The memorial service for Army Sgt. Jason Shaffer at Hood River Valley High School is still two weeks away — but the community is already hard at work.

“I am so proud of all the efforts being made in Hood River County by so many individuals,” said Terri Hansen, the local representative for Soldiers’ Angels.

“I think we, as a community, really want to pay respects to this soldier. He put on a uniform to become our defender and made the ultimate sacrifice.”

On Thursday evening, the Upper Valley Lions Club met in Parkdale to map out their involvement. The organization is enlisting help from sister clubs to deal with parking for the ceremony that beings at 2:30 p.m. on May 19. They are also enlisting citizen support for a flag line that will extend from the front entrance to the gymnasium. Motorcycle groups from across the state will hold American flags and circle the building.

All residents in the county are invited to attend the service. Also on the guest line is: Gov. Ted Kulongoski, Congressman Greg Walden, Brigadier Gen. Charles Yriate, Rep. Patti Smith and Sen. Rick Metsger.

Meanwhile, employees at EMBARQ are planning a menu for hundreds of people. The company where Sgt. Shaffer’s widow, Kathleen, works is providing food for visiting dignitaries and representatives from 27 biker groups.

The Hood River City Police and Hood River County Sheriff’s Office are providing logistical support for a processional from the waterfront to the high school. The parade begins at 1:15 p.m. and includes hundreds of bikers brought by the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association, and dozens of emergency service vehicles and Humvees.