have a service call pending this morning which I hope will keep me in food for Friday's, Saturday's and Sunday's mission and then there will be another, which I hope they wait a few days.

Feel free to help me www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm if you can.

I think it will be a while before I get the other past due sets posted.  I'll try and get one done tonight.  Last night I was just too pooped and stayed up long enough to add more heroes to the list, check some msg and emails.  And it's been warm out.  I need a haircut.

Thanks to everyone that has been mailing in some dough in response to the send me a buck campaign being done by two friends on my myspace list.  So far I'm up to 46 bucks.  $27 already went to replace  a special lens filter.

I hope you all have a great Thursday!!!

Did you thank a Veteran recently??  Go do it....  it's pretty easy...

Don't forget to back up from your computer, notebook, handheld anything you consider is important to you.  You could crash at any time for no apparent reason.  Remember, a hard drive with a 5 year warranty and break down in 6 months and the warranty is good for replacing the physical drive only with a new or refurbished unit and all your photos of Ma & Pa Kettle will be LOST!

07/13/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

I've just completed posting a few pics from June 25, 2007 when we welcomed home our hero SFC Chris Henderson.  I don't know when I'll get the memorial pics done but will try to spend a good part of today on it. 

Tomorrow I'll be welcoming home another hero and will travel to Aurora OR and the will go to the memorial service in the afternoon.  This will be for our hero Cpl Michelle Ring.

On Sunday I will be traveling to southern Oregon, Klamath Falls for our hero L/Cpl Juan Schill.

Then, I'm awaiting for flight information for 2 more heroes, so, I'm sure next week will be busy also. I'm still a couple behind.  After I get done with the SFC Henderson pics, I'll try and catch up on emails again.

I got my hair cut last night, wanted to grow it as long as my beard, but can never seem to deal with longer hair.... it gets in my way and collects that much more water when I'm sweating my....

I hope you all have a great weekend!!  Stay Safe!!  Thank A Veteran!!  Update your will!!  Flip a bird at your cat.  (My cats always look at me stupid like when I flip them off. )

Thank you, to those of you that have and are helping me out.  Any help I get goes toward my projects for our heroes.

I'm now 5 hours behind for my coffee run and will go now. I wanted to get these pics done and posted.

Take Care!! >Welcoming Home SFC Chris Henderson

07/14/07 

I completed 2 missions today, Honoring our hero Cpl Michelle Ring.  It
went well.  The flag line was great.  I think I'll have some great
shots for her kids to see this day once they grow older to understand what a
great mom they have.

Tomorrow morning at 0300 (Just a few hours from now) I'll be heading to southern Oregon(e) for Spc Schill, then (Just found out a couple hours ago) I'll be doing an escort mission on Monday and another service on Wednesday.

By the time next week is over I'll probably have logged 2,000 miles on my
newer car but it still uses gas, oil, windshield wipers and fluid etc.

If you have emailed me recently, please be patient.  I only got a few
done tonight.  Too damn hot, sweaty and tired.

Q

Ps.  You don't need to ask to post a link to www.IraqWarHeroes.org
on your web sites. Just do it.  Make your own banner if you want or use one
of mine like the one below.  We must remember, and we must remind.

07/16/07 

Good Morning Everyone!!

I'm feeling weak and my head hurts.

Yesterday was another very long day.  I spend at least 13 hours driving to and back from Klamath Falls.  Ended up at the wrong cemetery but still made it before the service started.  I'm now gearing up to head out for another mission.

There where 2 news photographers at the funeral for L/Cpl Schill yesterday and they where the perfect examples of why families don't want media. They where total disrespectful A..Holes!!!  Nobody coming to grieve at the open casket was left in peace. They both hovered right in their faces.  One of them chewing gum like a pig.  They didn't heed to the funeral director and it got so bad that the grieving father had to get into their faces and told them to stop.  They both looked at each other like the father had no say. Like "Who is he to tell us..."  you know what I mean.

I stayed way back during this time, didn't want to be accidentally associated with them by others getting pissed off now.  I get mistaken as media enough as it is, just cause my camera doesn't fit into a pocket.  I know that I irritate people at times, especially in a very crowded place because I have to move around but that's different.  Heck, I know just my presence anywhere irritates people.  Should've seen how long it took to get a glass of ice tea on Saturday after a mission and I met up with some riders.

Anyhow, I need to go get some coffee and head south to Corvallis OR for an escort mission welcoming home 2 heroes.

I hope you all have a great day!!  Back up your stuff on your computer.  Change the water in the water bowl more frequently when it's hot out.  I  often drop some ice cubes into the cat's water dish.  Still hoping to see the day when a cube gets stuck to one of their tongues.

Find a military man or women here on myspace and send them a message of why you're grateful that they are serving.

You all take Care!

07/18/07

Good Morning!!

It's just after midnight here on the west coast.  I'll be heading to bed soon for my nap and back 0500 to get ready to head out again.

After completing 4 missions back to back and having a break yesterday, I escaped Portland with a couple of friends and did some shooting at Seaside Oregon(e) which is not far from me.  Here is a set of pics I simply titles A Mother & Daughter.

I hope you all have a great day and please send the rain to Idaho or someplace else that has wild fires burning.  Tomorrows destination is Dallas OR for our hero Cpl Kory Wiens and his 4 legged partner.

You all Take Care!!

07/19/07 

Greetings All!!

At yesterday's service for Cpl Wiens and his four legged partner Cooper, 34 Police Dogs (K9'rs), 5 Search & Rescue Dogs and 4 Military Dogs attended.  It rained on and off.  On my way home I heard on the news that we lost another from Washington.

I'm feeling a bit sore today, stepped over something in the parking lot out there while shooting and the foot carrying the weight stepped on a grease spot.  Can't tell wet from slippery I guess.  I went to bed early, my body didn't want to anymore.

Today I'll make another attempt on getting the pics done for Chris Henderson from last month.  Like I said, I'm way behind.  Unless the next funeral comes up really fast, I'm going to take my notebook and hide out in the woods and work on photos there.  I know a good spot where my cell phone doesn't work.

So far I'm up to 86 bucks for the send me a buck campaign. (Someone send me 2 Jackson's for the quick jump).  Out of that I spend around 22 on food on the road the last 4 missions.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org .

I received a long email from that EBayer, just glanced over it, he's blaming his father now (I think). I'll get that posted later and you all can give me your feedback on that.  For me it's very simple, refund ALL the money plus money to ship the garbage back.

Below is part 6 of the Iris Walk in 06.

I hope you all have a great day!!

Thanks to everyone that are behind our troops and showing your support!

I wore out another car flag (Window Mount) .  I can't believe that I can't find an American Made USA Flag for my car that won't wear out after just a couple hundred miles.  The last one was around 15 bucks and it started by tearing off the pole instead of the end edge of the flag.

07/20/07 

Greetings Everyone!

I have completed posting 85 of 764 photos for the services of SFC Chris Henderson who got killed by cowards in Afghanistan using IED's.

I'm not doing a mission report. Going to try and get more done.  Miles driven where over 600.

Please take a moment to remember Chris and never forget him and all our other heroes.

Click on the photo in the green area for this set.

Q

PS.  Margie Boule' did a follow up story, I'll have that posted in my NEWS section within the next hour at www.IraqWarHeroes.org .

SFC Chris Henderson R.I.P.

07/22/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

I spend most of Friday, Saturday and today trying to catch up on pics and will do multiple postings today.

Please remember all that that served this country of ours!!!

Spc Joseph P Kenny R.I.P.

07/22/07 

Welcoming Home & Escorting Home Our Hero Marine L/Cpl Steven Stacy.

Unfortunately I did not make it to his funeral because I was already committed to 2 other missions that same day.  I was honored to be there to bring him home.  He will not be forgotten.   L/Cpl Steven Stacy R.I.P.

PS.  The web site is really busy, so if you can't get to it. Try again later.

Oregon's first military women to be killed in Iraq.  A young mother of 2.  She also will not be forgotten here.

Cpl Michelle R Ring R.I.P.

Another fine outstanding young Marine that gave his all.  Please remember him also. L/Cpl Juan M Garcia-Schill R.I.P.

Good Evening All!!

I just got done posting the pics for the memorial service of Cpl Kory Wiens and his canine partner Sgt Cooper. They got killed together serving this country in Iraq.

This is a first (as far as I know) where a handler and his canine are memorialized and buried together and from what I can tell, neither of the two would have wanted it any other way.

For those of you that don't know this, the dog will always out rank his handler. That's to make sure the human is respectful toward the dog and any mistreatment of the dog can lead to a court martial under USMJ.  I think that's a great idea and assures us all that they are treated properly and with respect especially with the difficult and dangerous tasks at hand for them.

You will notice that there was a large attendance of dogs at this memorial service.

May they both rest in peace and be remembered for the heroes they are!!  

Cpl Kory Wiens and Sgt Cooper R.I.P.

07/24/07 

Good Morning!!

If you noticed my bulletins on Sunday, I had posted photos for several missions.  If you didn't notice, most of the bulletins are repeated in my blog here.  You can even subscribe to it and know when something new has been posted.

Yesterday I spend most of the day working on emails.  Last night I noticed a bunch of emails bouncing back from Comcast, Verizon and AOL.  Someone else out there using the same email service provider is spamming and so these three decided to block out everyone using that service.  This always makes me mad, because unless I take the time to look at all bounced mail messages and spam, I never know someone got my email or not.  Using a receipt request means nothing other.

This morning I'm going to label, stamp and mail out a batch of 30 postcards.  Did you get one from me yet?  I always do them in batches of 30 so I don't waste labels and have stamps by the time I fill a sheet again.

Later today I'm going to work on more emails and if caught up, find more stuff to sell and clear out.

I would like to thank everyone currently serving in our armed forces and everyone that has proudly served.  THANK YOU!!

I bid you all a great Tuesday!

07/25/07 

Greeting Everyone and Happy Hump Day!

I'll be humping across bumps and potholes on my way to Oak Harbor WA.  I expect to be doing at least 11 hours of driving tomorrow.  It will be a long day.

Didn't get much done today as far as emails.  Met someone I haven't seen since 1999 for coffee in Milwaukie OR and then drove to Troutdale OR for a 2 hour job.

It's after 2200 already, I hope my bedroom has cooled down (Windows open) some so I can get some nightmare time in before the 0500 reality check chime.

I posted 5 new photos on my profile photo album here. This is what I look liked on Friday after hours and hours and hours of working on photos.

Talking photos, I just posted a new set consisting of over 130 images.  The ideal way to look at these images is with an egg timer or backward cooking timer.  Start at 1002 and look at a new image every 5 minutes.  It will take you 11.5 hours.  They may all look the same but they are all different.  If you save them all to your hard drive and flip through them real fast.. you'll see it.

This set is great for all you city or desert folks that don't see trees looking out their windows.

You all take care!!  

11.5 Hours

07/28/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

Seems like every time I tried accessing myspace mail or other stuff the last couple days I would get an error message saying it will be down and back up SHORTLY.   I wonder how many minutes there are in a second in Tom's town; cause I'd check back every couple hours and hours, and hours and get the same message, the only thing that would change is the date.  Can't they do this when I'm napping??

On Wednesday I'll be in Twin Falls Idaho for one of our heroes, pending some final information.  I may have to leave Tuesday night.  It's about a 9 hour trip one way for me.  If you're along that route (mostly I-84), toss me a hamburger or two along and some coffee.  

I have someone that will feed my cats.  Some days when I'm gone too long, they get bitchy about the box not being scooped, so Jole' (the black one) has gotten into a new habit of pestering me every time she craps or whizzes into the box wanting it taken care of now.  I should've gotten goldfish.    Some days all these cats want to do is eat, poop, pester me, nap, eat, poop, pester me, nap....... hahahahahaha.  If I think about it, that's really all I want to do some days.

Many emails are still bouncing back, so I've been using a gmail account to reply to emails coming from Comcast, AOL and Verizon.  My email service provider IP is still on the spam list and it's real annoying.

Changes have been made to my hosting service and I lost 3 days of count and 5 days of updates where disappearing into a dark hole, cause they wouldn't show up on the site.  I hope to have all that resolved soon.

It looks like my camera body issues are going to be resolved.  Could still use some special lenses.  I'll have most of my equipment problems taken care of.  I just hope I don't break down any further.  I'm defective enough.

Day before yesterday I spend $160 getting car keys made. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT SH**!! Few  years ago I could get a couple dozen car keys for under $10.  Well, at least now I can stop worrying about locking myself out of my new car. I always carry two sets, cause when a certain stress goes up, I lock my car keys in the car.  Happened last year at a funeral also in Vancouver also. Only had one set on me.  Luckily someone had a wire and someone one else knew how to use it.

Well, that's it for now.  I'm going to drive to Corvallis Oregon(e) in an hour or so and hand deliver a package with CD's. and also get a free lunch.

I hope you all have a great weekend!!  Feel free to use the pics.  If you like what I'm doing put me on your top 8 or add a link to my site www.IraqWarHeroes.org or www.AfghanistanWarHeroes.org or both.

If you're reading this in a bulletin, remember it's OK to forward and it repeats in my blog here.

Cheers!!

Q

PS. Please thank at least 1 Soldier, Airman, Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, etc. this weekend for helping to keep our country free!

07/30/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

It looks like temporarily I can add friends again and hopefully they will be done soon.  It wasn't just me having the problem but a group of people.  Read note below that I could read on my page but you may not have seen it on yours:

Latest Update:
Jul 30, 10:37 am PDT

hey folks! unfortunately over the last week you've undoubtedly noticed the trouble with the mail on this account. this has only affected users in the 16 million profile range, and that's where your account lies, which is why you're seeing this announcement now. mail will be back on today, for the rest of the day. but tonight at midnight (PST), we'll be running some maintenance on the databases one last time. it should last 8 hours till 8am, Tuesday morning (again PST). after that, the mail problems should be fixed once and for all! so sorry for this inconvenience. I know a lot of you rely on myspace like email!

Weird thing is, I could still receive emails on myspace, just couldn't add friends.

I spend most of today getting more stuff ready in my car for the long trip to Twin Falls Idaho and when I return, I'll have 2 more pending.

%&^*^&^%$$@ !!!!

I'm on CB Channel 17 if you happen to pass me with your rubber ducky.

I will leave early tomorrow and make a detour to Richland Washington where someone has promised me an oil change, which I already need. I will then rest a few hours (part of night) and then Wednesday morning finish the trip to Twin Falls.  If things go early and well, I'll try and head back home the same day.  If not, I'll lay low in Idaho or someplace along the route.

I would like to thank A.B.A.T.E. of Oregon(e) for inviting me to their party and doing a fundraiser for me.  I used that for a car radio, and a couple extreme 2GB memory cards to replace 2 old ones for the camera, cell phone bill and some camera accessories.

Thanks to everyone that has been helping out. If you send me an envelope with a return address, you'll eventually get a postcard from me.  If you don't , let me know.

Today I received a magazine in the mail. (No, not that kind, have you seen the prices of those lately?). It's called GX The Guard Experience and the July 2007 cover has a GI shadowed sitting on a tank with ole' glory on the background.  The main line on the cover is "Why We Are Patriots".   

On the magazine was a stckm note "Sending this magazine to you at the request of Kathleen ....." and as I looked closer, there was a page marker sticky sticking out of the magazine marking page 42. And the first letter there, in the upper left hand corner was submitted by Sgt Moore.  THANK YOU SGT MOORE!!  Thank you for serving!!   Thank you Kathleen for spotting this and having this send to me.

You want to know what it read??  www.gxonline.com .

I'm falling more and more behind on emails again.  Sometimes I just have to try and get other things done also.  I was amazed to even stay awake today.  I've spend too much time fussing with not having access to my site, therefore also not getting all the emails and not being able to ftp in.  I've already uploaded everything to another hosting account as a possible backup but it lacks a lot of tools and option I like.

All those suckers that purchased the Iphone at 500 to 600 bucks.  A lot have been coming back because AT&T is really screwing them.  Wake up people, there was a reason that AT&T switched to Cingular and then back to AT&T.  People are already getting refurbished ones  because certain parts break off quickly.

I read this today: "iPhone Death Watch! Because we care, we have figured out the exact moment your cherished toy's battery will kick the bucket."  (Why didn't you buy a cheap laptop!!)

I'm amazed at what all those damn phones can do, but when, when will they have cell phone that make good communication tools? Clear audible sounds, no scratches and dropped calls and a ring instead of some awful brand theme or other garbage.

I'm sitting here watching Hell's Kitchen (Wish they wouldn't bleep it) and saw an AT&T lie, which set me off a little.  It doesn't pay to be loyal anymore to most companies because they will screw you at every possible opportunity.  It may not be so in your world and I am generalizing.  I could do a whole long blog on that subject.

About 10 years ago I wrote to Satellite TV companies and told them how to counter to damn cable TV ads, claiming how the weather affects your dish viewing and how crappy the pic will be.  I told them to show the public all those satellites that cable companies use to receive their TV before retransmitting it over their cable.  Just recently, I started to see Direct TV ads where they show cable company with all those satellite dishes.  I wonder if I still have those certified mail receipts or if it's past credit time.

OK, enough writing and venting here...

I hope you all have a good week and please remember to let our troops know that you support them!!

08/01/07 

Morning All!!!

I'm sitting in Richland WA right now (0739) and will start my last 8 hours to Twin Falls Idaho after some coffee.  I received word that the service has been moved to Thursday the 2nd but I'm too far out to drive all the way back and then out again.  I'll have to kill some time in Twin Falls and after the services tomorrow dead head back because I have another on Saturday morning in Medford Oregon(e). (Sigh).

I did get my oil changed yesterday out here and am going to add some anti-freeze in a bit, doesn't look very full and it's gong to be a warm day.

If you know of a real cheap place to crash in TF, please let me know.  My first destination is near the KMart on Addison Avenue East.  I will be checking msg here again along the way.  And if you're familiar with my site www.IraqWarHeroes.org , there is a Tel on the main page.

I hope you all have a great day!!  Did you check your oil, water, tire pressure and brake fluids lately? Backed up what is important on your computer?

AND DON'T FORGET TO THANK A VETERAN AND ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS!!

Q

Good Evening!

I'm now in Twin Falls Idaho.  About the same time I got here, there was a massive bridge collapse in Minneapolis that crosses the Mississippi.  It's a mess.

Already they are saying it was not an act of terrorism and yet in the same breath they tell you that they don't know what happened.  What's the deal with that.  The was the fast response in New York recently also if you happen to pay attention.  They may well be right, and I'm just confused which worries me about their fast responses that much more.

Unfortunately at least 1 confirmed death.  I hope there are no more. 

I hope I can get some rest tonight, tomorrow is going to be a very long day.

You all take care!!

08/02/07 

Good Morning!!

It's now 0543 my time but here it's 0643. I need to watch that.

The night passed fast with only 5 interruptions and I'm dressed and ready to face the day.

Never use Motel 6 soap for your hair.  It's worse than bad sleep hair in the morning.  :)

I'm drawn to the TV screen.  I've always thought flying is safer than driving over a bridge.  When you fly, chances are pilots don't want to die and do what they can to make sure their plane is safe.  When you cross a bridge, there are too many that don't care anymore.

OK...  I need to get out of here..  find some coffee someplace.

You all take care.  I'll probably be driving straight through after today's mission so I can get ready to head south early Saturday.

Thanks for your help Peggy C.

08/04/07 

Top of the day to you all!!

It's 0136 and the drunks haven't even been cut off yet for the night.  Couldn't sleep anymore.  I got back the other night a little after 2200 from my almost 1300 mile round trip to Twin Falls Idaho.  Spend yesterday doing film backups and was hoping to sleep till 0300.

I'll be heading south today to Glendale Oregon(e) to honor Army Spc Daniel Leckel at the Glendale H.S. . At this point I will not be photographing the services.

If you're down in them parts, please come out today; the service starts at 1000.

I'm going to leave in a few minutes and go to my favorite 24 Hour watering hole an suck down my coffee and wonder what the hell I'm doing up so early again.

I hope you all have a great weekend!!  Have you backed up your stuff lately?

Try and do something nice for at least one man or woman serving our fine military today!

08/06/07 

Good Morning Everyone!!

I returned Saturday evening from my southern Oregon mission.  Yesterday I spend most of the day watching episodes of Night Stalker with Darren McGavin.  A TV series that ran from 1974-1975.  The other thing I did is trying to capture hummingbirds at a feeder.

I can't tell if it's the same damn bird that kept coming back or if there are different ones.  Those birds can be hard to shoot, they sense any kind of motion and they are gone.  These photos are a bit grainy and probably larger than the birds.

I hope you all have a great week!!

I've just finished posting photo for another mission.  I'm currently 2 or 3 behind and about 600 emails behind with at least 2 more missions pending.  Any support is appreciated even if all you do is spread the word.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org.

Mission Report:

Wednesday 07/25/07 Start: 0500  Stop: 2317  Total Away Time: 18 Hours 17 Minutes.  Miles Traveled: 577

First Frame: 1301  Last Frame: 1728    

At home photo work time: 11.5 Hours.   Posted for public: 100   Total for Family: 717

CPO Wade was killed by enemy action while conducting combat operations in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq.

Please take some time to help remember Patrick who gave his all serving this country and for each of us.  He will not be forgotten here!!!

Forward this to others, so they may know of this hero, husband, father, son and brother.  CPO Patrick L Wade R.I.P. 

08/07/07: 

PGR Honor Spc Daniel Leckel

Greetings All!!

I've just posted pics for my mission in Glendale Oregon(e).  It was the most recent and out of order because this was going to be a fast one.

The family had requested no media and I was told via the CAO that they want no photos of the services.  I respect the wishes of the family and went down to Glendale to honor this hero.  I was equipped in case they changed their minds.  I wore my leather vest and had a pocket camera to catch some pics of the PGR honoring our hero.

It was also a frustrating m mission for me, seems like I was the only one willing to honor the families wishes.  I counted art least 4 TV cameras and 5 still cameras.  Even though they where told to stay out, they worked their way into the High School and some even shot through the bushes at the cemetery.

It's those assholes that make it hard for me to let these families know, it's for them what I do.

I just got word that my next mission is in northern Washington on Thursday and 2 others pending.

So, if you're along I-5 and want to feed me....  let me know.

I hope you all have a great day.

Q

Mission Report

August 4, 2007  Start Time: 0200  Stop Time: 1917  Total Away Time: 15 Hours 17 Minutes.  Miles Traveled: 507

First Frame: 0540  Last Frame: 1207   Posted: 61 For All

Spc Daniel A Leckel was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, by enemy small arms fire.  He was 19 years old.

Please remember Daniel and all our other heroes.  Daniel will not be forgotten here!! PGR Honor Spc Daniel Leckel

08/10/07

Greetings Everyone!!

I hope that by tonight I'll be done with the photos from the Twin Falls mission and then get started on my huge backlog of emails.

Last night I went to do a shoot for free food and took along one of my myspace friends.  She had a blast.  I need to get more paying gigs though.  

I think too many things around me have been neglected too long.  I'll start by working on getting a small cube refrigerator so I can save on cat food.  My big fridge doesn't work anymore, hell it's less than 10 years old.  So I can't keep the open food in there and plop it all down on their plates, cause the leftover will go bad either way.

I got distracted, actually started this about 2 hours ago.  I was overheating.

Hey, I hope you all have a great weekend!!   While I was in the Tri-Cities area, I took a few quick snapshots of something I just titled Calories.  Just a few pics.  :)

Take care!!  Please support our troops and remember to be there when they come home, and be there to honor those that have given their all.  Every time a hero is laid to rest, at least 75% of the local town should be there to say thanks and pay honors.  For every one that makes an excuse and can't take an extended lunch break or something, someone else pics up on that and has an excuse also.

Your couple of hours can mean a lot to the family and isn't a mili second of time compared to the time this hero no longer has.

Q   Calories

08/12/07

Good Morning!!!

First I would like to thank Peggy, Beverly and Eric for helping me solve some problems yesterday. Hey Bev, I ended up with 4 of those coffee's yesterday.

It's a little after 0630.  I didn't get up at 0459, so at 0501 Ela' (The grey one) decided to walk on my chest and put her face in mine, making sure I noticed that she was starving to death and about to drop dead..  It's normally Jole' (The evil black one) that I want to kill.   Damn B!!

My refrigerator problem is taken care off. WooHoo!!

PayPal refunded me the initial money from that EBay rip off.  I'm still trying to get the postage refunded. Looks like that isn't going to happen because the father of the seller (who I found out does EBay also) is the one that put him up to it.  I think to screw me, without using his own account.  In his MyProfile, he acts like I was addressing him, not his son:  

"look what some queer republican crossdeer is saying about me now get it here first babys first e-bay newbie shit Another EBay Rip Off July 9, 2007 I bid on a NEW ASRock Motherboard EBay Auction 280129569017"

Click on the text to see the whole About Page of his.  I know what a queer and a republican is,  What the hell is a crossdeer?

I asked the seller if he's going to refund my $8.95 for shipping and his response: "ask my dad ebay user id: pootywango
its his board i dont care if he says yes then yes ill send the money to you"

I'll try and update that rip-off page soon I hope. 

A new week is about to start for many of you but for many of our gals and guys, it's just another day in a hot hell called Iraq, Afghanistan and a few other places.  So, please start this week by sending at least a few of them some good wishes, thoughts, and Thank You's.

If you have a kid, spouse, parent serving in the hot zone, or recently returned, PLEASE take the time to familiarize yourself with PTSD.  Consider seriously the changes.  And you know, those serving and returning, consider what the family may have been through without your presence.  IT WILL NEVER, EVER BE THE SAME!! But it can be better.

Every day I hope not to add anyone to my tribute site!  Please make sure that your family, friends or whoever has it in writing what your wishes are in case you die.   That applies to everyone!  Out here in Portland Oregone(e) we just had a car driver shot by road rage, I bet he didn't think he was gonna die that day.

 Not trying to be mr gloom here,  but I see too many families fighting and our hero's not getting their proper respects.

Get some current pics of your loved ones!!!

OK, almost done here,  Check your smoke detector batteries.  Back up what you would cry over if your computer crashed now.

Get a USA (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) car flag (Red, White & Blue) or bicycle flag and remind others, you're an American and proud of it!!  If you can have a football/baseball team flag on your car, you can have a USA flag on your car.  Right???

This ain't a perfect place, but it's my place and it's better than most places.  :)

Wishing you all a great week!!

Here is one mother's reminder.....

PS. For all my new friends here, most of my bulletins repeat in my blog here in case you missed it.  It's OK to use any of my pics I post for the public here (Except the funeral ones, ask specifically please) for personal or business use, but if any generate you some bucks, remember to donate some my way.  It's OK to repost my bulletins to others, like your friends. And it's always OK to ad the link www.IraqWarHeroes.org to any of your pages/sites.  You may even grab my banner.  The more it gets posted, the more people will be reminded not to forget our heroes.  :)  A Mother's Tribute

08/13/07

08/13/07 Update, I’m in Sutherlin Oregon(e)

Last night I made an emergency run to Lincoln City to help out a biker I know with a dead battery.  Got back around 0230 this morning so, now on my way to Talent/Medford OR, I have to take extra breaks.
When I get back tonight, I'll be gearing up to head to northern Washington (Everett) for a service.

Hope your week is off to a good start.

08/14/07

Good (Too early to be morning),

It's 0316, got back late last night from sout6hern Oregon(e) and am now heading to northern Washington to honor Pvt Michael Baloga in Everett Washington.  Hey, if you can, please come out and honor this warrior, hero, son, brother, friend.  Service starts at 1000 at Solie Funeral Home Chapel followed later at Tahoma National in Kent Washington.  Tell your boss you all be closing shop a couple hours and you all go.  Bring flags too if you have any. (USA Flags, RED, WHITE & BLUE).

Damn, 5 minutes already passed,  my head already feeling weird.  I need to go push the petal to the metal and let the white lines guide me out of here.  Don't know when I'll be back, but I'll probably be parked in the shade at a rest stop; napping after the services

You all take care! Q  Vancouver PW Walk Part I

08/16/07

Greetings Everyone!!

I only made it through part of the day yesterday before I malfunctioned and had to lay down a few hours.  If I could only rest in that time also.

It seemed to have taken me forever, but I have finally posted the pics for the Twin Falls mission.  It seemed like only yesterday that I upgraded my wheels to something newer and have already logged 6614 miles for our heroes.

Before I start on the next photos, I'm going to spend a few days working on the emails.  I think, let me look....  864 emails behind right now.  Then I need to work on some postcard requests.

Did you know that if you put me in your top 8, more people will find their way to my website?  Another creative way to help remind people.

I hope you all have a great day!!  Please remember to thank a veteran!!  Support our troops ALL THE WAY.  I'm tired of all these side conditions and fraighty cat answers.  YOU SHOULD SUPPORT ALL OUR TROOPS SERVING OUR COUNTRY (U.S.A., with the Red, White & Blue Flag) HONORABLY IN WHATEVER CAPACITY THEY ARE ASKED TO SERVE IN.

Take care...  gonna munch on some left over pizza and start on emails.  Which reminds me, My favorite pizza joint in Aloha Oregon(e) is shutting down.  Got the news yesterday while I was out in that area getting an oil change. (Thanks Eric).  I'll be there on the last day unless I'm out of town again.

Q

Mission Report

Start: 07/31/07 1100  End: 08/02/07 2200  Total Away Time: 35 Hours  Total Miles Traveled: 1279

First Frame: 0832  Last Frame: 1353   Problems: Wildfire smoke eventually caused a lot of yellow brown haze visible in photos.

At home working on pics: 15.8 Hours.  Posted for Public: 108 pics.  Total pics for family: 906

Pfc Adam Davis was killed in Sarobi District, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.  Another of our brave young soldiers killed by the means of cowards using IED's.

At the age of 19, Adam accomplished a lot and gave the most precious gift you can to your country and it's citizens.

Adam will not be forgotten here.  Please remember PFC Davis and all the other heroes.  We must not forget!!  Feel free like all other of my postings to forward this or repost in your blog/bulletin.  To support my missions; visit www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .

Pfc Adam J Davis R.I.P.

08/19/07

IraqWarHeroes.org Project Update

Greetings Everyone!!

This weekend I spend most of the time working on my computer. Main drive too full. That's taken care of.  Was up till 0230 working on that and good part of today.  Did you remember to back up stuff you want to keep??

A lot of you know about my tribute site, www.IraqWarHeroes.org aka www.AfghanistanWarHeroes.org  along with several other tribute sites dedicated to 4 other wars.

Many of you don't know that I travel the greater NW and attend the memorial services for our heroes and photograph them for free for the families.  I'm just an amateur photographer using whatever I have available at the time. It's something many don't think about doing but allows the family to look back later to see the many things they missed during their time of grief.  It allows children of heroes, too young to understand now, to see it with open eyes later.

Every time I add a name to the list, I create a page for that hero.  This is not automated. I also hope it's the last one.

I've put together some stats on my IraqWarHeroes.org project.  These don't include the travel and time for the others.

Some Current Stats:

 4152      USA Military Names currently listed.  We must not forget any of them.

  316        Coalition Names.  I don't have good sources for them all.

13070       Htm pages with this website.

31054       JPG Images posted on this website.

  3210       Daily Average of Different Visitors

         9.7   Daily Average Hours working on this project.

46533        Logged miles driven. (Actually around 51,000 Miles)

     846       Logged hours spent driving based at 55Mph.  (Actually around 1030+)

61200        Photos shot and selected for families.

  1400        Hours working on shot photos at home.

  1614         Days of logging AP headers.

   5600        Postcards mailed out.

That's just some of the obvious stuff and it's been over 1615 days now, that's 4.4 years or about 54 months and every where I go, I remind someone to remember.

My website remains non political and non commercial.  If you get bored and like to read a lot: www.IraqWarHeroes.org/about.htm and then www.IraqWarHeroes.org/news/  .

On Monday, if I'm not so damn tired, I'll try and get more emails done.  Only 422 remaining before I'm caught up again.

As with all my bulletins, feel free to share them with others.

I hope you all have a great week and PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR WOMEN AND MEN IN THE MILITARY HONORABLY SERVING OUR COUNTRY (U.S.A.) AND KEEPING US A FREE NATION.

08/20/07

Hello All!

Hope your Monday went well.  I spend some time cleaning one of the carpets. Managed to cut a copper tube, fit it with a watchamakalit and a nut and hooked it up to the replacement refrigerator.  It's not leaking... so I think I did it right.  I also replaces that wire screen thing in my kitchen faucet so it doesn't spray me anymore.  It was full of rust.

It rained again today.  That means that the grass that has been nicely turning brown and dying is going to grow again. DAMN!

Ever watch a cat that insists on going into a room you're telling her not to and then halfway across the wet carpet she gives you a dirty look. Stupid B.

I didn't know that the windows in your fireplace doors will blow out after they get old.  Was burning some wood and one of the windows shattered.  I'm glad I was around.  Checked into it and was told when they get old they start breaking.

What is it with all the celebrities getting cheap plea deals.  That bastard with the dogs needs to go away a long time.  Better yet, should be tossed into a den of dogs that people like him have been starving to make mad.  It's sad that there are so many fanatics over these athletes that they are willing to close their eyes and keep their mouth shut as long as they perform for them.  People are always making excuses for these thugs.

Want to bet that referee in the basketball thing is going to be suppressed from revealing the names of all the others that have been pulling the same stunt?

I remember when they prosecuted the last madam, they kept her "list" from being exposed.  The same people that where hanging her where probably on that list also. Too many famous people on the list... that couldn't possibly be doing something bad....  or would wall street have come to a halt??  hahahaha.

I'm watching a rerun of  Malcolm in the Middle.  It cracks me up.  Not as good as married with Children though.  :) (Before Peggy got pregers,)

You all take care.  there are a few sets of the building of the Afghani-Iraqi Freedom Memorial you haven't seen. Today is from Day 51, just a few pics.  I drove down to Salem everyday, except when heading to a funeral to help with this project.  If your city/state has a memorial for Iraq/Afghanistan or operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom, please tell me about it and send me a link if there is one.

Take care!!  Ask your friends to get on my list.  My goal is 100,000 by December.

If you're in the NW and need pics, I need to make some dough.  www.letMeShootYou.com .  Winter is coming soon.

Q  Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Day 51

08/22/07

Good Evening!

It's almost midnight here on the west coast... hell at this rate, it may be by the time I post this.

I've been working on more emails, just not at the rate I'd like to get them done. 

Tried to pick up a waitress, figured after seeing my face a couple years now she wouldn't be scared anymore.. well, I tried.

Got the news that we lost 5 soldiers out of Ft Lewis Washington, 4 where on the helicopter. Don't have names for them yet.

This afternoon I was contacted by someone that served in Iraq with with someone that got killed there in 2006 but wasn't on my list.

I just spent the last hour doing some research and adding this hero.  His name is Sergeant First Class Gregory J Bailey. He served honorably in Iraq and returned to his home in California and resumed his job as a CHP (California Highway Patrol) Officer.

HE GOT KILLED BY SOME DRUNK BASTARD WHILE DOING A TRAFFIC STOP!!!

He wasn't on my list because I didn't know about it.  Once you're back home, there are no DoD releases to tell me.  So, I would like to remind all (1st time for some of you) that if you hear (know) of, locally of someone that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, that dies, gets killed etc. after returning home, please let me know.

I know it's over 1.5 years ago that this happened, but please take a moment to remember this hero along with all the others.

We must not forget.  Take care!  Q   SFC Gregory J Bailey R.I.P.

08/23/07

Hi Y'all!!

I'm slowly making progress, less than 350 emails to go (You have to account that each day there are new ones that come in).

I think my web hosting service has been chocking a lot the last few days because the daily average has dropped over 1000 visitors a day.  Guess I need to find a bester hosting company.  One that also doesn't have problems with a bunch of spammers using their service.

A friend pointed me to a site called siteuptime.com and I'll use their free service for a while to monitor the up time of my site.  It does not require me to add code to my site.

I hope you all have a great day!!  Q    Peony Walks in Brooks OR Part II

08/24/07

Greetings Everyone!

It's Friday for many of you, and based on my computer generated clock, it's Friday here also. Now what?

Last night I went out and took the risk of going to downtown Portland to the Ash Street saloon and watch Ruby Red perform.  I was luck to find a parking spot only 2 blocks away and close enough to a main street that it didn't get vandalized.

I took along a friend, and as he was getting out, there was already a smelly drunken bum hanging over the door wanting a quarter.  Perhaps to pay the parking meter huh?

Most of downtown no longer has parking meters, you now have to walk a block and find a working machine that will issue you a slip to tape inside your window.  It's real convenient during the rain seasons here, you get washed up between that thing and your car.

I did take a few snapshots and posted them of the group.  I only used a pop-up flash.  Left cards on all the tables and Ruby, in the middle of her performance, encourage people to take one and check out the site etc.

After I got done downtown, I received a call to do a drive. I'm going to do some night time on call driving for a while to try ands make some money.  I'm used to burning the candle on both ends.

I hope tonight though to get enough rest to travel to Rainier Washington in the morning.  There is a dedication and a parade for one of our fallen heroes happening there.  I'll try and snap a few pics and also hand out my cards along the parade group.

If you're going out there, and want to hand out cards for me, please let me know or see me when I get there.  I'm easy to spot,  I always look out of place hahahaha.

I've started the tedious task of moving my website IraqWarheroes.org to another hosting company. I will try them.  They have a 30 day money back guarantee.  Of course we all know, things don't go wrong till day 31. :)  I am keeping the other service as a backup right now and it's also hosting dozens of other websites and tribute sites of mine.

I did get a few more emails done today; still 381 to go.  New ones arrive every day.  I'm trying to focus on the ones from July.  I can't believe how much work this gets to be.  Sometimes all I can do is look at it and say WT*.  I need energy but am too tired for it.

I've added almost 20 names this morning which included those from the helicopter crash.  Maybe that's what's sucking out my energy. Well, some of it I guess.  

Each name gets typed by me at least 3 times before it's posted online.  It's not the typing, but the first time it's just a persons name, the second time it's the name of a hero that gave their all for us, and by the third time, it's now a son, friend, father, daughter, sister...etc. . Someone of value to many but unfortunately to too few.  Guess that gives me energy to keep it going,  To try and get more people to notice this hero and value him or her.

This weekend I would like everyone to find a military woman or man, and tell them THANK YOU!!  They are all over the place, including myspace.  And if you have a kid, spouse, parent or friend currently serving, wherever, let them know you care.  Hell everyone should do that.  You never know when you or one of them kicks da bucket. 

On the bright side, they found that bastard that killed the little girl guilty and sentenced him to death.  I hope they waste no time doing it. Matter of fact, instead of a tree in Times Square, I'd like to see him light up the city for a brief second or two. Fry you bastard!!!

Hey, I hope you all have a great weekend!!!  Q   Ruby Red

08/25/07

Good Morning!!

It's a little after the rooster hasn't even been born yet 0300.  That was a quick night.

Remind me to yell at a friend later this morning for accidentally calling me right after dozing off after 2 other calls in the night.

My next memorial service mission will be in California, in the area of South bay, Santa Clara and Los Altos (Shouldn't that be Lost Altoids?) as soon as next Friday.  Don't have more details yet.  If you're in that area and know a real cheap place to crash, let me know.

I still need total confirmation, since that is a very long trip. 

Hey, when I talk about all those emails, It's NOT the messages I get here on MySpace. .  I noticed people get that confused.

The emails I'm referring to come to me from family and friends of fallen heroes sending me photographs, links, stories etc. that I manually ad to that hero's tribute page at IraqWarHeroes.org and other tribute sites I have.  Sometimes 1 email contains 1 photo, that email takes 5 to 10 minutes.  Sometimes they contain 20 photos, or multiple.  Sometimes they come in on a CD containing as many as 534 (I think that's the most for 1 at one time) photos.

I can't avoid having to look at the photos and make it even more personal and I have to stop and read the notes that I'm transferring...and... and...  you should get the picture.... It ain't easy!

OK... I need to head out and suck down some java and will be heading to Hawks Prairie off exit 111 in Washington near Olympia for more coffee before heading to rainier.

I reply to 99.8% of the messages received here.  This place is a distraction for me for smiles etc. Take care!  Q

07/27/07

Mission Update - Los Altos California

My next mission will be August 31st 2007 in Los Altos California for one of our fallen heroes.
I expect my drive time to be between 12 and 14 hours each way.
If anyone know of any cheap places to rest in that area, please let me know.
I also have a mission pending for Washington, but no dates yet.
Take Care!!
Ohhhh...  I was at a Jiffy Lube recently for an oil change and one of the filters they pulled out is called a cabin filter and yes it looked a little brown.  I asked how much and was told $49.99.  I think they wanted $29.99 for the engine air filter and didn't ask about the PVC thing.  No thanks!!  Preparing for this long trip I stopped at AutoZone out here and purchased all 3 items they suggested I should replace for a total of $26.37.  The cabin filter was $11.99 made by Bosch and I know that's a good brand.  So, how do they justify the other $38 for the cabin filter?  labor?  they Already removed my filter and will have to stick it back in.
Just a consummer tip.  :)    Now as soon as the car cools, I'll figure out how to put that stuff in.

----------------------------------------------

Salem Walk Part I Photos by Q Madp

Good Morning!!

They have arrested one of the arsonists that set fire in Greece.  It is depressing to see all that damage caused by these terrorists.  Yes, to me they are terrorists.  I was stationed in Greece for a while.  I still have hundreds of strips of negatives shot there that I haven't had the time to scan in not the proper equipment.  I remember photographing those all red flag demonstrations during the visit of my Defense Minister Casper Weinberger.  It was a peaceful crowd though, around 19,000.  Anyhow, those are all old stories. Well, that incident was around the mid 80's.  The ones during late 70's are much better but often much more grusome.

On Saturday morning I headed to Rainier Washington for the Veterans Memorial Park Dedication in honor of our hero Sgt Justin Norton who gave his all in Baghdad Iraq on June 24, 2006.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/nortonj.htm .

After downing some coffee and water at Tik Tok, I got on I-5 in the mid of dark and near mile marker 10 I was quickly approaching a big black wall and realized it was a truck hauling a container trailer with no lights in the rear. Just a couple of real small reflectors, which appear further away than what they are.  I tried to get the drivers attention by flashing at him, getting in front of him and signaling him. He did have headlights.  At about mile marker 13 I called 911 to report a dangerous vehicle, and while on the phone, I spotted the weight station sign and I told the person on the phone about it and she called ahead to the weight station and I stayed on the line while making sure he took that exit.  Which he did.  And I followed and let the driver know.  As I was leaving, a cop there went to the rear holding a flashlight... the blinkers worked... but no tail lights.   I think especially trucks like that, there should be a lot more reflective stuff in case of electrical failures.  Perhaps even on those containers they haul.

The rest of the ride to exit 111 went pretty smoothly.  I met up with a friend (he was late) at Hawks Prairie who showed up with his new girlfriend.  He looked like he was sniffing fresh grass in spring time.  He purchased some of my post cards, which was nice..

I then headed to Rainier.  Ate a couple of pancakes at the High School, they where having a football fund raiser. 

The parade route was a short but crowd packed couple of blocks and the dedication ceremony went well.  Now, if they could teach the Navy to raise the Navy flag smoothly....  Each military unit flag was raised by someone from that military branch and another person.  I think they gave credit to the Marine for fastest but I actually know that the 2 members of the patriot Guard Riders, raising the POW/MIA flag where the fastest.  I haven't looked at the digital time stamps yet from the photos.  It will be a while before I get to them.

Family of Sgt Norton where there and handed me an envelope which also included a patch with Justiin on it.  I need to find someone that can sow patches onto leather.  There was also a Thank You card, and one of the lines read; "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  The photos you took at our son's funeral are priceless and very much treasured.  We appreciate all that you did and continue to do."

I wasn't around anyone when I got to opening the envelope, which was probably a good thing.  It also included a donation to help me on my project.  Totally unexpected but very appreciated.

I took a different route back so I can make a stop at Galloping Gerties Restaurant at Exit 122, the one with the Billboard.  While there I called a myspace friend and she came by for for a little while before I got on the freeway and headed south.  I gave her a hug and told her to take care of herself.  (I KNOW YOU'RE NOT).  Please!

I got more emails done yesterday and moving my IraqWarHeroes.org website to the new hosting company went fairly smoothly.  I received a couple emails from people who couldn't reach me via the site.  I always appreciate when people let me know that a page is down, or other things that are wrong or missing.

Well, this thing is getting long, and it's time to grab my notebook computer and go have coffee.  I did manage to make it to 9,000 friends and have the screen shot.  Tom's people have been busy cleaning out closed profiles and of course, every now and then my blog will have an opinion of mine where some say, "OMG, how can I quickly delete this guy..."  hahaha..  or something like that.  I'm not a politician, I have more than 3 subjects running through my mind at all times.  I admit, sometimes a one-track mind... depending how cute she is.

I hope you all have a great week!!  Please remember our heroes and send a thank you to our troops.

My days have been getting shorter lately but will try to get as much done as possible.  Am I in your top 8?  Thank You For Helping To Spread The Word!  Got my banner on your page?  An Extra Thank You For reminding People Not To Forget Our Heroes!!

Be Good To Yourself!!  Tease your pets (or kids)  and eat that ice cream cone all by yourself!! Q  Salem Walk Part I

08/29/07

Good Morning!!

I now have just under 200 emails left to get done.  Will try to accomplish that today.

Tomorrow morning I'll be heading south to Alameda California (12 to 13 hour drive), where I found a real cheap place to stay over night.  Then in the morning head the rest of the way to Los Altos California (1 to 2 hour drive) for the funeral of Sgt Tallman after which I'll head north again and towards Coos bay Oregon(e) where I hope to find a cheap place to stay or sleep in my car again and will be attending the memorial services for SFC Alizalde.

It'll be easier to just stay put rather than spend another 8 hours on the road.  So, I'll be on the road for at least 3 days, depending how well I can push myself.

I'm also trying to get ready for winter.  I scraped some real loose paint of some part in front of the house and on one side where the wood is pretty rotten now and put some fresh paint across it.  I hope that will help for a while.  At least it looks better for now at eye level. :)

Another 30 minutes and I'll head out for coffee where I can watch the latest national news.  I pick up Ch12 locally over the air but the only 10% that is news, is repeated constantly.

It's Wednesday!!  happy Hump Day to some of you.  Think about me while I'm humping potholes.

Hey, did you noticed how many people dropped off my friends list here after my little bulletin.  Either they are all Vick fans, and don't care that he abuses animals cause it's a cultural thing, or my tone of disgust with people that abuse animals or Tom was doing more cleaning, removing dead accounts.  :)

No, I didn't get pics of the lunar eclipse.  Couldn't find anyone to go with me. I was too tired to drive far enough to get away from the city lights for some good shots.  Next one is in February I believe.

It's suppose to get around 92F today.  Why can't it just stay between 73-76 and sunny with a few marshmallows in the sky and only rain between 0330 and 0436 ? 

I hope you all have a good one!!  Back up your stuff!!!  I'm contemplating on trying a company that does online backing up, called carbonite.com.  I'll try it when I can afford the $50 yearly price.  I would use them to back up stuff that needs to be backed up, but not stuff that contains personal critical information.  Even though they encrypt everything , someone always has the key other than yourself. But for my web project may be good idea..

Anyhow....  Please remember our heroes!  Support Our Troops!!!!  Q  Salem Walk Part III

08/30/07

I'll be pushing the metal in a few.
I'll be stopping off in Salem, just of Market St exit (Home something) for coffee.
Eugene for junk food.
Ashland for coffee.
Alameda CA to rest.
Friday August 31st, 2007
Los Altos California, Funeral
Coos Bay Oregon (Find a safe rest area)
Saturday September 1, 2007
North Bend, OR,  Funeral
Gresham OR
I did get down to about 30 emails last night.  Shipped off CD's of photos to parents of one of our fallen heroes.
Hope you all have a good weekend!!  Q  www.IraqWarHeroes.org

08/31/07

Update 08/31/07 1536 California Time

I'm sitting at the Flying J in Lodi CA just south of Sacramento being pestered by %^%$^& flies.  It took me over 2 hours to do about 25 Miles.  They have CNN cranked up here and what I'm seeing is T'ng me off.   %% Flies!

The funeral went ok. Only 3 PGR members made it.  Nevertheless, I was happy to see the flags waving in this heat.

Some woman from the media made people mad.  One of the friends of the family aproached me to tell that woman to get a real camera so she doesn't interupt everything.  I told here I didn't know here and she's not with me. She said, "I know she's with the press."

Last night in Alameda was long and hot... not the kind of hot I always hope for, my own sweat kept waking me.  My host told me that I had picked their hotest day of the year to be there.  I was out of there by 0515 hoping to beat the traffic.  Bay bridge had to be avoided also, it was closed.

After I got to Los Altos near the cemetery, couldn't find a plac to plug in and chill.

I'm watching this big clock on the wall here, it didn't move for a long time and all of a sudden it did...  must get on the road again.  Want to get out of this area before it gets dark.

Going to scan some messages here and get going...

Next destination North Bend OR and earlier I got news that another NW hero got killed.  $$%

I hope you all have a good weekend!!  Q

09/02/07

Good Morning!!

At almost midnight, I made it home last night after completing 1683 Miles driving.  Took over 2 hours to drive 25 miles around Sacramento.  Accident after accident. AND IT WAS HOT!! (Thanks for gas Peggy, I know a lot got wasted in that stretch of road.) I'm glad the A/C works in the car.  I feel pooped.  Have no time though, will try and relax a little today while backing my film and charging my batteries.

Tomorrow I have an escort mission for one of our heroes and a memorial service on Wednesday.  This one was literally close to home.  It's not too far away in Washington and this hero's parents probably know me. (I have probably met them before).  They are both riders with the Patriot Guard Riders.  I got all of this while on the road.

A couple of hours into my trip heading south on Thursday, I started to receive phone calls telling me that my sites have been hacked by some extremist Islam group.  I am not kidding, a total of 19 of my sites, when you went to them would pop up with a weird page and address.  I have not seen this and hope someone saved me a copy of the page.  I'm glad that I had already moved IraqWarHeroes.org to a new web hosting company.  Apparently the hackers attacked the servers port 80 and 88(?) causing all page requests to be rerouted to a web site with the word Islam in the address.

That specific problem has been solved, but this morning I noticed that all those sites are down.  I know they where down yesterday again because people call me and tell me.  Other people using that hosting company where also affected.

So, I need to get all my other sites moved.  This is all a real pain in the ***.   I also have a few clients that are unhappy.  Need to move them someplace new.  I had a few attacks last year, but they only crippled me for a few hours.  Life goes on.

Maybe it's just a coincidence they keep attacking whatever company I pay to host my sites.

OK... there is some GOOD news.... I received some camera gear I wanted. I will get more into that later.  Still need a fast lens or two.

I just got a call, need to wrap this up and run.  Hope your new weeks starts of well.  Mine is... well, gone already..

Q  Japanese Garden Stroll Part II

09/03/07

Good Morning!!

As most of you celebrate Labor Day, I'll be heading out to escort another of our KIA's home today.  Services will be on Wednesday in the Vancouver & Portland area.  If you can, please attend.

I'm always looking for help to keep this project going.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm . (I've updated that page)

It dawned on me yesterday in a parking lot that it's a shame on how easily I can find my car.  I first thought it was cool, I just look for a car with a USA flag sticking up high but as I looked over a lot with many many many cars, I realized what a shame it was that mine was the only one with a USA Flag. (You know, the Stars & Stripes, The Red, White & Blue one).  I saw many other flags.  I don't know what country has a beaver or a duck on their flags.  It's also a shame that I have not found a single company in this country that makes car flags that will last me more than a couple of trips.  I can't drive parade speed all over the place. Geez!!! 

Instead of relaxing yesterday after the long trip conclusion, I worked to get photos done from another mission and I'm uploading them now as I write this.

Pvt Michael Baloga was killed in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, by an improvised explosive device set by cowards.

The 1st Calv did a nice little write-up which you will see on his page.

Pass this around and help others remember Michael.  We must remember all our Heroes!!!

Mission Report:

09/14/07  Start Time: 0300  End Time: 1900  Total Away Time: 16 Hours   Total Miles Traveled: 446

First Frame Shot at: 0634  Last Frame Shot at: 1543

At home photo work time: 8.9 Hrs.  Total pics for family: 485   Total posted for public: 77 Pvt Michael A Baloga R.I.P.

09/04/07

Greetings All!

Yesterday's escort mission went pretty well. 92 Civilian Bikes, 8 Leo Bikes and 7 cages.

All went well except the folks blocking traffic at the airport forgot about the cages.  So, no long escort shots from me. I was way behind and you have to understand the mentality of people going and coming from the airport... how dare they drop a car behind to let someone in.

I am so tired today and my head has been killing me again.  I did managed to mail of 3 sets of CD's for past missions and just finished another set.  Tomorrow I have another mission.

I just posted some photos I shot at the Maj Young's mission on July 5th, 2007.  This set has an American (USA) theme.

For all of you surrounded by other flags... this set will remind you what the greatest flag looks like.

I hope you all have a good week!!

Q  Big Flag in Saint Helens

09/04/07

Hello Every One!!

Yes, a second posting today.  I just got done posting photos for an escort mission from April 2007. I realized I had done the pics and not done the postings of the ones I took.

It was one nasty grey and wet day, but the turnout was good.

I'm still having lots of hosting issues and am slowly trying to migrate sites to a different service.  I know a lot of mail is bouncing back so I'm using a gmail address on my IraqWarHeroes.org site.

My head has settled down again but the temp is too high.  I'm glad I don't have to go too far tomorrow.

--

I did not put together a mission report.

Pfc Brett Walton was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.

Brett will not be forgotten here!!!  I covered his escort but unfortunately was already committed to another funeral for another hero when the date for his came up.  I do the best I can.

Please remember him and all others that have served our country proudly. Pfc Brett A Walton RIP

09/06/07 

Hi All!!

It's Thursday out here on the west coast. I just completed posting photos from the Aug 31 Los Altos CA mission.  I was told I picked the hottest day of the year to be down there.  well what can I say.  I'll be working on the North bend OR from Sept 1 next.  Then the Vancouver mission from Sept 3rd and then the mission from the 5th.

Yesterday's mission went pretty good. Had 60+ bikes and several cages show up to pay honors.  My next mission will be on the coast again this Saturday in Lincoln City.

Big thanks to Peggy and Hugh in helping me get better camera gear.  I even bought a book to help me learn how to take better pics.  I'm not a pro you know.  My next goal is some faster lenses for indoor shooting. Thanks also to the couple of people that made a coffee and PayPal drop. It made that long trip a little easier.

Los Altos was a long long trip.  Every time I stepped out of the car, I thought I was in some giants oven, and perhaps I was being baked.

I'm glad that I listed to my gut and made that trip.  Not many people attended.  Only 3 PGR members. (I did find out there was a second funeral in the bay area at same time.). No dignitaries from the state of California.  Mostly just family and some friends.

I personally feel that at least a good portion of the local community should show up.  Using the excuse that they don't know the person that gave his all for their freedom just doesn't do it for me.  Maybe I'm too hard huh? Maybe I expect too much from busy Americans that would rather stand in line at a coffee shop.

It's always easy to assume that "Someone will be there" or "Someone else will help", "I'm sure he has lots of friends that will attend." !!

SIGH  maybe I'm just a bit more depressed today. 5 missions back to back hasn't left much time to release.  I'll get over it, cause I need to.

I'm still having site issues and don't know what to do about at the moment.

Sgt Matthew Tallman was 1 of 14 heroes killed in Multaka, Iraq, when their helicopter crashed.  Only 30 years old.  Please help remember him and all the other heroes.

Mission Report

Start: 08/30/07 0500  Stop: 09/01/07 0500  Total Away Time: 48 Hours  Total Miles Traveled: 1413

08/31/07 First Frame:  0904  Last Frame: 1217

Total at home pic work time: 6.2 Hours.  Total pics for Family: 377.  Total posted for public: 102 Sgt Matthew Tallman R.I.P.

09/07/07 

Top of the mornin' to u all!

It's Friday out here on the west coast.  I'm going to meet another myfriend person for the first time for coffee.

I'm keeping this bulletin/blog a little light today, perhaps make you chuckle a bit.

I haven't talked about my pussies in a long while and have posted some new pics.

My black one (Jole') likes to get high!!  I'm not talking about climbing on the tallest things in the house (The gray one does that), no, she likes to sniff and I'm glad I keep spray cans out of her reach.

She likes to sniff and lick plastic, glue, like when I got some of those sticky stings to keep the cats from scratching up something, she puts her nose on it, sniffs, pulls her nose of the sticky and makes a weird sneezing sound.

.I'm thinking her mom was probably a crack addict or something. HAHAHA!

Anyhow, her favorite time is laundry time. But not any laundry time, only every few weeks when I do a bleach load.  I would catch her on top of the washer going nuts and I'm not even using a lot of bleach.  Cut way back from the first time I saw this.

The other day I tried to catch some of this but my camera was a distraction.  She's also attracted to pointed lights. Next time I'll try using a remote trigger and tripod to see if I can catch more of it.

I hope you all have a great weekend!!!  Remember, if you missed my bulletin, it's probably repeated in my blog here.

Thank you to all the women and men serving in our military proudly!!  Keep up the great job!! Q Laundry High 

09/08/07 

Good Morning!!

I'll be heading out in a few for a mission in Tillamook and Lincoln City Oregon.

I have finished the photos for September 1st mission in North Bend & Coos Bay Oregon for Sgt 1st Class Elizalde.

It took till about 0200 to move IraqWarHeroes.org files yet again.  The new service I tried suxs and I hope they give me a refund. I hope to get all the others fixed sometimes this weekend. So, I still have a lot of mail heading to some black hole out there.

I have a lot of domain renewals coming up this month.

I hope to get the photos for Sgt Howard's mission done by Monday night.  We'll see how long today will take.

I hope you all have a good weekend!!

SFC Adriona M Elizalde was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, by an improvised explosive device.  IED's, the preferred weapon of indiscriminate killings by cowards.

Please help remember Adrian and all our other heroes!!!

Mission Report

09/01/07 Start Time: 0500  End Time: 2130  Total away time: 16.5 Hours.  Total miles traveled: 276

First Frame: 1147  Last Frame: 1900

At home working pics time: 11.2 hours.  Total pics for family: 629  Total posted for public: 115 SFC Adrian M Elizalde R.I.P.

09/09/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

I made it home late last night from yesterday's mission that took me to Tillamook OR, then Lincoln City, then north on 101.

At a Star Bucks stop along the way, I met another member from my friend's list here.  Well, lets say she met me.  She recognized me.

After she approached me and asked if I was Q, my brain did this British Face ID recognition and placement thing and it kept coming up blank.

I just looked at the comment she left, it was in Warrenton. (I didn't really know where I was at that time.)  It was nice meeting you Susan!!

Today I'm working on pics for last Monday's mission.  I'm hoping to get them done by midnight.  I'm still have some server issues.

In today's fish wrapper, the Oregonian, Margie Boule' did a nice write up about the Patriot Guard Riders.  Go read it.  If you've never been to the Oregon's website, it may ask for zip code and birth year.  I always enter 1904 for the year.  If you like the article, send her an email and tell her so. Her email address is at the bottom of the article, which online is 3 pages.  And if you tell her I send you there, that's OK too.

Anyone in the media that does something positive for our troops and those that support our troops should be praised.  There are so few of them. (In my opinion).

Hope you all have a great week!!  Q

Article Title: LIFE  by Margie Boule'

www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf?/base/living/118894472547040.xml&co

09/10/07 

Good Morning!

It's Monday, September 10, 2007 out here on the west coast of the United States of America!  I like to remind some of you once in a while where we are, cause I know some of you walk out of your homes and don't know where you are anymore.

Do you remember where you where on September 11, 2001 ?  That anniversary is coming up tomorrow.  More from me tomorrow on that.

It's going to get hot out here today, 94F+.  Only 12 more hours before it's evening again.  (sigh)

Last night I posted 2 sets of photos.  Well let's put it this way, The death of Sgt Bryce Howard hit very close to home.  No, I did not know Bryce (I don't think so) but I do know his dad Dean, who I have met many times as he rides with the Patriot Guard Riders.  I only know him to be a nice guy and a veteran..

I followed the usual protocol, I had called the CAO (Casualty Assistant Officer) who didn't know me and relayed to me that he will pass the message along but doesn't think they would be wanting any photos at all.  You see, I didn't recognize Dean's name, I know a lot of faces, but names... Anyhow, I told the CAO that since they are members of the PGR, they probably know who I am.  He called back a few minutes later and told me I had an all clear and then he said, "Thank you for what you do Sir."  That was nice, I think they told him who I am.

I'm starting to ramble....  Anyhow, since the father is with the PGR and attended as both father and PGR, I had him in a lot of the staging pics etc.  So I called him to see how he feels about me including him in the public pics.  He told me that I could use any pics.  I don't intend to use just any, I'm still keeping most of the family pics private for them, but you will see pics of the father, veteran and PGR member.

I posted 2 sets of pics so far, (From Sept 3) the first set is titles, Some of the Face That Care and the other Patriot Guard Riders Welcome Home Sgt Howard.  

I will be posting a mission report when I'm done with the memorial service from Sept 5.

I didn't get to capture all the individual faces that came out to welcome home Sgt Howard and escort him, so it's titled Some of the Faces That Care!

Sorry, didn't get pics of the escort on the road.  Due to a screw up, all the vehicles behind the bikes where not let out by the people blocking the airport traffic.  As you'll see in one of the shots, nothing but other cars blocking me on the freeway.   I was really T'd off.  But I can only do what I can. Some of the Faces That Care

09/11/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

September 11, 2001 is a strong reminder that there are many evil people that hate us.  We must not forget that!!!

There are some new pics of me in my profile album here.  I'll be adding some other pics soon again.

It was another warm day, something I didn't need since I'm already malfunctioning again but I stuck with it and got the last of the Sgt Howard mission pics done.  My deadline was midnight last night, but I had to spend some time on the freeway. I posted 2 more sets of pics.

I have another mission pending again in the NW (Probably the 20th).  I started to plan a Texas mission until I realized it was on the far side.  Maybe someone working for an airline can get me some tickets eh?  That will be the day. I will try and get the latest mission (Tillamook/Lincoln City) photos done next.  I'm still having web issues.  I need some paying gigs, anyone out there???

Hope you all have a good evening!  Please support our troops!!!

Q

Mission Report

09/03/07 Start: 0930  Stop: 1530  Away Time: 6 Hours   Miles Traveled: 23

First Frame: 1004  Last Frame: 1514

09/05/07  Start: 0830  Stop: 1630  Away Time: 8 Hours   Miles Traveled: 41

First Frame:  1043  Last Frame: 1618

Total Away Time: 14 Hours ,  Total Miles Traveled: 64

At home working on photos: 26.5 Hours  Total photos for family: 1597  Total posted for public: 424

Sgt Bryce D Howard was Killed in Jaji, Afghanistan, by an improvised explosive device. Please remember him and all our other heroes.

At ease Sgt Howard!!!  You have served your country honorably!!  I thank you and I will not forget you and the sacrifice you have made for your country.  Thank you Bryce!!  Sgt Bryce D Howard R.I.P.

09/13/07 

Good Afternoon/Evening!!

I haven't posted recently.  Been busy trying to get pics done.  This week I've mailed off 6 packages.  The 6th was today for a funeral I shot last January.  They send me a card thanking me for the pics online etc and I think they forgot that I have a bunch of pics for them and got those in the mail, since I now had a mailing address.

I'm currently working on pics for a funeral in Coos Bay recently.  I hope to have them done by midnight Oregon(e) time.  But you never know.  I still have a bunch of postcards I still haven't mailed out yet. (Sigh).  I got another of the emails working and that dumped over 300 emails into my box.

This Saturday I'll be going to Gladstone OR for a POW/MIA ceremony and dedication and then to Vancouver WA for a similar ceremony. I've been given permission at the Gladstone ceremony to hang my banner.  Many people forget that we have in Iraq at least one POW/MIA.  SSgt Keith Maupin who has been a prisoner since 04/09/04 is one of them.  We still have many MIA's and POW's from past wars.

On Monday (17th) I hope to be in Redding California for a funeral then turn around and another funeral in the Damascus OR area on Tuesday (20th).

Anyhow, I have so much to get done that I can't get done but will keep trying.

I hope you all have a good weekend, and take a look around, there may be a POW/MIA ceremony in your area this Saturday.  Please participate if you can.  Hey, I said please....

Take care!

Q

09/14/07 

Good Morning!!

For many of you it's Friday and another weekend is approaching quickly.

Gen Hilby served in the Navy. Gene is a Vietnam War Veteran. Gene rode with the Patriot Guard Riders and stood tall for our heroes.

On Saturday, September 8, 2007, many of us stood tall for him.

Gene died of a heart attack while driving a dump truck.  Gene was 60 years old and will be missed by many.Navy, PGR, Steve Hilby R.I.P.

09/15/07 

Good Morning!!

School has started in many areas of this country again which means big yellow sardine cans all over the place spilling their goods.  So, watch your driving! 

It's also a good time to get a current snapshot of your critter.  1. Their looks change rapidly. 2. So you can remember when they where cute. 3. In case they get lost.

While you're at it, check your flashlight batteries, smoke detectors and back up your hard drive.  Check your 3 fire extinguisher also that you should have.  (Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom...  OOOOps... I meant Garage)

You see the ads on television... DOES YOUR FAMILY HAVE A PLAN? Well, do you?  If you're scratching your head, you need to get with it.

Please remember Pvt Byron Fouty from Michigan, Spc Alex Jimenez from Massachusetts, and SSgt Keith Maupin of Ohio.

I hope you all have a good weekend!!!  Please thank a veteran!!!

09/16/07 

Greetings All!!

Every now and then I'll get a message here from someone deleting me from their list because my postings are too depressing and they don't want to be reminded.

Hell, I can't deny that.  I think what I do is depressing 98% of the time but I also believe that it helps a lot of people and I also strongly believe that we can't forget our heroes.

Just don't read all of my bulletins.

We should always remember our POW's (Prisoners of War) and our MIA's (Missing in Action) and today was a special day to remind us.

I met a few today that where prisoners many many years ago from WWII.  There are many still unaccounted for and every once in a while, in the back pages of the newspaper you may see a report that another has been found and returned home.  It should be front page news, but you know how those USA hating papers are.

Anyhow, at Latus Motors Harley Davidson in Gladstone OR along I-205 they raised the largest known POW/MIA flag today.

It's a 50 footer and several veterans  in a line carried it to the flag pole on their shoulders assisted by 3 POW's from WWII.

I have posted a few pics of the flag raising and also added a few shots from the POW/MIA ceremony in Vancouver WA.  Yes, I attended both.  barely made it to the Vancouver one but got there just before it started.

This is a beautiful, strong, powerful and very emotional flag and I hope someday, every flag pole will fly a POW/MIA flag along with the USA (Stars & Stripes, Red, White and Blue) Flag.

Sorry, I like to remind people of which is our flag. Too many times I go to some places and I see mostly other flags.  that's another rant though.

The photos posted are 640x480.  If there is a pic or two that you would like a larger copy of, send me an email and request it.  Don't know when I'll get to it (573 emails behind currently) but it will happen.  My email address can be found at www.IraqWarHeroes.org .

Sunday night I'll be driving south to California again for a Monday morning memorial service.  If you're along  that stretch and want to feed me......

You all take care, I hope you can see in these photos somewhat of what I felt today.  Q POW/MIA - Not Forgotten!! 

09/17/07 

Good Morning!!

It's just a few minutes after midnight, not a mouse is stirring... just the cops and robbers, the night workers, boozers and of course, me.

I'll be heading south in about an hour and may even have a passenger that wants to come along and stand in the flag line down there in Redding California.  I hope it doesn't rain.  It rained here yesterday.

I hope you all have a great new week!!!  Please keep in mind our women and men in the battle zones and all other hot spots.

09/20/07 

Good Morning Everyone!!

No, things are not slower here, just been busy preparing for winter.  Monday I had a mission in Redding California and today I have one in Damascus Oregon(e).

Yesterday I spent time working on my fireplace.  I removed the frame thing with the glass that blew out and took it out and found a cheap screen to stand in front of the opening.

Last night the temps already dropped into the low 40's and right now it's 48.  I think that's why my black cat has been so cuddly.  Damn B trying to use me as a heat source.

I'm now in the process of clearing the gas furnace area more so I can see if I can take it apart.  It's over 30 years old and I think the blower unit is retired.  Last time I fired it up, it got real hot and the fan didn't kick on.  I mean, it got real hot.  There should be a safety thing to turn off the flames if the blower don't come on.

It's almost 0630, I need to get ready and get out of here.  Thank you everyone serving this country of ours!!!

I bid you all a great day and weekend ahead.

09/22/07

I'll be around Eugene Oregon(e) today at a river cleanup. I need a change of scenery.
I have 2 more missions pending this coming week. I should have pics for the Redding CA mission posted by midnight tonight.
Wishing You A Great Weekend

09/23/07 

Good Afternoon!!

Yesterday I spend some time with a group of people doing some river bank cleanup.  It rained a little on my way to Eugene but then cleared up to be a comfortable day.

Today I spend some time at the Armory and while there I received a phone call from someone wondering why I was not in Prosser Washington. I then spend most of the day finishing up the pics for the Mt. Shasta mission for Cpl Woods.

Tuesday morning I'll be heading to the Yakima area photographing the flag line and probably joining it to pay honors to another of our heroes.

I hope your weekend went well.

Q

Cpl Travis M Woods was killed while conducting combat operations in Northern Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was a young man of 21 with 3rd Battalion, 1stMarine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force Camp Pendleton, California.

Travis will not be forgotten here!!!!

Mission Report:

Start: 09/17/07 0100  End: 09/17/07: 2030  Total Away Time: 19Hrs 20Min.  Total miles traveled: 781

First frame: 0902  Last frame: 1258

At home working on pics:  8.9 Hours.  Total pics for family: 526   Total posted for public: 89  Cpl Travis M Woods R.I.P.

09/25/07 

Good Morning!!

All are sleeping except maybe the early risers on the east coast.

This morning I'll be driving to Grandview Washington to honor one of our heroes.  I received an official request yesterday by the family to do what I do.  

I often get messages asking if I'll be going to Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina etc..  I have no means of getting out there.  I barely make it to the ones I get to.  Now, if someone out there has some serious connections with airlines leaving PDX.... hey, if you can get me there and back, I'd be honored to honor our hero in person.

A friend of mines mom's breast cancer came back after 3 years.  That's bad.  I don't know how my cancer is doing, Don't know if that ads to my feebleness, I've not seen a doctor for over 3 or 4 years now.  They don't treat you for free you know.  They make you fill out hardship papers etc etc and then look at you and tell you you don't qualify.  Well, I shouldn't get started on that.   I'm just a Cipher you know.  A tired ole cipher.

Anyhow, I'm going to go find me some coffee at my favorite 24 hour watering hole.  Gather my courage and hit the road wishing it was the last one but knowing that there is another waiting.

You all take care...

Remember to Thank a Veteran... and please support our women and men serving honorably in our military no-matter where they are deployed.

10/01/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

I spend most of last night and today getting the pics done for Capt Jensen's services and just uploaded them.  I've also already mailed CD's to his wife and also to his parents.

On May 7, 2007, Drew was shot in the neck by a sniper in Iraq and on September 7th, 2007 he died in a hospital in Seattle WA.

Capt Drew Jensen will not be forgotten here and I ask that you remember him and all our other heroes.

Mission Report

Start: 09/20/07 0800  Stop: 1700  Total Away Time: 9 Hours,  Total Miles Traveled: 41 Miles.

First Frame: 0830  Last frame: 1614

At home working on pics: 14.5 Hours  Total For Family: 885 Photos.  Total posted for public: 130 Capt Drew N Jensen R.I.P.

10/03/07 

Good Evening Everyone!!

It's hump day and the best I did was drive over 3 speed bumps.  I've been working most of the day to complete photos for Spc Emerson's services in eastern Washington and have just uploaded them.  I was going to mail out the CD's until I realized my latest hosting charges put my checking into the red.  I'll try something else and get them out tomorrow.

There is a commercial playing on TV right now by OldNavy, it's a sweater commercial.  Does anybody know who is singing the song and what the name of it is?  .... Here take my sweater....   Female voice.

Now back to Kitchen Nightmares.  I wish they wouldn't bleep this show.

I'm trying to get caught up with as many pics as possible.  last night I participated in a late escort of a Navy LT from PDX (Portland) to Aloha OR.  Got back around 2230 (1030pm). Was a wet and nasty night.  But mission accomplished.

There are 3 services on Friday but I can only make it to two of them and will be pushing it. There are at least 2 more pending after Friday.

I did not get too many nominations, cause those people in Washington never even bothered to contact me. Well, to be honest, I didn't expect much of it.   Only 6 people told me they submitted a form.

The local news is on now, there is lots of snow coming down already in the mountains.  I know it's been cool outside. Had more hail.  I'm still not ready for winter. Still need to get a new furnace blower for the house and studs for the car.  The studs from the old car won't fit.  I'll try and sell them.

I'm tired.

Q

Spc Emerson died in Ninewah Province, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.  This soldier was only 19 years old.  I don't know what the cause of death was.

At ease Spc Emerson!!!   Matthew, you will not be forgotten here!!!

Mission Report

Start: 09/25/07 0330  Back: 09/26/07 0930  Total Away Time: 30 Hours   Total Miles Traveled: 541 Miles

First Frame: 09/25/07 0737  Last Frame: 1715

Time at home working on the pics: 14.6 Hours.  Photos for family: 875   Photos posted for public: 145 Spc Matthew J Emerson R.I.P.

10/04/07 

Good Afternoon Everyone!!

On September 30th I went with the Patriot Guard Riders and other Patriots to welcome home our hero Cpl Graham McMahon.

It was one of those nasty rainy and somewhat windy days and yet these men and women rode their bikes, drove their cages to bring him home.

I have just posted some photos of this mission.  His funeral will be tomorrow in Corvallis, OR.  If you can, please come and help honor him and show his family that we do care and we will not forget.

As it looks right now, I have missions on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 2 pending.

Hey Karen, THANK YOU!!   Without your help today, I would not have gotten the CD's mailed till who knows when.

Hey Falcon!!   Thank you for flying our hero out here!!!

I hope you all have a good weekend!!  If you can read this, go thank a veteran that fights for your right to read whatever you want, even my stuff.  I'm always looking for help.  www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm  .

Take care!! Q   Welcoming Home Our Hero Cpl. McMahon 

10/10/07 

Good Afternoon!!

Right now I should be in eastern Washington shooting nature and last night I was going to be someplace else also but as things go, everything changes constantly.

I received a very short notice about a soldier coming in to Portland Airport and that he will be escorted to Raymond WA which is about a 2.5 to 3.5 hour drive.  I wanted to go but I really didn't want to and knowing that it was suppose to rain like hell didn't encourage me either.

I knew nothing of this soldier except his rank and name and of course that he was proudly serving our country. (USA).  Those that know me, knew I'd be going.  Got my stuff together and headed for the staging area and drove through a BK drive through for a couple of plain burgers that I could choke down without worrying that their ketchup and stuff ends up on me.

The turnout of Patriot Guard Riders coming to form a flag line was better than expected.  Most of them die-hards that love our troops and do what they can to show their support and honor our fallen.

Only the father seems to be there (as far as family members) and he didn't expect none of this and he was vary happy to see us. (OK, happy doesn't seem like the right word, maybe grateful?)  He was sorry that the mother was not there to see all of this, she would be already in Raymond.  I told him I'd do my best to capture it for her to see later.

At that moment, I knew I was suppose to be here and all my grumbling went away.  It was one of those deep reminders of why I started to do this in the first place 5 years ago.

After the airport, I headed in advance to beat them to Raymond WA, 77 miles on the freeway and 60+ miles on variable speed and sometimes very winding slow roads.  It didn't start to rain till about 28 miles from destination.

After the arrival of the procession, (I think 6 PGR bikes and 4 PGR cars made the whole trip.) and shooting the on goings, I then got to meet the mom.   She was overwhelmed. A few American Patriots made a big difference in this families life on this sad day. And watching each of these Patriots, as the mom hugged them, I knew that they knew, they where suppose to be there.  What can I say, except, I knew I was suppose to be there.

I posted 2 photos in my photo album here under Honoring Our Fallen Heroes which I shot last night and which was a first for me at PDX.  I had to push the photos quite a bit because it was dark.  I hope you like them.   It will be a while before I actually get to the photos, I just looked for these two to share with this posting.

Friday morning I'll be on my way to Nevada and will not make this hero's memorial service because I already have another mission I committed to.

I got home this morning at about 0400 (4am for sleepers). Napped a few hours until my black cat decided I've used her bed long enough.  Damn B!

To see the 2 pics, www.myspace.com/qfocal .  Click on my B/W photo of me, then click on the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes album, then go to the last page.

Take care!!!  we must not forget those that gave their all for our freedom!!!  Please support all of our troops that are serving this nation honorably and proudly!! 

10/11/07 

Good Morning All!

It's Thursday here on the west coast of the United States of America.  

Did you hear on the news today what the New York empire state building will start doing??  Maybe it's all just a coincidence.  

I remember when for over 3 years every day you would hear a certain name on the news, then they took away one letter and out of the blue we hear a new name every day for the last year like it's the name of a hero coming to save us.

Maybe I'm just paranoid, linking stuff together that probably have no meaning caused by the lack of sleep and too much wandering of the mind.  It used to be easier when it was just dames on my mind.

If you don't know what I'm babbling about... just don't worry but do remember, "those that give up a piece of their freedom for protection will have neither".  I think I can credit a honorable Marine for that line but don't know who coined it.

Tomorrow morning I'll be heading to Nevada. Reno area and will probably make a slight detour to visit one of my myspace friends that has been a great supporter of my project.

The other day I handed one of my cards to an EMT.  For those that don't know about my little business cards, they only have 2 lines on them: Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away  and  www.iraqWarHeroes.org  .  He looked at the card and said something like; "I think I've been to this site before, do you know who does it?"; I responded that I'm the one.  He looked at me and then quickly said; "It must have been another site I saw".  You know, I wanted to punch him because it reminded me of the day a year ago when I gave the Washington's governors husband (He goes to many of the funerals, she doesn't unless she can gain from it), he looked at the card all excited and asked how many people are involved in this and I said, It's just me.  He said; "Oh", and turned away to move on.  I thought to myself; "FYT".  Not gonna spell it out.

I just uploaded another news clip to YouTube.  This is from December 18, 2004 when I had completed the 29th service for one of our heroes.  KOIN TV Ch6 in Portland did it after having received my cards a few times during previous missions.  The site looks different now, and has many many more names but my dedication is the same if not stronger. http://youtube.com/watch?v=XTS1pHUnHtw  . If you like this video, pass it on.  You can even add it to your page.  If the link doesn't work, search at youtube.com for Iraq War Heroes in the News KOIN TV.

I hope you all have a great upcoming weekend!!  I'll be spending a lot of it on the highways and byways.  I hope to have a new sticker on my car today.  It should be nice if the sign shop does it right and hopefully gets it done.

Take care!!  Shout Out To All The Gals and Guys in the sandbox!!! 

10/14/07 

Good Morning Everyone!!

It's Sunday morning in Reno, Nevada.  I'm at the Hotel and will be heading west again in another 8 hours or so.  How man 1c machines can you play for a buck??  Quite a few hahahaha.

My souvenirs will be 4 1c vouchers.

I took a small detour yesterday and met my myspace friend Peggy.  I'm hopping to meet one more before I head out.  I had msgd the wrong phone number.  My spell checker doesn't correct numbers.

I'm watching Fox News and they had a doctor on that was talking about males losing their language and forgeting words etc etc., I still think that is migraine caused.  It would really stink that responsible men that don't produce unwanted children will get punished later in life.

This is my theory though...  if certain migraines pinch off a blood vessel for a certain time, the oxygen being cried is not getting to the destination and deprived cells die.

OK, enough medical stuff.  Thank goodness for spell checkers.

Learn To Burn are some pics I shot in 2005.  Read the words at top of the page to explain what's burning and why.

I hope you all have a great day!!!

10/15/07 

Greetings All!!

I returned this morning at 4 from my mission in Nevada.  It was a long, long drive.

On Thursday I received in the mail a matching set of car flags, one POW/MIA and one USA Flag.  I was happy to have both on the car. I paid about $26.65 which included shipping. Normally I buy the USA flag locally for $8 and was hoping this set from flagoncars.com would be a better product.

By the time I reached Reno, the POW/MIA flag was gone. Just an empty white pole and the USA flag already ripping apart at the seam.

I have a few flags from other places also that are worn out, shredded, busted at the seams etc.

Why is there no American company that will make a car flag that will last more than a few days, or in some cases even 1 day?

Is this symbol of America not deserving of better quality or is it just a symbol of selfish profits for the companies making them?  Are these flags even made by Americans in this country?

It crossed my mind that maybe I have to look overseas for a USA flag for my car that is made to last but something is wrong with that picture also.

I complained to the company from where I last purchased flags and here is a response I received a little while ago:

"Thank you for your e-mail. I am sorry to hear about your disappointment in our products. When and if you do find a company that sells better car flags then us. Kindly let me know, so I can buy from them. Once again thank you for your email. 
Kind regards,
Robert"

He doesn't sound very hopeful that there is such a company.  That's very sad.  Hey, any of those flags will probably survive 20 minutes to 3 hours at 1Mph in a parade route, but not on the road.

I like displaying the USA flag on my car but I can't afford 8 bucks every couple of days or even once a week in case I only do slow local driving.

So, if you know of a company in this country, that has pride and makes good USA flags for cars; please send them this posting or tell me who they are.

On the brighter side today.  Courtesy of G&M, i know have a big reflective sticker on my bumper today.  Red reflective letters with a white reflective boarder.  To see what it looks like, you'll find a pic of it in my profile photos. Honoring our Military related album.

Getting just white letters on your rear window Line 1: "Don't let the Memory Of Them Drift Away" and Line 2 "www.IraqWarHeroes.org" is not very expensive.  Send me a photo if you do it.  :)

10/17/07 

Good Morning!!

It's half past 6 and I don't see the sun yet.  Well, considering where I am, I may not see it all day. 

Looks like I'll be in Auburn, and Kent and perhaps even/or Puyallup Washington on Saturday.  I've been cleared for Puyallup for some time but still need to make some calls for Auburn which is a KIA and has priority.

It's cold out here.  Still haven't got my furnace fixed yet but I'm saving electricity by burning my mail instead of shredding it.  :)

I shot a few pics on my Nevada drive and have posted them last night.  It's fall.

Hey, it's a good time to do some back-ups of stuff you like on your computer!!! And if you can, get yourself a huge tarp or two and rope and a few rolls of duct tape (These are not to stick your kids to the wall. Those should be separate rolls.) and flashlight and put someplace accessible in case of a bad storm or rain and your roof or something ends up with a leak.

Later this month is Halloween, then Thanksgiving....  The time of year that's hardest on many families that have someone deployed someplace far far away.  It's also hard on many of those deployed far far away. SO, make it a point to help send out care packages or send stuff to send or donations to groups that do that.  A good source to check out www.americasupportsyou.mil  .  Don't assume that all organizations listed are up and up.  Donate to places that have low overhead expenses.

Of course; if you have change left over,  there is always my project. 100% of anything donated goes to support the project.  I'm always in the red, doing more than I can afford. www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .

I just realized it's Hump Day!!  Have Fun!!  Be safe!!  Friday is near!

Take care!!  It's now after 7.  Time to go remote for a while.

Thank you everyone out there serving!!!

10/18/07 

Greetings Everyone!!

Today's front page of The Oregonian newspaper in my area has me angry and sad. "VANDALS BURNED HIS FLAG" followed by a photo of L/Cpl Dale Peterson, whose funeral I attended on May 5th, 2007.  The next line reads; "A mindless act destroys a father's honored symbol of the son he lost in Iraq"

You can read the story here: www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/119267792596220.xml&coll=7  . (Myspace tends to mess up long web addressees so you may need to copy it into your browser's address line) 

You'll probably get a green screen asking for zip code and birth year.  Just use 97286 for zip and 1904 for year.  Even though Gordon Smith (Politician) says he'll replace the flag, I plan to get together with a few PGR  friends and others and present one also and remind the father, that there are those of us that still care. Don't know when this will happen yet, I made the suggestion this morning.

It's a little after 0830 and I've been sitting at a favorite hangout for coffee and a big screen in front of me tuned to a news channel so I can catch up on some stuff the local over the air stations don't show.  It's been raining most of the night.

This year I did make a quick appearance at the G.E.A.R.S. show and have posted a few photos.

This morning I'll be spending about 3 hours on backups, then most of the day on posting photos being mailed in. Still over 450 emails to go with attachments.

I hope you all have a great day!!

10/20/07 

Mornin' Ya' All!

It's not even 0400 yet but I'm dressed, yawning and ready to go.  I'll be heading north this morning to honor Sgt Joseph B Milledge, 23, who was killed in Baghdad by an IED.

If you can make it out to Auburn or Kent WA, please do.  Looks like a wet day ahead.  If you can't make it, please keep him in mind today and bid all those going a safe journey.

I hope you all have a great day!

Q

PS. here is another reminder of what our flag looks like.  I shot these a year ago. And yes you may use any of these pics for personal use.  If they bring you dough, send me a cut.  :)  Most of my Bulletins repeat in my blog here.

Looks like next Friday I'll be heading to Chandler Arizona area. I'll be driving.

10/22/07 

Greeting Everyone!!

Today is a good day.

The President of the United States of America, George bush presented the Medal of Honor to the parents of Lt Michael Murphy posthumously today.  Lt. Murphy will not be forgotten!!!  www.iraqwarheroes.org/murphym.htm  .  If you find a story about him in your local online newspaper, please send me a link to it.

I made my mail run and headed to a bar for some coffee and watch news.  (They normally switch the channel for me.) I got to watch the presentation on Fox News and stood up during the presenting and also applauded.  Got a few weird looks... but if they don't understand, they can....

Anyhow, in my mail run I received a large vanilla type envelope which included 2 sheets of paper.  I had received a pat on my back from the Washington Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and department of Veterans Affairs.

Having received it on the same day and almost the same time Lt. Murphy received his MOH, made me feel real good.  The letter is dated October 11, 2007, the certificate is dated November 10th, 2007 and the postal cancellation is dated October 18, 2007, with all those different dates, I managed to receive it Today!!  If Lt Murphy has something to do with that, THANK YOU!!!!

I want to thank everyone that took the time to submit me to the VA Volunteers thing. Click on the link below to read it.

OK, 1 more thing.  A friend of mine, Noah who owns a big pick-up truck, and who I have approached to drive me someplace I knew I could get some free wood, wrote a letter to the Victoria Taft Show about my furnace problem.  One of the shows sponsors is AAA Heating and they will be making a free service call today to see what's wrong with my 30 year old furnace. That's Cool!!  Every time I save money for a service call, or other needed stuff, I'm on the road again or something else be happening.  I better clear the furnace room area.

So, all of you out there, that are helping me someway or another to do what I do for our heroes, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Wishing you all a great day!!! Q  Certificate of Honorable Mention

10/23/07 

Good evening All!!

I've been working on photos most of the day and did step out into the sunshine for some coffee.  it's getting close to midnight, I'm trying to get one more set of funeral pics done tonight.

I wanted to share with you an email I just received.  It's one of the reasons I do what I do for the families and gives me the energy to keep at it, no matter how hard it's been getting.

Friday I'll be traveling south on I-5, Then onto _210 etc. with my destination being the Chandler area of Arizona.

I'm still so far behind and hope to get some pics of services posted soon and work on more pics mailed in by family and friends of our heroes...  I think I have around 500 again....

Here is the email.  The donation was a bonus, I'll be able to crash at a couple motels during my trip this weekend instead of the rest stops when needed.

----------------------------------------

Dear Q,

I want to thank you so much for attending the funeral service for our son, Matthew J Emerson in Grandview, WA on 9/25/07. We have received the disc with all the photos and cannot say enough to thank you for all that you did in preserving the memory of our son. Your dedication to your work in support of our fallen soldiers is to be highly commended. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. That day was very tough for us and there were many things we did not see – some because we didn't look and some because we couldn't see. You captured so many aspects of that day that are now on record for us to review and remember. God bless you for your work. We have used PayPal and submitted a donation for you in hopes you can continue your work for others.

Saying thanks hardly seems to express our gratitude for providing us with to be cherished forever.

L. J and Ginger Emerson

10/25/07 

Hello All!!

It's a little after 0100 (1am) on this Thursday morning in the Pacific Northwest and many of you are probably sleeping.

I had to stay up and get at least 2 sets of mission pics done which have now been posted.

On October 2nd, 2007 I participated in welcoming home our hero Navy Lt Hescock.  it was a wet night at the airport.  On October 7th I attended both memorial service and funeral service.

Out of 873 photos for the family, I've selected and posted 152 for the public.  I'm not writing up a long mission report for this one.

Total miles driven about 60 Miles.  Total Away Time: 13 Hours.  Total Time working on pics: 15.3 Hours.

Lt Hescock died in a helicopter crash, the rest of the people onboard survived because of his action.

Please help remember Lt Hescock along with all our other service members that have given their all for us all.

Posted you'll find 2 sets. The 1st is of the escort mission on the 2nd and the 2nd set of the memorial and funeral service.

Sometime late tonight or early Friday I will start making my long trip south toward Nevada..

I bid you all a better day.  Q   Navy Lt Christian Hescock R.I.P.  

10/26/07 

Greeting All!!

I'm sitting at the Flying J on Zachary Ave in Bakersfield CA.  Another 10 hours of driving to go.  

I posted an add on Craiglist before taking off from Gresham and ended up picking up a kid in SW Portland that needs to get to his fiends funeral in Fresno.  Didn't know that was going to add  hours or more to the trip.  Oh well.  I'm spending his 20 bucks now on lunch.  Well, not all of it yet.

Been on the road since around 7pm last night and will take some time out in a bit before finishing the stretch.

I'll be in Chandler Arizona late tonight.

Those that wanted to contact me while I'm out there, remember to call me.  (Number is on my site) Cause I forget.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!  Remember to thank your troops and to support them.

Anyone know how close I'll be to Camp Pendlton before turning east ner LA?

Take care

10/28/07

Greetings All!!

I'm still in Arizona but will start heading north later today.  Going to try the Las Vegas route.  Maybe I'll ge back a little quicker and not spend so much time idling in traffic.

Since I've been on the road, we lost two more from Oregon(e).  One from eastern side of the state.  Looks like another long drive ahead.

I'm visiting some good friends.  They have 5 critters, one of them still crawls, screams and poops. I don't know why women don't wait till the kids are at least 5 years old and programmed before they birth them.

Before I forget, Daylight Savings time is NOT TODDY anymore.  Remember, they screwed with it, it's another 6 weeks away so they can collect more revenue. (You have to burn more lights etc.)

I hope your weekend is been well and bid you a great week ahead!!

Travel Update, Wickenburg AZ 10/28/07 1602

I'm now in Wickenburg Arizona heading N on Hwy 60, destination is Las Vegas Nevada and from there I'll work my way up to Oregone(e). 
I'll be looking for a place to crash in Las Vegas or beyond there. Not gonna do the whole drive in one piece.

Hope you all have a great day!!

10/29/07

Travel Update 10/29/07 Mesquite Nevada

Good Morning All!!!

It's just past midnight and I'm in a city called Mesquite in Nevada.  Since my plans for Las Vegas fell through, I decided to push on and made it this far.  Saw signs for cheap motel, of course that is before taxes and special fees. (Bastards) and NO news channel on the TV.

I left Chandler with more sad news.  Life suxs and I continue on.

On my way, and this way was suppose to be the fast way, I got stuck in the dessert with about 10 miles of cars.  A fast speeding idiot passed a few cars to many.  2 life flight helicopters and 3 ambulances transported people out of that mess.  I wasn't within walking distance but will have some other pics.

Talking other pics, I saw a coyote in the dark and got close with 10 feet and got some pics of it. It didn't seem to mind.

Driving through Las Vegas was a rush.  Too bad I didn't have someone with me.

Well, I need to check mail and go take a nap.

Hope your week goes well.

Travel Update 10/29/07 1501 ?- Utah

Hi All!!

It's warm and smoky or something.  I'm at a Flying J in Utah.  Not quite sure where though.  Still heading north.

If the latest KIA comes in tomorrow, I'll be staying on the east side, if not, I'll be eventually back home.

Don't worry, someone is watching my cats.  They'll be pissed when I get back.  Hmmmmm sometimes I am glad they don't speak English.

Hope you all have a great day!!

10/30/07

Good Evening Everyone!!

I made it back home this morning.  I laid over in Kennewick WA late last night.  Only had 3 more hours of driving to do but I was already pushing it.   Why don't hotels give you a discount if half the night they allow you to stay is already gone?  I did have an interesting encounter.

Friday I'll be near the Idaho boarder in a town called Ontario to escort home one of our heroes and find a place to crash to attend his memorial service on Saturday.

Some of you emailed me to take lots of pics on my trip to and from Arizona.  Hey, that's easier said than done at 80MpH with most of our roads designed so you just can't pull over.  But, I do have pics.  I'll have a series called Over The Dashboard.   I have more mission photos to get to.  If I wasn't so tired all the time, I'd probably get more done.

Talking about tired... please keep my friend Peggy in mind. She been doing real crappy lately.  her MS has been taking on some of the better of her. (Did that make sense?)

Guess what I got in the mail??  Some people call it stinky.  I got 3 blocks of Limburger Cheese. Each block is 2 times the size I get in stores.  Some of you may remember that repeatedly I would buy the cheese and find it to be bad. This time after sending pics etc to the cheese company also, after a couple months they send me some product and apologized.  Fred Meyer never did anything except refunding the money and snarling my way.  Wanna smell my breath? I'm craving some other weird stuff too...  Ever tried bloodwurst or headcheese?  Safeway used to carry that too.  Long time ago.  Sometimes I think they go out of their way to remove all the weird stuff I like.

As soon as my dryer is done, I'm heading out for air.  I hope your day went well!!

Thank you everyone serving out there!!!  You're on my mind, ....especially the cute Air Force gals.  :)

Take Care!!

10/31/07

I hope these bastards have to pay all. Lose all  their land, homes, cars, computers... everything and then get booted out of this country!!!

I've run into this hate group a few times.  Here is one of the times: www.letmeshootyou.org/093005p/ 
Kansas church liable in Marine funeral protest
Wed Oct 31, 2007 7:24pm EDT

By Jon Hurdle

BALTIMORE (Reuters) - A jury on Wednesday ordered an anti-gay Kansas church to pay $10.9 million in damages to relatives of a U.S. Marine who died in Iraq after church members cheered his death at his funeral.

Church members said Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder's death was God's punishment of America for tolerating homosexuality, and they attended his 2006 funeral in Maryland with signs saying "You're going to hell" and "God hates you."

Click here for complete story: www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN3134225120071031

11/01/07

Greetings Everyone!!

I think the last few days have been a bit hard on my body.  I feel like weird crap today.  I think having been worrying about some friends hasn't helped.  They are an older couple and I haven't been able to contact them for a few days now.  I normally know if they are out of town.  I got hold of someone else out there to do some checking for me. They had taken off for the coast.

I've been invited to attend the Veterans Ball Friday, November 16 to receive an award. "You have just been selected by our board to receive our new OWVA Citizenship Award, along with Congresswoman Hooley, and four other Oregon lawmakers."   I don't know how to handle that yet.  It will draw (I hope) more attention to our heroes that gave their all.

I'm not a people person and am not a good person to represent myself.  I also realize that more people need to see my mug if that will help find more help.

I wrote a letter to Men's Warehouse to see if they will let me borrow an all black suit. They want people to be in semi/formal.

I've got a motel room booked and will be heading east again in the morning.  Hell, I haven't planned it out yet to see how early I need to leave.  Like I said, I'm feeling weirdly crappy today, so much is in slow motion.  Maybe I'll get a haircut.

I've posted a couple more snapshots of Fall.  Haven't even started on the more recent stuff.  I'm still so far behind.

I hope you all have a great day!!

Travel Update 11/01/07 1524

Hi All!!

I spoke to the mother of our hero a little while ago and have an all clear.

She's pretty upset. Well of course she is.  Whenever I talk to parents, the kid becomes more personal.  It is all personal for me, but a sheet of paper, even rice paper in between.... never mind...   some of you may know what I'm getting at.

I need to break out of it and get my stuff together.  I already forgot how far Boise is and I just went through there a couple days ago.

Gotta finish a load of laundry, take a shower and start the drive.  Ohh yeah, I'll get dressed first.

If you're in the area of Fruitland Idaho on Saturday, PLEASE come and honor our hero Sgt Joshua Brennan. Service is at 1100.  If you want to join the flag line, be there by 1020 at the Corpus Christi Church. Bring a USA flag (Red, White, Blue) if you have one.

Take Care

Travel Update 11/01/07 2142 La Grande, OR

I'm in La Grande OR now having some coffee.  Looks like I don't need to drive all the way. I'll be driving my car to a residence just inside Idaho and will ride with someone so I can get better photos of the escort mission.  Will also save me some gas and driving fatique.
I'll be spending Friday night in Ontario OR.  I'll be updating you again.  Drive has been smooth sofar.  Lots of chatty truckers out tonight.

Take Care

11/02/07

Travel Update 11/02/07 0510 Fruitland Idaho

Well, I napped about 2 hours.  Just updated the site with 5 more names.  I'll be glad when that stops.
I'll be on the road again in just a few minutes.
Hope you all have a great weekend!

11/03/07

Good Morning!!

It's after 5am my time and just got done doing some updates.  I think I got up around 4.

Yesterday's mission went well. There where familiar faces on the Air Base in Boise Idaho which made it quickly easy for me.  :). Nobody shot me while I was running around on the tarmac. 

Our hero received a nice welcome and was then escorted to the funeral home in  and a couple hours later escorted to the church and 3 hours later there was a viewing/vigil.  This morning will be the service at 1100 and after it's done, I'll start heading west again.

I'm not sure if I'm in Idaho or Oregon right now, I crossed the boarder 10 or 12 times yesterday between Ontario OR and Fruitland ID.  The phone book says Ontario/Payette servomg Southwest Idaho & Eastern Oregon. (A lot of help that was huh?)  Think the hotel is in Oregone(e).

Hope you all have a great weekend!!   Please remember to thank a veteran!!

Travel Update 11/03/07 1506 Baker City OR

It's 1441, almost 3pm and I'm on the road again sitting at a McDonald in Baker City Oregon(e) watching some kids that should be in school. There's a blond haired kid, blue sweat hood top and black cap that I can see getting into lots of trouble before turning into total scum to society. I just see it in his eyes and the fact he has o turn his head way too often for a kid his age.  Just an observation.

 It's this weekend (Sunday) that we change time again.

Today's service in Fruitland Idaho for Sgt Brennan went well. I did pretty good until I met the mom at the end.

I'm trying to settle a bit before I get on the road again in a few minutes, don't know where my next stop will be. If you got a suggestion, just call me.  Don't ask for me, just talk or I'll think you're a solicitor or something and hang up.  My number is posted on my website.

I was about to close this  and remembered something I wanted to share...

I spoke to a retired cop..  He told me about his grandfather that served in WWII and is still fighting in the war.  He told me how he never understood why his grandfather would sit in front of the TV and not move for a long time... he didn't understand.... Until he realized what war has done to him...   He thanked me for what I was doing to remind people, to inform people.

There was another man that approached me and asked for my card, he looked at it and looked at me and said, "It's too bad that most people won't understand this".  I told him I'm trying trying to remind people and bring it out there.

And I do try..

11/04/07

Good Evening Everyone!!

I was going to stay home and just chill today, but while out having coffee earlier today, someone asked if I was going to Washington to participate in the Veterans Memorial Highway Drive.  I said no 3 times and then went. There was a huge turn out of bikes and cars.  They started at the beginning of the Freeway, I-205 and headed to the end of it and then over to the Korean War Memorial.

I have to admit I wasn't with all of it; got detoured to another matter.

Later I went to Troutdale OR Flying J to meet up with someone passing through and had lunch with them. Friends from A.C.E.S. .

I'm surrounded by piles of work, related to my IraqWarHeroes.org project.  So, I'm trying to get that organized while also trying to get pics done for some of the recent services.  I'm about 800 emails in the rear now. (792 to be precise). I hope I attended the last funerals.  I always hope that.

Well, I worked on it and have the pics posted for Cpl Diaz memorial service.  I did not attend the funeral that followed, because I was already committed to services for another hero a couple hours south but wanted to at least get the memorial service.

Cpl Diaz sister handed out purple wrist bands with the words "Wild & Free" to everyone attending.  Purple is the favorite color of Cpl Diaz and Wild & Free was her motto.  the sister also got to ride with cabbie, one of the PGR bikers that attended.  At some points, I had a hard time telling who was more affected, the big bad biker or the very strong young lady. (Well, he does look like a gentle bear).

I hope your new week goes well.  Please take a moment to remember Cpl Julia Diaz.  A young lady that joined to serve this country and to protect the freedoms of its citizens!! Q PS.  Thank you Rick E for the quick spreadsheet. Army Strong should be Army Fast!! Cpl Julia A Diaz R.I.P.

11/05/07

Good Morning Everyone!!

It's Monday on the west coast of the United States of America.  It's cool and foggy out and almost 0600.  I've completed another set of pics.

Hey, Charley Pride is going to be in Lincoln City on the 9th and 10th at the Chinook Winds Casino.  I think I know most of his songs by heart.  The first time I heard him it was on 8-Track tape.  All of you under 100, may not know what that was.  I think I need a new 8-track player, mine is getting weird.  It's sitting right under my reel-to-reel player and my record player.  :)  Stacking 45's and watching them drop to a song is nice.

I'm going to spend most of today trying to get more pics done; after my java hour of course.  I hope to have some work tomorrow morning. Replacing a motherboard in a system.

Thank you to all you veterans that are and have served and thanks to all of you supporting them and standing behind our troops serving theis nation honorably!!

Please tell all your friends about www.IraqWarHeroes.org and help remind them of our heroes.

Q

Cpl Graham McMahon from Corvallis Oregon died in Balad, Iraq.  I don't know the cause.  He was with the 9th Infantry Regiment out of Ft. Lewis WA.  He will not be forgotten!!   Thank you for your service Graham!!   At ease Cpl McMahon!

Mission Report

09/30/07 Escort Mission  Start: 0700  End: 1700  Away Time: 10 Hours.  Miles Traveled: 207

First Frame Shot: 1006  Last Frame Shot: 1357

10/05/07 Memorial Mission  Start: 1300 End: 2230  Away Time: 9 Hours 30 Minutes.  Miles Traveled: 287

First Frame Shot: 1620   Last frame Shot: 1848

Total Away Time: 19.5Hrs.  Total Miles: 494

Photo work time at home:  12Hrs  Total pics for family: 614  Total posted for public: 174  Cpl Graham M McMahon R.I.P. 

Greetings All!!

I've just finished another set. Not too many pics in this set.  It was
mostly dark out during this welcome home and escort mission.

Sgt Tidwell served 2 tours in Iraq and was killed in a motorcycle accident
stateside. Please remember this hero for serving our country.

I just got news that we have another KIA from Washington State.

Be sure to read my blog here if you're not getting all my bulletins.

Have you ever seen the business cards that I hand out? Below is a pic. That's
all it says on the card.  I tell people if they want contact info, they
should visit my website.  save this photo and if you like use it as your
default pic on November 11th.  Also, if you would like to purchase these
cards and hand them out in your area, let me know.  I leave these cards
everywhere I go. (Photo is larger than the business size card it is.)

Mission Report

Escort from Portland National Airport in Oregon to Raymond Washington.

Start: 10/09/07 1600  Stop: 10/10/07 0400  Total away Time: 12
Hours. Total Miles Traveled: 302

At home working on photos: 3 Hours.  Total for family 161 pics. 
Posted for public: 78 Sgt Jonathan M Tidwell R.I.P. 

11/07/07

Hi All!!!

It's Hump Day!!   Happy Humping!!  Please do it safely and use your parking brakes.

Yesterday's escort mission of  Marine PFC Shane Ellis from Portland OR to Kaizer (Salem) OR went pretty smoothly. Considering the very short notice which came out the night before, there where at least 20 bikes that showed up.

I was suppose to be someplace else and t'd off some people, but hey, what are they gonna do?  Put me out of my misery?  I warn everyone that there are priorities.

Today I'm going to be working on pics again.  I now have 3 more missions pending.  

To all Veterans out there, THANK YOU!!

Hey, did you back up your important stuff on your hard drive lately?  Checked your smoke detector batteries? Your fire extinguisher? Pleanty of duct tape and tarp?  Food that last a long time that you don't like (so you don't eat it up every time you don't feel like shopping) , as emergency food?  And do the people that you care for know in writing your wishes in case you drop dead after reading this?  Instead of a big box of chocolates, buy yourself a cheap will kit software.  :)  And you should have current pics, in case you get lost in the post office.

I have a new photo album here.  If you put my 2 lines on your rig/car/baby stroller/blackhawk...  Send me a pic of it.

You all be good!!!  Freedom is never free, someone out there is always paying the price.

11/08/07

Top Of the Mornin' To You All!!

It's fogy out here and haven't heard or spotted any ghost ships.  Locals out here probably keep them scared away with all their politicking.

I've been too sweet a guy last few months and finally have some drugs that I hope will put a stop to it. With the suggestions of some friends here, and persistent nagging of another, I have a 1 year prescription and can fill it at WalMart for only 4 bucks.  Now all I need is radiation for 4 bucks a pop and I'd be set for a spell.

maybe that will help cure some of that extra tiredness I've been having.  bad enough being tired, but being tired on top of that makes it for very long days trying to accomplish stuff.

November 11 is the 315th day of the year unless there are frogs involved.  Rethondes, France, November 11, 1918 a cease fire agreement was signed to end WWI which was later known as Armistice Day in the USA and Britain.  After bloody WWII the day was recognized as a holiday, a tribute day to veterans of both wars.  Later in 1954, the USA designated November 11 as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars.

I don't know where or what I'll be doing on veterans day, but you can be sure it will be something to honor our Veterans. 

I stayed up long enough to complete another set of pics and also hope to get them mailed off today.

He is Army Sgt Joseph Milledge Jr and he was killed in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations.  Another fine young man killed by cowards

Please take some time to remember him and all the others that gave their all for this great country of ours!! Joseph, you will not be forgotten here!!

If you miss my bulletin, check my blog here.

I wish you all a good day.  Please also remember all of our veterans that never made it home!!!

Mission Report

10/20/07  Start Time: 0430  Stop Time: 1900  Total Away Time: 15.5 Hours.  Total Miles Traveled: 372 Miles

First Frame Shot: 0535  Last frame Shot: 1351

Time working on pics at home: 11.9 Hours.  Total pics for family: 711   Total posted for public: 110 Sgt Joseph Milledge Sr R.I.P. 

11/09/07

Good Morning!!!

Well, I have 4 new sets of pics online.  These where shot during my Arizona trip.  the first set is not too exiting for some but others may like them.

Today is the memorial service for Spc Shane Ellis and it will take place in Keizer OR at the Keizer Funeral Chapel at 1400.  If you can, please come out and pay honors maybe even join the flag line.  It means a lot to parents to see that there are some of us that care.

If you live out there or work out there, take a long lunch break.

On Saturday I'll go to Albany OR and participate in the Veterans parade.  if you want to help me pass out cards, please show up.  I'm easy to find.  I look different from everyone else.

After the parade I may going to a gold star mothers/fathers thing.  Not sure yet.  Sunday, I'll try and be in Salem as they engrave more names onto the Afghani/Iraq War Memorial.   Monday I hope to have some work which I blew off the other day to bring home a soldier.

I have 2 other services pending.

To all you Veterans out there:  THANK YOU!!

I wish you all a great weekend!! Q >Sparks<

11/10/07

Morning Everyone!!

It's Saturday morning just after 5 in the Pacific Northwest and I haven't stuck my head out the door yet.

On my last bulletin, I posted a few minutes ago, I was venting more about spammers that spam through myspace layouts.  Some of you don't even realize that the layout company you're using may be spamming everyone on your list and may even be in control of your account.  Watch the code you ad to your myspace, and if they want user id and password for the layout to work or for mass mailing your friends, you say NO.  Unless that's what you rally want.

As long as there are plenty of suckers out there, they are going to keep it up, just like those people with lots of money to share from Nigeria.

Also, if you get a letter from PayPal, and it's not addressed to your name and says something like Dear PayPal Customer, IT'S A SCAM!!! And your bank will not call you while you're having fun (< I censored myself) to verify your social security number.

OK...  I need to slow down....  I'm about to head to Albany's Veteran's Parade and then Salem for a Gold Star Mothers thing and then back.

Tomorrow they will be adding names to the Afghani-Iraq War memorial in Salem.

Here are a couple snapshots I took while in Chandler AZ a couple weekends ago.

Thank you to all Veterans out there!!! Q  > Chandler <

11/11/07

Morning!!

Well for me it's almost 0400, that's 4aqm for those that have not stood guard all night long at a base during downpour or laid watch in a foxhole all night long.

This morning I'm heading to the airport to see off some troops heading to the front. Troops that are about to become veterans of war.  It makes for a short night for me but a very very long day for them.

I better hurry, it's already 0344.  Later I'll be in Salem again as they add names to the memorial.  I was in Salem yesterday and had a chance for free dinner and bolted instead.  Too many people, too many emotions.

To all of you Veterans out there THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY !!!!   

Q >A Salute To Our Troops <

11/12/07

Good Morning Everyone!

Yesterday was a draining day.  I saw off some soldiers heading to Iraq early in the morning just after 0400 (4am for you 8 hour people) and then I went home and worked up photos I shot yesterday in Salem where there was a small event for Gold star parents and also Blue Star Parents. I burned 32 CD's, printed labels for them, put together a packet and handed those out today at the Iraq-Afghani War Memorial.  That made them happy, cause they could take them with them now.

I met a couple people from my friends list here at MySpace also.  One is the grandmother of a hero whose funeral I photographed a couple years ago.    The day went well, but I'm glad it's over.

What the hell do you say to someone that has lost their kid or spouse, or brother, or sister.....  ??  My usual lines seem so insignificant and rehearsed.  How do you tell them you share some of the pain and yet try best to avoid them?  I wait till I safely make it home and start pounding on the keyboard, that I often can't even see to make sure my 3 typing fingers are hitting the right keys, as I can't avoid this stuff coming from my eyes.

Veterans Day should be celebrated, or at least recognized every day that we wake up breathing freely, because someone out there is paying the ultimate price for you to do so.

The local state paper called The Oregonian only had 14 placed ads honing specific heroes.  ONLY 14!!!!  Only 14 people wanted a hero to be recognized in a special section of the paper.  I don't care much for the paper but  read it.  THE WHOLE STATE OF OREGON(e) AND ONLY 14 PEOPLE WANTED THEIR VETERAN, THEIR HERO, TO BE HONORED!!! (Censoring myself heavily).

I know that the paper wanted $100 per person to be recognized with their name and photo, that's a lot for some,  but I... Never mind....

Anyhow....

Thank you to all Veterans and thank you to all serving now and stepping forward to serve!!!

Those of you that have been reading my stuff for a while know that I love to shoot nature etc. and share them.  I've been so busy, I haven't been getting out much to do just that.  I need to get on walks again.

Sometimes though, something bad happening can make you stop and look around you.  When I did the Chandler trip, it took my 25 hours to get there.  people told me to take I-15 back and that it would be quicker. NOT.  In the middle of nowhere, all traffic come to a stop.

Some idiot that had passed many of us slammed into some cars about a mile ahead.  2 life flight helicopters and 3 Ambulances and the life scissor truck responded. (Can't remember the name, special hydraulic cutters the fire rescuers use to cut open a car like a can.).

Here is part 1 of 2 called Stuck on I-15 and some of the pics I shot near where I was stuck in traffic.

You all have a good week!!  Take a few minutes to write to one of our gals or guys serving in the military!!!

Q

PS.  Are you ready for winter?  Emergency stuff in case you get snowed in? In case your car gets stuck?  If you know anyone at Les Schwab, Firestone etc., I need studs. (Not guys, but tires with the little things sticking out for traction on ice and snow.)>Stuck on I-15 Part I<

11/13/07

Good Evening All!!

I hope you had a good day today.  It was sunny out here today but I spend most of the day working on pics. I just got done posting photos of the escort mission from Boise ID to Ontario OR bringing home our Hero Sgt Joshua Brennan.

I'm not doing a mission report until the other parts are done also, including his memorial service.  I hope to be done with the rest in a day or two or....

I wanted to  kill one of my cats this morning....  I finally managed for a brief moment to get into that deeper comfy sleep phase and the B starts knocking things down to make noise because that coincided with her breakfast time. arghhh

I'm yawning as I write this.  Dozed off a few times at the keyboard today.  Been trying to avoid the phone, cause I only have a few minutes left and everyone has has important to call about.

I went to the Mens Warehouse to see if they have a suit under 100 bucks. No. OK, I need a new dress black shirt.  Found one. Gonna get it. Checked to see if they have any cheap suit like jackets (I got this formal/semi formal thing to attend).  They already know I'm trying to keep it under 100, and he brings a jacket for $125 and then also tries to sell me a suede type coat that's water resistant for just an extra 89 bucks.  I only left with a shirt.  Will try Goodwill type place tomorrow.

I better get some shoe polish also.  last time I used that stuff was when I polished my dress boots many years ago. But cheaper than buying new shoes.

I don't really want to go, but my face has to be there to make sure they all know about IraqWarHeroes.org.

Anyone wanna guess how many emails I have in my email box? -sigh-

I'm not talking about my MySpace.

I hope you all have a great week!!! >Welcoming Home Our Hero Sgt Joshua Brennan<

11/14/07

Good Morning Everyone!!

It's almost Thursday which means it's almost Friday....Until then, have a Happy Hump Day!!

There are a lot of power outages close out here, I'm glad I have a UPS (Like a back up battery) hooked up to this machine.  Keeps it from crashing between flickers and allows for a proper shut down.  I'm watching on the news semi live, cars just blowing through darkened intersections without treating it like a 4-way stop.  Probably the same morons that blow red lights.

I would like to say thank you to BR of Portland.  You know who you are!

I'm tempted to go to bed and give it another shot.  I'm already yawning.  Sleep shouldn't be so much work.

I'll be working on pics most of the day.  I hope you all have a great day!!

Freedom is Not Free!!  Sound familiar??  Go thank one of the people  that is paying your tab.   :)

Q

This is Part II of Stuck on I-15.  It's mostly sky.  If you're new on my list, it's OK to use any of my nature/urban pics for personal use.  If you use it for other, and make money, remember to send me a cut. >Stuck on I-15 Part II<

11/15/07

Good Morning Everyone!!

It's Thursday, which means tomorrow is Friday.

I have a suit now, all black of course, shoes, tie, shirt....  and all that is missing is me.  There could be as many as 800 people there.  I'm not a people person.  I googled the event and found another link: oregonwarvets.typepad.com/owva_blog/2007/11/mayoral-veteran.html . 

I'll be in the company of a nice biker chic, she'll protect me....  ooops... forgot, she won't be wearing her chaps and leathers and be as vulnerable as me.  I'm not saying who she is until this thing tomorrow night is over with.

Last night I completed another set of pics.  I didn't know I was going to have 3 different sets for this 3 day mission but decided since I have a bunch of pics from the Vigil eve, I'd post a few of them also.  

I had already been up way too many hours and was totally pooped and after we escorted Sgt Brennan to Ontario OR  from Boise ID, and then he was escorted from there to the church in Fruitland Idaho, I was asked if I was returning for the vigil happening at 1900.  Hey, I was fondling my hotel key, I wanted to go crash.  Then someone said they would have food there also... I still kinda said no... I programmed my GPS for the hotel and as I passed the guys (PGR and FVW), I rolled down the window and said... well, free food sounds good.  One of the PGR guys was staying in the room next door, 

I asked him to let me know when they are leaving for the vigil but before he came to my door, I was already long sitting in the car waiting to roll.  You know I had to go... this was another part that needs to be captured.  I didn't eat there, most of it was cop food, donuts and stuff, plus I had received a phone call from a friend inviting me to dinner when they roll into town. 

I just remembered, I think I did have a maple bar, water and some weird coffee.

When I finally got back to the hotel, I took a very very long shower... updated my IraqWarHeroes.org site and crashed.  I often sleep better in hotels, probably because by the time I check in, I'm ready to check out.

OK... I'll stop now.

Turkey Day is next week. I keep thinking it's the end of the month.  I'm suppose to go to Eugene and carve a Turkey. Never done that before, can you believe that, at my age?   Turkey taste like fowl.  Hmmmm, maybe the person that invited me will forget and kill the bird herself.   Blackened Trout sounds much better or maybe Steak Tartar or Hungarian Goulash or an original Greek Gyros with lamb, not that fake stuff you get in some restaurants.  I'm starting to salivate...  Think I'll have a bowl of ceral.

I bid you all a great Thursday!!  Don't eat any Spaghetti today.  Meatballs are permitted.  Did you back up your important stuff on your hard drive that could crash any time now? Q >Vigil Eve For Our Hero Sgt Joshua Brennan<

11/16/07

Hi All!!

It's Friday morning and I'm not ready.  I did get completed with one of the mission pics.  See mission report below.

I'm not able to access any of my sites at this time, so you may have problems also.  I submitted a trouble ticket.

I wish you all a good weekend!!!

Q

Army Sgt Joshua C Brennan died of wounds sustained when they came in contact with enemy forces using RPG, machine gun and small arms fire during combat operations on Oct 25, in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

Please remember Sgt Brennan and all our other Heroes that served our country honorably and paid the ultimate price to help keep our nation free.

You will not be forgotten here Joshua!!!

Mission Report

Start 11/01/07 1700  End: 11/03/07 2000  Total away Time: 51 Hours  Total Miles Traveled: 936

First frame shot: 11/02/07 0630  Last frame Shot: 11/03/07 1411

At home working on photos: 26 Hours.  Photos for family: 1563    Photos posted for public: 292 in 3 sets. >Army Sgt Joshua Brennan R.I.P.<

11/17/07

Greetings All!!

If you go to my photos here and click on the album Pics of Me, you'll find a couple of snapshots from last night.

Less than 1/3 of the expected people showed up, they must have known I was coming.  A whole unit of soldiers didn't make it because of a communications error, some VIP's where out of country and some others stuck in traffic.

I received the OWVA Citizens Award for my work for the families of our heroes.  I did get up and speak a few minutes to let people know what it is I'm doing other than 'just' running a website.  Nobody threw anything at me, so that was a good sign.

Tim King of Salem-News.com came and did a video interview, I'll let you know when I see it posted.

A Lt Col approached me, telling me that he assign's CAO's and he will make sure that in his area the CAO will inform the family about me.  that's good.  It's hard for one person to do what big groups of people do.  Any help is appreciated.

I'll be heading to Vancouver WA in a bit to a Meet & Greet for Patriot Guard Riders and grab some free food there.  later it's back to working on pics.

Thanks to all serving out there!! I bid you all a good weekend!!!

11/19/07

Greetings Everyone!!

It's Monday and it's been snowing not too far away.  I'm still not ready for winter driving.  The studs from the old car won't fit on this vehicle.

I've added a few more pics to my photo albums here and last night I completed pics for another recent mission.  Next I'm gonna try and knock off some emails that have photo attachments for the website.  There are so many of them. -sigh-

On Saturday I went to an American Legions Post in Vancouver Washington for a Patriot Guard Riders Meet & Greet or Greet and Meet. They also help a raffle there.  

When I arrived, a bunch of people had already seen the printed photo 8x10 of Lady G and I from the previous night.  there was a lot of ribbing about that. hahahaha.  Anyhow, I had two printed and gave her one copy.  She had to leave early due to weather.

A friend of mine had me come up to the podium cause he wanted to brag about the award I received the night before.  (Still haven't posted pics of the plaque yet).  When he got done talking about it, I started to head back to my seat and he told me to wait.

He then blabbed about nobody knowing my birthday and that by going to my myspace he figured out that I was a Sagittarius and 99 years old. So he figured I'd have a birthday coming up soon.  (I don't do birthdays)  Across the room they unveiled a big cake with candles spelling 100 on it.  And they sang happy bd.  There was no writing on the cake cause they didn't know if I'd be there or out on a mission.  I got stuck with most of the cake and donated it to a restaurant and told them to give everyone free cake.  Trying to remember if I've had a bd cake before.  I avoid all that stuff.  :)    Thanks G&M for the cake and card!!

Later that day they held an auction for a Harley Davidson Lighter or something to raise money for Sherry, who is part of Soldier's Angels.

The bid only made it up to 100 bucks and didn't seem to go further, so I went up front and said that if anyone bids 200 bucks or higher to help Soldier's Angels, that I would give them the photo autographed by me. (Could be worth some bucks when I drop dead)

The bid immediately went to 200 and I gave the pic to the couple that bid.  They intend to frame it and set it on Sherri's desk where she works.  that's cool!  Soldier's Angels is another great program supporting our troops. Sherri had some pics forwarded to me of some of the soldier's benefiting from her help. www.soldiersangels.org .  I'm glad I could help.  :)

I did not see any print news stories about the first  OWVA Mayoral Veterans Ball anywhere.

I hope you all have a great week!!  While you're ripping apart the turkey please remember to give Thanks to all our women and men serving in our military honorably both past and present.  I don't know yet where I'll be that day.

You all take care!!!

Q

PTSD has claimed another of our heroes that served in Iraq.  I don't have all the details but at some point I probably will.

I know that Shane had a lot of hard obstacles to overcome to become a Marine. He was the man that was going to break a tradition, that many are not proud of.  Like I said, I don't know much and can only interpret what I heard at his memorial service.  His mom sure had her hands full and for much of the time, she was the only one raising him.

I wish someone could have been there to help Shane after he returned.  Like I said, I don't have the facts, but I do know that everyone that has a family member or friend on a war front should be familiar with PTSD, the other killer of many fine servicemen.

Please remember Pfc Shane E Ellis and all others killed by PTSD.

Mission Report

Escort  Mission 11/06/07  Start: 1330  Stop: 1930  Away Time: 6 Hours   Miles traveled: 112

Funeral Mission: 11/09/07 Start: 0900  Stop:  1700  Away Time: 8 Hours   Miles traveled: 119

Total Away time: 14 Hours   Total miles Traveled: 231

Hours at home working on photos: 12.4 Hours.  Total pics for family: 746  Total posted for public: 118> Marine Pfc Shane E Ellis R.I.P. <

11/20/07

Hi Y'all !

I hope this Tuesday is treating you fine.  I've been mostly busy posting pics to the tribute site, only a few hundred emails to go.  We have another KIA from Washington, so I may be on the road again soon for that.  Still have one pending in Cal.

It's almost Thanksgiving.  I think I've found a place to pop into for a free lunch. :)  I have an offer in Idaho, but if there where a cute... never mind.

I'll be glad when this and next month is over with. I'm ready for 2009.  Yeah, you read that right. 2009. I want to totally skip next year.  My freezer isn't big enough for me...

Listening to the news lately about Thanksgiving just makes me want to puke. Get Over With It People!!  Can't you SOB's find something to be thankful for??  Better yet, get the hell out of this country and practice your free hate speech someplace else...

Damn... Just heard of a copter down near Baghdad. *sigh*

--------------

I'm Thankful for all our service women and men serving this country honorably!!!

I'm thankful I can get up in the morning to moan and groan and whine and gripe.... but breathing!

I'm thankful that at least 1 woman out of every 7,767,945 finds me cute.

I'm thankful I don't have to pay for AM radio or over the air television.

I'm thankful that my cats haven't killed me yet.

I'm thankful for people like Cerri, Peggy, Marilyn, Karen, Katrina, Noah, Sean, Victoria, Donna, Beverly, Tim..........

I'm thankful my computer hasn't crashed lately.

I'm thankful for the energy I muster up to keep doing what I'm doing.

I'M THANKFUL TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!

For those of you not traveling through the woods to grandma's house for turkey day and miss those long boring drives, you may enjoy the next 4 sets of pics titled Over The Dashboard.

You all be good!!! Q >Over The Dashboard Part I of  IV <

11/21/07

Happy Hump Day!!!

I still don't know where I'll end up tomorrow.  Was going to go to Eugene but the crowd there seems to be growing too much for me, which means more driving than time chatting with the cook.  So I did the math, fuel cost vs. food cost.  

Sitting in front of the tele watching a bunch of guys in tights playing with each other on a lawn never was my thing either.

Of course, my no-plans could all change at the last minute...  I don't particularly like this part of the year, I may tell you later.

We lost 3 more kids in Iraq based out of Ft Lewis, that's like 6 or 7 within a few days.  That's really tough for families this time of year.  Not that it isn't already.....  My sincere condolences to all the families and friends that are now without their heroes.

Hey, I've got a few women and men on my friends list here currently deployed overseas, send them a Thank You.  Also visit www.americasupportsyou.mil for links to other organizations supporting our troops.  If you think what I do is valuable then also visit www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm .

Ask all your friends to check out my site and add me to their list.  Add my 2 lines to your email signature.

"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away   www.IraqWarHeroes.org" .  It's easy.

You all take care!!  Don't overeat and drive and please don't drink booze and drive!!  make an effort this time of year to use your turn signal.  (In most cars, push up to signal a right turn, pull down to signal a left turn) and please come to a STOP at red lights and stop signs before crossing the white line or into the pedestrian walkway.  Is where you're going so much more important than someone else's life?  I know, I know, it will never be your own kid or family that gets killed.... I know.... BULL.

Be good!!!  If you have family, hug the least liked person and wish them a good day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Q PS. You can refresh some of your blood by donating some blood after Thanksgiving!!!>Over the Dashboard Part II of IV<

11/22/07

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Be thankful for some of the little things that tick us off because they help keep us in check!!!

I'll be hanging out here most of the day, well, still haven't done my coffee run yet and hope the few open places I like aren't stuffed full. I did pick a place where I'll be munching at later today.  Haven't been there before.

I'm also a Johnny Cash fan and for the last 4 weeks been sitting on a DVD a friend loaned me to watch called "Walk the Line" and around 0100  I watched the movie.

www.theblackfriday.com  is one of the better Black Friday sites.  There are a few scam ones out there. Staples has some WD 400GB SATA hardrives for $60.  www.theblackfriday.com/staples_blackfriday.shtml .  If I could, I'd grab some. Some place has laptops for under $300.  So, if you're not familiar with this site, check it out.  You might want to skip standing in line for socks and get some needed hardware instead.

Someone is no longer stuffing their face on Thanksgiving so you can still stuff yours... keep our heroes in mind!!!

Take care! Q >Over The Dashboard Part III of IV<

11/23/07

Good Morning Everyone!!

Yesterday I spend time adding more people to my myspace here.  Hoping more will help get the word out about www.IraqWarHeroes.org .

I started the day with a bowl of cereal and the went for some coffee.  barkeep was whining cause the business was real slow. I was sitting at the other side and told the waitress I'm only pretending to read the paper and came to watch her.  She gave me her typical rolling of the eyes.

At home I put together a flyer with my pic and large words Please Feed The Animal and later headed to a house in SW belonging to the parents of one of my myspace friends.  I was already told I could go there if I wanted to.  They did not expect me to actually show up.  :) Never met any of them before.  Had some ham, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, beans, ham, lots of deviled eggs, cookies, coffee, socialized a little and headed out.

I went home and fed the critters and then headed for NE Gresham to visit another myspace friend, who has met me before and had some sweet potato pie and coffee and also did a radio interview live which lasted over 40 minutes on KPSU to talk about us being thankful to our military and also talked a little about the PGR etc.  I should have a copy posted in me news section www.IraqWarHeroes.org/news in a couple days.  It's a small university station but I know at least 5 people heard it.  :) 

I was just at the KPSU.org website and see the audio file is already there.  http://archive.kpsu.org/audio/download/9170/Fathers%2C_Mothers_%2526_Families_%286pm_on_Nov_22nd%2C_2007%29.mp3

If that link doesn't work (Myspace doesn't like some long links and may send you to back to myspace.), go to http://archive.kpsu.org and look for Fathers, Mothers & family Show for Thursday 11/22/07 7:03pm and click on download audio file.  Let me know what you think of it.

I bid you all a great weekend and hope turkey day went well!! Q>Over The Dashboard Part IV of IV<

11/26/07

Good Morning All!

I'll be heading to Ft Lewis Washington this morning to welcome home and escort one of our heroes KIA in Iraq.

I've been having computer issues, one of my backup drives went blank. I think my equipment is getting too old for my demands. :)

Another reason you should always backup stuff to CD.  Redundancy is good.  A pain in the ...  but good.

I'm ready for this year and next year to be done with.

I have posted the interview with the Fathers and families show from Thursday under my news section. It's only a 9Mb file versus the 56MB file downloadable at KPSU's website.  I cut out the stuff before and after and used a different bit rate. It's just talk, so it shouldn't make much of a difference.

Have you thanked a veteran lately?? Hugged your critters? Made out a will? Checked your smoke detectors?  Fuel more often and keep your tank full in case you get stuck out in the cold.

Take care All!! Q >Along I-84<

11/27/07

Greetings Everyone!!  (Skip to the bottom if you're just here for the pics)

Yesterday's escort mission went OK.  The weather didn't turn nasty till later.  I took a detour and visited another myspace friend on my way back.

Had a big cup of coffee, latte something... was pretty good.

I need some studs (R205/R70R15) and some puter parts.  So, if I'm on your Christmas, Hanukah, Holiday or whatever gift list... please mail early. :)

I had it first just as list and realized I may be on some other lists too. 

Hey, this is the time of year to get really screwed!!!  Especially older people.  If you win a prize and they want you to pay shipping or handling, NO. Tell them to go someplace.

If you are selling something, and someone sends you extra money to pay a shipper, say NO, or you gonna get screwed.

Nobody legitimate will call you on the phone to verify stuff about you.  That's just someone out there about to screw you.

Your thingie is not gonna grow another 4 feet no matter how many emails you get.  You'll just get screwed!!

If they are knocking on your door and want money now for this special deal, newspapers, magazines or whatever, if you say yes, you will get screwed.

A $20 special under the coat light bulb will probably last just as long as the one on the store shelf for $3.

Television signals will change soon, the government will offer vouchers for a converter box, in case you have the old non HD stuff like me.  The closer we get to this switch (Remember going from color to B/W TV?), the more people will come out of the woodwork knocking on your granny's door with the perfect solution.

Name brand does not mean better.

Extended warranties in many cases just extends the time you're being screwed.  Some businesses make most of their yearly profits based on selling those warranties. If you get one, do read the fine print, cause throwing the item at me is not covered under the warranty.

Many big chain stores (Especially those selling electronics) will have the manufacturer place a different model number or product code on the shipment for their stores. Which means, you find the exact same product (Except for the model number/code) in two places and they won't price match because it's not the same model.

Some stores will put a computer screen on the shelf, model AZB556 (Just making up a sample here), on the back will be AZB556s but on the box it says AZB556 and the small number AZB556a which is not the same quality as the one on display.  Make sure those things are identical or you will get screwed!!

Before you buy that nice printer for $60, check to see what the ink will cost you.  calculate your page costs across various printers or you will get screwed!

Watch your credit or debit card!!!  Don't let it out of your eyes, or you may get screwed!!! Carry the least amount of cards, checks, id's possible. The fewer items you lose, the better.

No parking lot or street is safe, there is always someone waiting to screw you!!!  I'm real tired of the idiots leaving purses in plain sight in their cars. Gone for a minute or not, it takes less than a few seconds for it to be gone and you have a broken window.

When buying gifts this year, try and buy something the recipient may actually need.  New red pumps (Shoes) for a granny eating cat food ain't cool.

Keep an eye on your neighbors, not the big brother kind, check to see if they are OK.  If it's cold out and you have older people on your block, do a check.  many of them are too proud to ask for help. They are not from the give me generation like so many are today.

I check on my neighbor often, his wife is really frail.  If I hear him yelling on the phone, I know he's ok.

It's almost 0930, and haven't had coffee yet.  Just ate a roll from someone's turkey day.  I know there are many other ways people will try to scrwe you this season, but have no time.  Be aware.

Hey, keep some of those snack bars, granola bars etc in your car or one in your coat pocket.  When you get approached for money, cause they are starving, give them food instead.  Don't support boozers and druggies!!  Be aware of people using their children as bait to your wallet.  bad enough your local government does that to you.

You all be good!!  Check my blog here for missed bulletins.  Please remember all our women and men serving!!  Support them and let them know you do! Q >VV Dahlia Walk Part V<

11/29/07

It's almost 0300, 3am and I found a song that's been with me many years, like since 1969 when it hit the radio.. There are a few songs that describe a part of me... this is one of them. I can't sleep tonight, so i'm working on some problems. I hope you all have a great day!
Q

From the movie "Paint Your Wagon,"

11/30/07

Greetings Everyone!!

It's Friday morning and I'm ready to head out of the door.  I'll be driving north to Port Orchard Washington today for the memorial serve of SFC Johnny C Walls.  He was killed earlier this month in Afghanistan.

Looks like I have 3 more missions pending after this. -sigh-

I hope it doesn't freeze or snow. Don't have studs yet.  I did receive an anonymous greeting card in the mail with a few bucks from Seattle and a  check from Lake Oswego (THANK YOU!!).  Was going to save that for the studs but when I came home I had one of those red door knob hanging papers on my door.  Water company got tired of waiting.  They make me mad, you use $26 of water and the bill is $149 cause they also charge you for the rain that runs off etc.  If I could stop the %$% rain, I would!!  I'm glad that the owner of this place is very tolerate and supportive or I'd be spending even more time in my car.  I need more paying gigs and time.

One of my local supporters called a tire shop, and they laughed at her.  It's sad, but I thought it was funny cause businesses laugh at me all the time when I ask for help.

I've worked most of the day doing recovery etc. so I can get my system back to near where it was before that big drive took a tumble.  Yes, I have backups, lots of CD's.  But it's a pain. Bright side, I'm better off than all of you that keep forgetting to back up what you think is important.

Hey, some Seattle mayor told kids that global warming is gonna kill Santa Clause. That idiot doesn't know that it's Frosty the snowman that would melt, not Santa. Geez.  Morons!!!

I know I'm forgetting something... I seem to do that more often... Ohhh well...

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Thank you everyone that has my banner for www.IraqWarHeroes.org or the link on their page and Thanks to you that have me in their you list. The more people that click, the more people will be reminded of our heroes and who they are. And if you don't know what it's about, click on the NEWS link and also the ABOUT link.  If you think it's all a waste of time, let me know that also and why.Q>Something I Ate Part I<

Greetings All!!

I'm not sure where I am but somewhere in the woods near Port Orchards Washington.  No cell signals out here. Tapped into someone's DSL Wireless.  There are two memorial services on Saturday, one in my neighborhood of Portland for a Veteran and one in Paulsbo Washington for an active duty guy killed in a motorcycle accident.  Of course when I found out about this today and that he also served in the war I moved him to the top of my list.

Tried to get some donations for a cheap hotel so I wouldn't have to drive all the way back and 5 hours later drive north again.  One of the PGR guys offered me his couch so I followed him home.  He drives as a support vehicle for the PGR and supplies them with water, I always teas him about not having scotch there for me. Guess what; Got a full (not so full anymore) bottle of Chivas Regal set in front of me.   That should make the couch less painful.  :)  Beats sleeping in the car.

There is suppose to be snow and high winds tomorrow, I just hope I get outta the woods before that happens. :) I have at least 2 more missions after tomorrow, another up north also.

Anyhow, today we had a pretty good turnout. Members of the sicko family where out there also but out of view of the church. Thanks to Washington's 500 foot rule.

You all have a good night. I don't know if I'll be doing a morning posting.

Take care!!!  Stock up on some canned goods in case you get snowed or weathered in. When summer comes, you can donate the food to a food bank.  Keeps it from getting old.  :) Q

Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away

www.IraqWarHeroes.org   or  www.AfghanistanWarHeroes.org or www.rememberingourfallenheroes.org 

www.ArlingtonRidge.org 

www.Delta15.com

www.SgtMyers.org 

Just a couple of my projects honoring our veterans....

12/01/07

Good Evening Everyone!!

I've made it back from the last 2 services and have the next one in Rochester Washington tomorrow and then another on Monday.  I think that's 5 missions back to back. -SIGH-

I had a few shots of Scotch last night while reading mail, but it didn't help me sleep any better, or knock me out... I was up by 0500 this morning ready to go.

When we walked out of the house in the woods this morning, there was signs of snow on our cars and the roads but it wasn't snowing.  He fed me breakfast at a casino.  He left earlier than I did, I wasn't done eating up the buffet line yet. After I got done, I decided to gamble the only 2 bucks I had saved for coffee (which I just had with breakfast).  I tried several machines and they wouldn't take my money.

At the desk, they told me most machines will only use cards you have to purchase in advance but there are a few cash machines on the other side.  As I approached the first one, I was told not to play it cause they are emptying out that row so I went to the opposite side of that row. Put the 1st buck in the first machine and ended up with $1.48 and I printed the receipt. Went to the next machine and put the other buck in and lost most and then hit something and got to $1.60, I printed the slip and went to collect.

At the cashier I handed her my 2 slips totaling $3.08 and she gave me a weird look.  I told her I'm leaving with more than I came in with.

I've driven to Port Orchard area quite a few times now this year and never had to pay a toll coming back.  I had no idea how much that was going to cost.  as I got closer, it said $3.  My 2 bucks wouldn't have done it.  I asked the guy what happens if you don't have the money, he said use credit card... of course that would have cost me $3 plus $29 penalty the bastard banks charge you even if you're over 1 penny.  Been there, Done that enough.

After I got home, I remembered a gentleman that was in the flag line sticking his hand in my pocket (He asked for permission) and there was a twenty dollar bill.  :) So, I have 20 for the road tomorrow.  :)

Thank you Karen and Donna, I see you made a drop in my PayPal account. That will come in handy on Monday.

I know I'm forgetting stuff, but I'm brain-dead in some respect. 

8 PGR members braved the elements today for our hero, one couple even on a bike.  It was a cold and wet and snowy and cold day.

Most left before I had left and when I got on Highway 3, it really started to snow and blow.  I was tuned to a news channel and called a couple people to let them know where I am just in case.  I could feel a couple of light slips on slush but made it ok. Heard on the news how that road was shut down by accidents after I had already passed through there.  The snow followed me all the way to I-5's exit 122 where the billboard is and I captured one of the devoted people on the Freedom Bridge.  My friend Junius met me there and fed me as he rushed off to work.

Of course I raised my camera a few times along the way...  below are the pics.

I need to recharge batteries and clear my digital film for tomorrow. More storms in the forecast.

I hope you all have a great weekend!!  Remember to Thank our Veterans and support our great women and men in the military serving this country honorably!!! Q >First Snow 2007<

12/03/07

Greetings All!! Lots of Rants. Scroll to bottom if you're just here for the pics.

Today I attended 2 memorial services locally completing a stretch of 5 back to back.  I hope that's it.  It was a wet and somewhat windy day on the hill at Willamette National but not as windy and wet as yesterday in Rochester WA or as snowy and windy as the day before near Port Orchard WA or....

I have my wet socks off, I can deal with it now.  On my way to the funeral today I received a phone call and after the services I went to a tire place and had my car outfitted with studs.  Many thanks to the young lady that got those for me.  I may not be a stud, but by golly, I'll be making sturdily sounds on the pavement. :)

When I came home, wanting to take a hot shower to warm up, I found another red thing on the door.  Those bastards shut my water off despite agreeing to more time and having received the payment.  "Oh, we are sorry... we'll make sure it gets turned back on today..."

Here is a piece of advise to all of you, especially when dealing with monopolies like water and electricity... RECORD all phone conversations, cause many of them don't log the conversations etc. and then it's you that gets screwed, because they are always right, and they control a necessity of your life especial if in the city where you can go to jail for having your own well on your own property.  Only illegals and foreign property owners have property rights.  You think I'm exaggerating don't you??  Bet you've never had your property stolen and given to someone else huh?  Did you know that scumbags, trespassing on property have won the property in suits against the owner because he was defending his property?

Here is another piece of free advise.  If someone breaks into your home, shoot the bastard, shoot him/her dead!!!  If they survive, you will lose.

At the memorial service yesterday I was told the family wanted no photos by anyone.  So I stayed outside in the wind and rain with the PGR and others that came out to stand on the flag line for our hero.  It did P me off that none of the media cameras where kept out.  Well, they don't ask... so it's OK?  I just looked at the Olympian's website (Newspaper) and see pics shot of the parents at that memorial service and a bunch of other photos.

I shouldn't really care huh?  cause it does save me some time in my life... but I feel bad about it.

I'm happy I have studded wheels and can do my east and south corridors with more ease of mind.

After fussing with the water people, I went to check my myspace messages and got annoyed again.  I often wonder what makes people be so...

From Cindy Dec 3, 2007 11:04 AM  timing is everything

since I've added you as a friend, someone has been attempting to get my password and think they may have got it.

so am sorry but I will be deleting you do to the fact the link you sent me keeps going to a mirror myspace image.

it's possible you have been hacked, or you have the knowledge to hack.

it's people like that who take the fun out of things.
I don't know if you are a true troop supporter or not, but I'm not letting this "misuse" deter my feelings for the USA and for the freedom of speech.

The tools we have available today can be used for good or evil and you are "odd man out"

good bye.

My First Response:

WHAT?

I have not been hacked, I don't hack!!

If you feel you've been hacked, it's probably the outside template provider you're using. That's why I don't use them and have often advised in my bulletins that people don't use them.

The reason the newspaper link flips back to myspace, it's because myspace changes the urls and that link is too long.

It's obviously easier for you to accuse people of doing something to you than doing some basic research.

I realize I'm probably wasting my time responding, I just want an electronic record. :)

Take care!

Q

Take a internet class

My Second Response:

"I don't know if you are a true troop supporter or not"..


It's quite obvious that you have no idea what you're talking about... I just got done with 5 days on the road, 5 services for our fallen heroes back to back and I get crap like this in my mail.

I do have to admit, I don't have any yellow magnets on my car... so perhaps I'm not a TRUE troop supporter.  Must be that time of month for me... I'm just too harsh and politically uncorrect.  I prefer to fly a flag.. the Red, White & Blue (Red&White Stripes, White Stars on a blue field) on my car  because the magnets fade too quick or disappear. I'm proud to be an American!!  Every cause out there has a magnetic ribbon, and until your nose is on it, you're not sure what it is for.  Now the flag, the flag of the United States of America, gets peoples attention.  It annoys a lot of people, cause they so busy hating this country.  It annoys people that don't like our military..  hell, I watched a news clip of a politician removing his flag pin because people thought he may be American, he may care for this country or support our troops.  Well, they can all (use your own words here) themselves!!!

Prayer ain't gonna help you if that's all you do... cause that is all just talk also...

Hey... you all be good...  I need to see if my water is on...  I need to shower away my tears, my frustration, my fears....

Q >Christmas on 76th Part I<

12/04/07

Good Afternoon All!!

Recently I was contacted by a family member of a hero whose memorial service I attended 3 years ago December 7, 2004.

I had back then only posted 12 photos (I was still working on a format).  She requested photos and I couldn't find the set I had worked up.  So, I dug up the originals and redid it all.

As I go through the photos, I remember the day well.  Another nasty and wet day.  Toward the end of it I remember slipping on that weird fern grass on the hill and slipped on my back while holding an umbrella in one hand and keeping my camera from hitting the ground with the other.

I got up and continued shooting and made sure I was facing the crowd below.  I was totally soaked and muddy on my whole backside.  After the crowd had left, I went up the hill to my car, got out the big plastic bag I kept in the trunk, put that over the seat and drove home and couldn't get into the shower fast enough.  That was a miserable day.

I'm about to prepare the CD for delivery and I redid the page with the pics online, instead of 12, there are now 47 posted. 

Jeremy was killed in Ad Duilayah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol vehicle on November 27, 2004.

Jeremy will not be forgotten here!!!

Please help remember Spc Christensen and all our other heroes!! >Spc Jeremy Christensen R.I.P.<

03/05/07

Happy Hump Day Everyone!!!

So, if you're traveling over a 25Mph speed hump at 98Mph and younr car flips and you die...  does anyone know what your wishes are?

It's Wednesday, you shouldn't be thinking too much about this weekend... So think seriously about a WILL.  Just start something on paper. Maybe you really want to be buried face down to let the world know to...  you know.

I hate it when families that already hate each other fight over someone's remains and that person does not get their proper due no matter what kind of person he/she was.

I'm simple, stick me in the oven till I'm ash and dump me in American Lake near Tacoma.  :)

Who should get your hot wheels??  maybe not a family member but that hot chick down the block?

So, on this hump day, I want you to get over the hump of getting a will done.  Damn, I should update mine...

While you're at it... get an updated mug shot of yourself in case you get lost in the woods looking for the hump day monster.  :)

You all take care!!!   Thank you everyone serving so I can practice my bad (free speech) writing.  :)Q >Windy Stars & Stripes Part II<

12/06/07

Good Morning!!

It's a little after 0300 and I finally freed myself from someone else's
dream.   Ever get those?  You know it's not you in the dream nor
the subject matter but you're dreaming it, like maybe from the neighbor next
door or someone down the street, city.  When I was young I often thought I
had so many  migraines because my head was too receptive.  
Another reason why I hate to sleep.  If i isn't my own nightmares, it's
someone else's.

It's 0315 now.

A friend of mine locally send me an email last night about an encounter he
had and it's a reminder who we as a nation are neglecting our war heroes from
the past.   Below that is another song I like from the same musical
followed by the lyrics I found online.

I bid you all a great day!!!  See a vet, Thank a vet!!!!!

From Noah  Dec 5, 2007  9:51 PM

I just checked your message tonight. I need to take
my phone in to sprint and get a new antenna, cause I miss calls, that don't even
ring. Anyhow. I can ask my old tech Dave about doing your brakes. If nothing
else, I'm sure that he will do the labor for free, and we can get you a good set
of pads with a discount for probably like $20. I'll call him.

So here is a little story for ya.

Tonight I was doing some shopping for my dad at WinCo, and I saw this old timer
in a WW2 veteran jacket. This old boy was easily pushing 90yrs old. He was
limping his way through the store, people being rude and cutting him off, and
blocking his way. So I walk up to the old timer, put my hand on his shoulder,
and said "Sir, I see that you are a WW2 Vet, and I just want to thank you
for your service to our country." He looked at me and put out his hand to
shake mine and said, "Not many people appreciate me anymore." I told him
that I sure did. He proceeded to tell me about how he did 26 months on the front
lines in Europe. How he was wounded 3 times in combat, and how he was never even
paid by the government for his service. "Over 60 years, and I'm still
waiting for my paycheck. But its not about the money… I knew why I was
there." We then proceeded to the checkout line, where we continued to chat a
little. He told me about how he got some sort of poison in his foot as a result
from the war, and how he just got out of the VA hospital due to complications.
He said, "I'm not even supposed to be out on it, but I don't have anybody
to help me." Then he sees the Mexican guy with all of his kids paying with
food stamps, and tells me how "The government gives me $1100 a month to live
on, and they wont even give me food stamps. But they will for this guy that
probably shouldn't even be here." After that the checker rang up his box of
cereal and newspaper, he gave me a salute as best he could. I tried to pay for
my stuff so I could talk to him, or maybe catch him in the door or parking lot
to get some info from him, but he slipped away. I wish I could have gotten some
info from him, cause I would have tried to help him out. But I think that I at
least made his night. You could tell that he just wanted somebody to talk to

12/07/07

Greetings Everyone!!

I shouldn't have gone to bed early!!

The web hosting company I use has had a lot more down time lately and it seems to be getting worse.  My daily average dropped from 3300 to below 1700 visitors because of so much down time.  The average should be going up.  So I tried something new and went to bed early, just to find out all hell broke lose.  Now only part of the site is up.  If you go to www.oraqWarHeroes.org it looks fine until you click on a name.  If you go to IraqWarHeroes.com, it's all down.  That part is my fault, tried to work around one problem and it created another.  as soon as I can find a better hosting company, I'll let you know the name of this one.  I need to find another reseller type account hosting, cause I have so many different websites.

On the brighter side...

I did my mail run and received a brown envelope with a blue Luftpost sticker on it.  It contained a CD mailed to me from Susanne, another myspace friend.  The CD is titled Vicky Leandros - Sommernacht am Meer.   It has songs on it that I've never heard before from her.  Most must be from more recent years, I could tell by her voice she is getting older like me I guess.  :)

So I took a detour so I could listen  to it on my way home.  The CD has a couple of Greek songs and the rest are German.  I think the song I like the most on this set is "Fremde Zaertlichkeit".  I think the title translates to "Stranger Intimacy" .  I'm still working on it.  For those of you that don't know this singer, she sings fluently in many languages.  She was born in Greece.  My favorite song in Greek of hers is "Mono Ezee" (Well something like that.)  My Greek language skills hit bottom along with some others long time ago.  :) Para kalo!!

Tomorrow I'll be going to Vancouver WA to honor one of our Army Veterans. Steve passed away from injuries that he received when he was shot during a robbery at his place of employment this summer.  I don't know if I'll be shooting any pics or just stand in the flag line to honor him.

Life is piling up all around me....  I need a ladder....

I bid you all a great weekend!!   If you're in the Vancouver area tomorrow, come by and help honor another of our heroes.

Here is my new slogan:  "See A Vet, Thank A Vet" !!   I don't think anyone has used that before.  So, go make those bumper stickers and be sure to put in the small print credits to www.IraqWarHeroes.org .  Another bumper sticker idea of mine, in patriotic background colors and the text: "It's OK To Be An American" .  That may sound weird, but I'm amazed at how many places it seems that it's not OK.  It's sad.

You all be good!!

Q

PS.  If you like what I'm doing, consider putting me in your top 8, 16, or whatever so others will find my site.  :) >VV Dahlia Walk Part III<

12/08/07

Greetings All!!!

Today's service for Army Veteran Steven R Inman went well.  It was nice and sunny in Vancouver.

Steven served in the Vietnam War and a couple times he was the last man standing.  He's been shot by AK47's, even been stabbed by one of those bamboo things.  The word is slipping me right now.  He did a lot for this country.  and eventually died as a result of a armed robbery where a scumbag shot him where he was working.

"Police have made an arrest in a crime that outraged the community. A convenience store clerk was shot in the face, even after he'd cooperated with the robbers and given them all the money in the register."

This is not how a hero should go... he should have died of natural causes consisting of old age...

So take a moment and send some strength to his family...

I bid you all a good weekend!!  I'll be at Round Table Pizza tonight as of 1900 on SE Foster & 62nd/Holgate having me some pizza.

Q >VV Dahlia Walk Part IV<

12/10/07

Good Morning Everyone!!

Next Saturday, December 15th, 2007 will be Wreaths Across America.  I encourage you to participate if possible.

"The Wreaths Across America story began over 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery."

Here is a website for more information:  www.wreaths-across-america.org 

I'm still looking for a better, reliable, inexpensive  hosting company.  I'm having so much down time, it's pathetic.  According to my hosting company, they have users that are bringing down the servers etc. etc. 

It's wet outside, got close to freezing and then warmed up enough for more rain.  There where some snow flakes yesterday morning.

Today I'm going on a medical mission.  Gonna pick up a WWII navy Veteran and take him to some hospital and later pick him up again and return him home.  His wife is currently using a walker and can't drive him. It's a cancer related surgery.  It's about an hour each way from their place to the hospital.  That will be my good deed of the month.

I hope you all have a great week.  Do you have some emergency stuff stashed away in a water tight container(s) ?  It might also be a good idea to have a bunch of those big plastic bins and tarp in case the weather causes damage to your residence.  Just cause you're on a hill, doesn't mean you can't get flooded either.  You could be bouncing on your trampoline in the basement, hit a pipe with your head and break the pipe and water all over the place...  Got a working Flashlight?

Take care!!  Here are some spring pics. Q  >A Ducky Spring Part VI<

12/11/07

Greetings All!!

I'll be heading to Eugene Oregon(e) today. I wish you all a great day!! Q >Peony Walk, Brook OR Part III<

12/13/07

Greetings Everyone!!

I hope this day finds you all better than yesterday!

I have found another web hosting company and have started the painful slow process of uploading files for IraqWarHeroes.org .  The whole transition may take as long as over the coming weekend.  I will then start moving my other tribute sites for WWI, WWII, Korean war, Vietnam War, Operation Just Cause (Panama) plus many others.  Eventually I'll be creating over 75 accounts and re-directing more than 120 domains.

I hope, by the start of the New Year 2009 (I so want to skip next year) I'll have it all up and running. Well, that's the plan anyhow.

Don't forget this Saturday is Wreaths Across America!!

For those of you new here, please check out www.IraqWarHeroes.org / www.AfghanistanWarheroes.org which is a tribute site to our women and men that served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan and are deceased.  I also attend as many funerals as possible for our heroes and photograph them for free for the families.  Since this war started, I've been on over 200 missions.  I'm also constantly updating the site and adding photos or stories mailed in by family, relatives and friends of our heroes.  It is my mission to remind people of our heroes and who they are and I spend at least 9 hours a day working on that.

Go check it out, and if you like what I'm doing, please help me. www.IraqWarHeroes.org/help.htm  .

Hey, do you ride a motorcycle or trike or something else with less than 4 wheels? Please stay visible!!!!

Hey, do you drive a car or truck???  Assume that there is always a motorcycle out there. Please keep your eyes open and your distance!!

I hope you all have a great Thursday!!!

I know I'm forgetting something...  but I always do....  I did wash my car yesterday so my big bumper sticker is more visible. 

Q >Healing Field Salem 2006 Part I<

12/14/07

Hi All!!

It's Friday for many of you today and another day of slamming keys for me.  I'm now trying to get some IP (Internet Protocol) numbers issues resolved.  I'm playing in a new area and need to try and figure out what I'm doing as fast as possible.  I just look smart.  

OK some say I'm smart, but they usually ad one more 3 letter word to that. :)

Hey, I now have over 10,000 people on my friend's list.  So, I figure at least 14,000 have seen my banner and had a brief reminder not to forget our heroes.  So, if you all put my mug, banner or link on your page, we may remind another 33,678 more people.

Don't ask how I got that number, it was something random that just popped into my head.

If 1/3 send me a buck, my gasoline deficit would go from red to black with change for a few big macs.

Christmas is just a few days away for many of you and I know that a lot of service women and men stationed all over this planet called earth (I'm not allowed to talk about the troops stationed in outer space) are longing to be home this time of year and it doesn't matter if they even celebrate Christmas or not...  It's just that time of year....

I know you're all busy BUT, save a few minutes, instead of a 20 minute shower,. take a 5 minute shower, just rinse your arm pits or something, instead of a 10 minute smoke break , maybe just a 5 minute one,  you get my drift....  I would like you to spend 77 minutes between now and Christmas looking for people on MySpace that are in the military (Often you can tell by their green or urban camies) and tell them THANK YOU!!! Wish them a successful mission and safe return home from where ever they may be.

It's easy and before you know it, you'll have located and thanked at least 87 of them and if you're a functioning family of 4 on myspace, you could be thanking over 377 women and men serving this country to keep your (Same word as above missing) free!!

I want to thank everyone that is supporting our troops in one way or another!!!

Special thanks today to all the Marines of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines!!!!

Wishing you all a great weekend!!! 

Getting someone a gift is not worth getting into an accident!!  Slow down!!  Be aware!! Q >Lacamas Shores Walk Part IV<

12/17/07

Good Morning Everyone!!

On Friday i managed to update and add photos to 210 profiles at www.IraqWarHewroes.org .  I still have a few hundred pending in my email box.  I will do my best to be caught up by year's end.

My sites haven't moved yet.  having some DNS problems that have not been resolved yet.

On Saturday I went to Willamette National Cemetery for the Wreaths Across America event.  I appreciated everyone that made it out there, especially members of the Patriot Guard Riders that held a flag line and assisted at the cemetery.

The overall turnout was PATHETIC!!!  Not counting the PGR, there where maybe 30 people.  The event was also suppose to be held at 12noon Eastern Time and Portland for some reason chose to do it at 1pm Pacific Time.  The newspaper had the correct time at 9am Pacific Time and I guess they didn't know that it was being held at 1pm local time.  California, from what I heard so far had the correct time at 9am which is 12 EST.   Hope I didn't confuse you.

Either way, it was a PATHETIC turnout.  I can't believe that only a couple handful of people know or care about the thousands of American service women and men buried here.

Young men and women of the Civilian Air Patrol aided in this event and they all did a great job.

There was no media present and I emailed 2 of them asking if they want pics. KOIN TV 6 called me and said they want some, I send them a few but never received a response.  Had someone tape their news show but pics or the event where ever brought up.  Ch 12 they won't post any of my pics because I always request credits to be given to IraqWarHeroes.org.  I have to remind myself where I am.

Yesterday I went to PDX (Portland Airport) to welcome home a soldier.  There where about 15 of us with flags and open arms.  And we where there early... so guess what....  Every time we saw a service member, we swarmed him or her and Thanked them and welcomed them home or bid them a safe trip.  I think we ran into 9 of them before we welcomed home the one we where waiting for. THAT WAS FUN!!  I like doing that when I can.   I drove to a meeting spot and rode with someone else into the airport so I wouldn't have to find money for parking. That worked out well.  I knew the Navy was good for something.  :) (Thanks Terri)

In a few hours I'll be welcoming home another hero, but, this is the kind I don't like but do.  I along with others will be escorting another fallen hero. -Sigh-

Hey, it's the last stretch of the year..... Good time to back up your crap on your hard drive that you don't want to lose. Also a good time to replace batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, pot detectors, garage door remote control, TV remote controls and check your fire extinguishers, have large tarp and rope, stored water and cat food.  And duct tape...

I hope you all have a good week!!!   SEE A VET... THANK A VET!!!!  One of my new slogans. Well, I mean it too!!!

Q Wreaths Across America at WNC <

12/18/07

Good Morning Everyone!!

My friends at www.Salem-News.com did a write-up, link is below.  I haven't added it to my News Link yet at www.iraqWarHeroes.org .

I have another mission coming up on the 20th.  It's a Welcome Home mission.  If that's all I had to do, that would be cool.  
Welcoming home our troops is something else I encourage any of you to do if you can.  May it be one or many.

Many of our guys that came back from Vietnam remember how they where treated and not welcomed home over 30 years ago.

Imagine 30 years from now, our troops deployed in the war zone today,  remembering coming home to open arms, smiles and hugs... :)

It's not that hard and once you've done it once, twice, 3 times...

You all take care.....

Q

PS. If this link takes you back to MySpace, it's because the link is too long and myspace is miscoding it again. Then just copy the link and past it into your address bar.

Wreaths Across America Honors Oregon Veterans

by Tim Kin  Salem-News.com >http://salem-news.com/articles/december162007/q_will_nat_121607.php<

12/19/07

Seasons Greetings You All!!

So, who of my regular readers out there been busy thanking troops that are here on myspace??  I hope it's more than just 4 of you.

Yesterday I updated another 100 or so profiles, I now have less than 900 emails to go and will knock off as many as possible today after I've had some coffee and annoyed a waitress or two.

Late last night I backed up over 4GB worth of web sites.  I'm STILL waiting to resolve nameserver IP issues so I can start moving things properly.  I'm tired of so much down time.  Hell, I went down in the middle of uploading a bunch of changes yesterday.

On the good side, I have 2 home coming pending that I will attend.  One close to midnight on the 21st on one during the day on the 22nd.  We are discussing having some of us out there at all times over the holidays to welcome home troops coming in for the holidays or whatever.

I still have a few hours I'm wasting on restless sleep anyhow.  :)

Hey, want to help with my domain renewals? Below are some of the critical ones, pick one or more and renew them for me

Go to www.namesecure.com/pages/domain-renewal.jhtml  Pick one of the domains below, enter it in the 1st box and the code it gives in the second box and just follow instructions.  It will run you about $9.15 per domain, per year.

IraqWarHeros.org (That's the misspelled version which takes you to the correct one. You'd be amazed at how many misspell heroes)  

IraqWarHeroes.org, IraqWarHeroes.com, IraqWarHeroes.biz, IraqWarHeroes.net, IraqWarHeroes.info,

AfganistanWarHeroes.org, AfghanistanWarHeroes.com, 031903.com, 031903.org .  I'm not going list here over 80 domains related to my tribute sites.

I think when I have time (a different kind of time) I'll create a special page listing most of them in order of need.

Someone out there was going to do some labels for me, or just the document but don't know what happened.  If you have Microsoft Word 2000, or 2003 and know how to create labels and have label Avery 5160 as an option and a couple hours... Let me know.  It's a simple task, just time consuming.

See, there are lots of ways people can help me.  I have lots of projects.  And dough always helps make those 5 day, 3 day notices go away.

Anyhow, I need to go find food.  Here are some pics I took on a walk a couple years ago.  man, I need to find time and no rain days and go back on walks.  Who limited the day to 24 hours anyhow?

You all be good.  Q >Christmas Boat Walk 2005<

12/20/07

I just received short notice of two funerals tomorrow at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent WA.  One will be for PV1 Joshua Reitan 21. I'm in the process of making contact and don't have all the details yet, but looks like I'll be gone all day.  The 2nd will be for a veteran, don't have the details yet but it will be out at Tahoma also.

I was hoping to not to have any this week, well, I did have an escort mission the other day, and was planning on just home comings.  Now you know why I don't make any plans.  :)

I will try to make it back in time for another homecoming at the airport in Portland OR.

If any of you can make it, please do.

It would be great, if every civilian on my list here, would attend at least one service next year for one of our heroes in your area.  Yes it's depressing, it's sad, and you may not know them personally.... BUT what is your freedom worth, that others are willing to die for?

Yes it's the holiday's, and we all just want cheerful thoughts etc. etc., I understand...  but I also know that there are a bunch of people out there that are missing someone...  someone that ain't coming back.  Someone that helped assure that you can practice whatever religion and holidays that you want...

If you ever seriously want to go but can't, consider sending me the gas you saved to help keep me going.

You all take care!!! Q

12/21/07

Hi All!

It's almost 0530 on in the state between Washington and California!

I'm getting ready to head north to Tahoma National.

I bid you all a great Friday and a nice weekend!! Q >Forest Grove Walk Part I<

12/21/07

Good Night!!

It's almost 0100, that's 1 AM for you only awake 12 hour people. I just got back.

Both memorial services in Kent Washington went well.  I couldn't believe that Iraq War Heroes made it onto one of those pamphlet / program things.

Driving back in this holiday weekend rush hour was LOTS of fun.

That got even worse when I headed to the Airport.  I think there where about 20 of us there and I can't tell how many came in that we welcomed home.

Onlookers started to gather around and at one point I think we had about 80 people there. Different parents would approach us letting us know their son or daughter was also coming home...  it was a blast.

One of the last ones to come in was in BDU's and when I saw him grab his waiting girlfriend's hands, I rushed and swung around and git the time life magazine shot of his dropping to his knees, whipping out a open case with a ring and proposing to her.  His mom has my card, I'm sure that when the dust settles, they'll want those pics.

Me personally, I don't think you should get married or pop a kid until both have traveled together and visited at least 4 foreign countries.  Canada and Mexico DON'T count.  I'm not talking day trips either.  :)

Well, I need to settle down, crawl into bed a couple hours, 0500 is coming soon.

You all have a good weekend or at least try,.  See A Vet   Thank A Vet!!! Q

12/23/07

Hi All!

It's Sunday morning, wishing I was young.....

Last night I went out to the airport again.  I got a ride from a friend so I wouldn't have to find parking dough.  3 hours there and it's 9 bucks, that's like 3 happy meals.

There where only 5 of us but the crowd of curious onlookers sure grew bigger and bigger.  Some kept a distance behind barricades... cause you know... they didn't want to look like they are part of it...  You never know what USA flag toting people are up to.

I've been wanting to send you a link to a video someone emailed me.  But I couldn't remember who emailed it and the title...  so I spend about 30 minutes looking back into my big pile of emails and found it.  I think you should all watch it and just pass this post along.

www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php   Turn on your speakers also and hearing aids.

My friend and I where early, cause last night it was a madhouse on the road to the airport, so we decided to go to a Starbucks,  I told her I would buy cause she's driving and paying for parking and I knew someone dumped me 20 bucks on my starbucks card (6042 4202 2135 7271).  The first 2 where closed so we drove to the Airport and they where in the process of closing and we still got coffee.

We then sat in the main lobby facing in and every time we spotted one of them military types, we would rush them as though the TSA was coming to get them... and Thank Them...wished them a safe journey or welcomed them home.  Later we stood at the wrong gate and welcomed home a few and then to the right gate and welcomed home a few more.

I don't know if anyone is going tonight.  But I do have a small job in an hour and will have parking dough and maybe just go by myself, which is 1 more than none.  :)  INSERT: I know I'm going now and found someone else that will.

For all you new ones on myfriend's list here, it's OK to repost my postings. Most bulletins repeat in my blog here in case you missed it.  It's OK to use my pics I post links to here for personal use.  If you use for other and it makes you a profit, be sure to share.

I bid you all a great weekend!! 

Thank you to everyone serving this country! Q >Fountains, Bubblers Walk part III<

12/24/07

Good Morning All!!

Well, I went to the airport again last night and took along three generations of a family, so there where six of us.  It was a first time for them and and two of them are a couple, age 87 and 89.  An old war hero welcoming home our young men and women.

I may head out there again tonight, depending on when I get back into town tonight.

 You all have a great day!!! Q >Rose Garden Stroll Part II<

12/27/07

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I'm sitting here eating some rustic bread and cheese... simple things that keep me content and on with life.

In a couple hours I'm heading for Portland State University's Radio Station KPSU to talk about my project.  Normally I only call in, but this time they will also be shooting some video footage for their cable access show.

A couple weeks ago when I got the studded tires put on, one of the mechanics told me that my front brakes where under 10% and on Christmas Eve, during the day, the red light came on and I tried to find a place to fit me with some new pads.  I had already been looking and saving but the red light seem to make it even more urgent.  Most places where closed and I went to Les Schwab tires.  Of course they told me it could cost 300 bucks but won't necessarily be that high which told me it would be higher.  After my wait, they told me that it would be 325 and I asked if they couldn't just give me new pads.  He said they can't do that, I have to get the whole package.  I had them put my wheels back on, told them I can't afford that (That's more than I made last 2 weeks) and left.  The mechanic shook my hand and said bye.

A friend currently in southern California, soaking up the heat and hot women called to check up on me and I told him about my latest woes... 30 minutes later a mechanic from Vancouver WA called me.  I'll be seeing him tomorrow to get my brakes done.

I have a pending mission in southern Oregon on the 29th.  better braking in this crap weather will help.

Christmas Eve evening I drove to the boonies and had dinner with some long time friends.  Spotted several deer along the way.

For Christmas Day I had several dinner offers but no breakfast offers so I hung out at one of my favorite bars. Christmas Day dinner was at J&K's in Washington.  First time I've been there.  I took a couple of snapshots of stuff hanging from their tree. The food was good and I stuffed myself.  Lots of ham.  I managed to avoid turkey on another holiday. hehehehe  I did let them know I prefer Venison on Christmas Day.  Just in case a kid ever asked what I ate for Christmas.  4 more months till Hasenpfeffer huh?

I also noticed how slow their computer was running and that I couldn't get to some of my pages... so I went back the next day (yesterday) and fixed it for them.

So, now it's a little after 1400 (2pm) and it's taken me over 30 minutes to write this cause I've been busy munching on my bread and cheese. No, it's not Limburger but similar in texture.  :)

My IP problem is still not resolved, so I can't move the sites yet.

It's been a few years now, but I may have some medical coverage again starting in March.  I am curious to see how my cancer is and check after a few other problems.  After that's done, unless I'm making money, I'll cancel it.  You seen the price of medical coverage?  I thought rape was illegal but that's what they seem to do.  I often wonder if that's why there is so much alcohol abuse, cause it numbs you.  I've thought about it... can't afford the scotch I like hahahaha.

Anyhow...  just a few more days and we'll be closing another year, learning to write another date 2008.  I'm not looking forward to all the political ads and am not looking forward to how bad we as a nation are gonna get screwed after the elections.

I know, I'm not sounding real optimistic....  I just have this real longing for a real American to run for office... but .....

You all take care!!!

I need to renew domains, purchase more cards and a bunch of other things... so if you can spare a buck, you can even Paypal it to q@IraqWarHeroes.com 

I wish you all a better New Year!!! Q >J & K's Tree<

12/28/07

Good morning All!!

I'm heading out in a few to get my coffee infusion and then to Vancouver to get the front brakes done.

Looks like tomorrow morning I'll be heading to southern Oregon(e) to a place called Roseburg.

Last night I made another appearance on the Fathers & Families Show and this time instead of calling in, I was at the KPSU studio.  They also had a video camera there to play it on their cable access show.  I've helped this show for many many many years and no, I have no kids nor ever had any.

I have not created the condensed file version of the program yet, but if you have high-speed internet, you can download the 56MB file at

http://archive.kpsu.org/node/9985 .  Just click on the red Download Audio File link. I hope I didn't sound too bad.  Not a good speaker here.  If you listen to it, give me your feedback.  Feel free to share with others if you like it. :)

As I'm typing this I noticed this car commercial where people destroy their cars to have an excuse for a new one...  OK either they are ripping off the insurance customer causing me to pay more, or they are too stupid to know that there is trade in value or some poor person could use a car.  I know, they try to be funny... like those people standing around saying DUH!

I wish you all a great weekend and a better New Year!!! Q  http://archive.kpsu.org/node/9985

12/29/07

Good morning!!

It's half past 0500 and I'm about to jump out into the cold and wet morning to head to Roseburg OR to honor Army Spc Sean Tacy.

If you're in that area, I encourage you to come.

I can tell my main sites are down again.  I want to scream and throw something.....

I'm still hoping the F IP issue will get taken care of.  Don't know how many more service requests I have to submit.

Anyhow...  I bid you all a great weekend!! Q >Challenge Walk Part II<

12/31/07

It's a New Year Ahead

Greetings Everyone!!!

It's now 2008 and now for the next 12 months we have to adapt to using 7
instead of 8. (7 of 8 just popped into my head)

Every new year I hope that it will be a better one than the last one, 
and much has to do with how we focus looking back.  Do we remember 3 days
of flood or that brief helpful smile from a stranger?  Do we remember the
piles of stuff we didn't get done for ourselves or the handfuls we did get done
for someone else.

In 3 months it will be 5 years into the current conflict in Iraq &
Afghanistan and a little longer into the war on terrorism.  I will have
spent more than 10% of my life on my war heroes projects and over 70,000 miles
driving on the roads and I wonder why I'm tired.

People often ask if I'm not getting burnt out, and I told them I was a long
time ago and just haven't found the time to quit.  If every (real) American
would spend at least 3 days worth of time this new year doing something to
support our troops, our veterans. our heroes.... even if all you do is find them
and thank them .... imagine what that would do. Just 72 hours out of 8736
hours.  An hour here or there, 10 minutes here or there... or all at
once... perhaps at a center helping veterans... or a place packing stuff for our
troops... showing up at homecomings, standing tall at funerals....  
Just 3 days.....  

Let's face it.... I believe that most don't even realize that we are at war,
or just don't care because it hasn't inconvenienced them...  I think all of
them need to spend some time with a WWII War Veteran and between the fish
stories... hear and listen too all that this country did to stand behind it's
troops and support them.

My memory is not good...  but I remember all the groups in my area that
formed to support our troops, groups that would show up at memorial
services....  and I watched them mostly all vanish...  They got tired
I guess, not enough popularity, not enough press... who knows but by the end of
the 2nd year... most where gone.  Yes, some new ones came... but most are
gone.

Today I ran into a military mom who was very involved while her