Many hands enrich
Armed Forces Day events
There is never a day when the families of soldiers lost in war do
not think of their loved ones and all they mean to them.
And so it will be for the family of Army Sgt. Jason Shaffer. Yet this
day will certainly stand out for the family, thanks to the caring and
tireless efforts of many people in this community and farther afield,
in assembling the memorial service and the accompanying tribute events
in Hood River.
Shaffer, who died in Iraq on April 5, will be honored today as part
of an Armed Forces Day Tribute that has evolved into a true community
effort.
Shaffer’s wife, Kathleen, resides in Hood River with Caeden Fisher,
her young son. Kathleen will receive the Veterans Service Medal today
from the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association and an Honorable
Service Medal from Veterans of Oregon.
In addition to the numerous friends and family members at the
service, dignitaries will include Gov. Ted Kulongoski, U.S. Rep. Greg
Walden, of Hood River, Adjutant Gen. Raymond Rees, Brig. Gen. Charles
Yriarte, Sen. Rick Metsger and Rep. Patti Smith. Hood River Mayor
Linda Streich and Hood River County Commission Chair Ron Rivers will
also join the vehicle procession from downtown to Hood River Valley
High School, where the 2:30 p.m. ceremony will take place. (See page
A1 for details.)
Thanks go out to all who coordinated the event and added to it.
Overall organizer was Terri Hansen, local representative of Soldiers’
Angels.
The Shaffer service and activities at Hood River Saturday Market
are the twin foundations of the Armed Forces Tribute today. Hood River
County residents are invited to show their support for the troops by
filling care packages at Saturday Market. Airmen, sailors, soldiers
and Marines will be on the scene for a “meet and greet” from 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m.
Children coming to the market on May 19 can make cards to send with
the boxes. Pre-printed cards will also be available so adults can pen
a message.
When the dignitaries arrive at noon a bagpiper from the Portland
Police Highland Guard will perform. Following the 30-minute musical
presentation, Kulongoski, Walden and Yriarte will speak briefly.
The Highland Guard will perform traditional songs such as “Scotland
the Brave,” giving the event the stirring sense that it deserves.
What will truly enrich the service, and events at Saturday Market,
is attendance by the community at large. As Hansen put it, “Many of us
never had the privilege of meeting Sgt. Shaffer. And that makes his
sacrifice just that much more humbling,” she said. “He stepped forward
to become my defender in spite of the fact that he didn’t know me. I
think we all owe him a debt of gratitude for being willing to make
that sacrifice on our behalves.”
