|
|
|
Redwood Falls, Minn. —
Over the weekend I had the privilege of sitting down for a few minutes with a Vietnam veteran and member of my extended family. He told me about his experience on the front lines, and afterward I told him how much respect I have for men like him who served their country.
I have always made saying thanks to veterans a priority and try my best, especially during Veterans Day and Memorial Day, to let them know they are appreciated. Yet, I also have come to recognize just saying words of thanks is not enough.
Which is why I am officially announcing my involvement in the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign. While I have not yet filled out the contact information for the committee, I am publicly stating I am willing to do whatever I can to help out these veterans, past, present and future, as well as their families in whatever way I can.
It is truly the least I can do.
While I have very little talent to offer, as I can’t really fix cars and have very little handiwork ability, I am willing to offer myself as a grunt to do the behind the scenes work to help people out.
As I was reading Joshua’s story about how the community came together to help out Marty Caraway I became convinced I could do that. Getting in and getting dirty is something I can do.
I can also offer other services, such as shoveling snow, mowing lawn and I am even willing to babysit kids if that is what people need. I may not be able to replace water heaters or fix garage doors, but I can offer physical labor. While they may not know it yet, the Krause clan is officially being recruited to help, too. That means the Krause boys are going to help with that grunt work and the Krause females are going to be involved. The family and I are going to talk specifically about how we as a family can help others through the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign.
I attended a meeting in Wabasso July 27 and heard more about the program.
Also, if you have someone you know needs help you can contact me through the Gazette by calling our phone number or sending me an e-mail at editor@redwoodfallsgazette.com.
I am looking forward to getting more involved with this program, and I want to encourage you to do the same. I am confident you have much more you can offer than even I can. So, put your talents and expertise to good use by making a commitment to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
Over the weekend I had the privilege of sitting down for a few minutes with a Vietnam veteran and member of my extended family. He told me about his experience on the front lines, and afterward I told him how much respect I have for men like him who served their country.
I have always made saying thanks to veterans a priority and try my best, especially during Veterans Day and Memorial Day, to let them know they are appreciated. Yet, I also have come to recognize just saying words of thanks is not enough.
Which is why I am officially announcing my involvement in the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign. While I have not yet filled out the contact information for the committee, I am publicly stating I am willing to do whatever I can to help out these veterans, past, present and future, as well as their families in whatever way I can.
It is truly the least I can do.
While I have very little talent to offer, as I can’t really fix cars and have very little handiwork ability, I am willing to offer myself as a grunt to do the behind the scenes work to help people out.
As I was reading Joshua’s story about how the community came together to help out Marty Caraway I became convinced I could do that. Getting in and getting dirty is something I can do.
I can also offer other services, such as shoveling snow, mowing lawn and I am even willing to babysit kids if that is what people need. I may not be able to replace water heaters or fix garage doors, but I can offer physical labor. While they may not know it yet, the Krause clan is officially being recruited to help, too. That means the Krause boys are going to help with that grunt work and the Krause females are going to be involved. The family and I are going to talk specifically about how we as a family can help others through the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign.
I attended a meeting in Wabasso July 27 and heard more about the program.
Also, if you have someone you know needs help you can contact me through the Gazette by calling our phone number or sending me an e-mail at editor@redwoodfallsgazette.com.
I am looking forward to getting more involved with this program, and I want to encourage you to do the same. I am confident you have much more you can offer than even I can. So, put your talents and expertise to good use by making a commitment to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
…
I’ve always considered myself to be a patriotic person, which is why I was so impressed with what I experienced this past Thursday morning.
Having arrived on the grounds of Farmfest before 8 a.m. to do an interview, I found myself with myriad others standing for a brief moment to hear The National Anthem as the day’s events officially began. I have stood for the nation’s anthem at athletic events and even a combine derby, but never would have thought about hearing it at a farm show.
That was a great way to start my day, and I commend those who were behind what I hope is a longstanding Farmfest tradition.
