Marty Horn:

FYI - All who donate in memory of Rick, no matter the amount, will be sent cards so they can send to Bob if they wish...

How do we specifiy if a donation is being made in memory of Rick? 

Easy - use the comments box when you do the online donation...

We have also made a donation in memory of Rick and all of those lost in the Korengal. God Speed.

Bob,

I was really worried too when we heard intruders were coming to Matthew's service, but please know the PGR will surround themselves around you like guardian angels.  We had people tell us about things that happened but we never saw it and only heard one motorcycle covering up "noise".  That is their desire...that you never know the intruders were there.  They are the nicest people and treat you with so much respect.

 I just got home from Rick's burial service....and I stopped to pick up some of Rick's favorite veggie for dinner. MEAT PIZZA! lol. Thanks Bob for giving us a wonderful man to think about every time we chow down on a slice!

Mmmmmmmm it smells soooooooo good in the oven. I hear the timer beep, gotta go!!!!

Bob and family,

I have make this promise to those soldiers who I am priviledged to meet and I am making this promise to you as well. I will never, ever take my freedoms for granted ever again. The price is paid in blood, sweat and tears and should never be taken for granted. 

Rick's service to country will never be forgotten.

ricksdad:

I feel just because Rick is no longer there,

Bawbage

Rick is there.  He is there in the hearts and minds of every Viper, especially 2nd Platoon.   Always will be.  I personally know one soldier who will keep Rick's memory alive as long as he lives.

We're here for you Bob.  There are no words to ease the pain or express the gratitude for your sacrifice.  Wish there were.

I think most everyone has recvd word that official Viper co. mail cutoff is announced as May 20. Looking back thru the thread i do not remember where I got 4/15 as cutoff, if it was one specific firebase or contact but my impression was it would apply to all. Sorry if i caused any confusion. Word from the contacts is mail has virtually stopped arriving at Vegas so, just an opinion, theres some risk still sending there that you'll get it back. I have packages out from early March still not there. Maybe ask your contact if he's there? I sent some mail to the KOP on 4/11 that arrived today. Holy cow!!!! So personally, I'm going to send off again there this weekend!! Dunno about May 20th in practice.

Opinions from those in the know????

KOP contacts.... Halase, Adams, ?? Jo who else? All i know is I'm soooooo glad to have more time!! ............welllll actually, wish we were out of time and they were home already!!!

Shelly

 Hooray! I sent a "late" package (yeah yeah I'm the disobedient type) hoping it would still get through. Glad to hear it still stands a chance. Thanks for the update...might have to sneak another box out too :)

Hi all, 

I personally am using 4/30 as a cut off, although the pkges I mailed 4/13 from NY made it to the KOP yesterday. That is HIGHLY unusual though! I have stopped sending to Vegas, they still have not received all their mail. I would only use Halase as a contact right now. Adams is the one who originally told me the 4/15 cut-off date, so he may have a different mail situation. I'm sure if you include a note to Steve Halase, he will share with his whole platoon, who by the way, were the guys highlighted in the recent NY Times articles.

On another note-

Douglas MacArthur Leadership Awards recipients were announced last month-

Congratulations to Viper Company C-O Captain Jimmy Howell !!! This is a well-deserved award! And since the mail is still getting thru...wouldn't it be nice to send Cpt Howell some congratulations cards???

All my best,

Joanne

So, just to be clear - bc I am confused - I have a contact at Vegas - his leave by date is 7 Sept.  Should I consider May 20 as the absolute last send by date?  does this apply for all contacts at Vegas?

3-1 ID Memorial Service to be held at Iron Horse Memorial Chapel, Fr Hood, TEXAS.   Building 37012, 15 May 2009 at 1100hrs.   Rick DeWater will be remembered at this service.

 Hello all !!

I would just like to  extend to each and everyone of you my deepest and most heartfelt thanx for all your well wishes and sympathy in this  so very difficult time for me and my family.     to the few i have met, and to the ones i will one day meet,  I toast you all !!  

Again, thank you all so very much !!

Bawbage 

Hi Bob, glad to see you here! I am sending one of my last pkges to Rick's buddies-pizza kit with toppings in Rick's honor. Hopefully they can figure it out. Please let me know if you need anything.

All my best,

Joanne

Hi Bob!

I am so glad to see you in the forum.    I hope that you really do know how many people care about you, and that you reach out to us whenever you need a shoulder, a friend, a {{{{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}}}}.  (lots of them, I am sure...)

As I drove through Oregon on Saturday, every flag I saw was being flown at half mast.  I thought to myself that, although the person that raised the flag that morning may not have know Rick personally, that person knew that our country was honoring our fallen soldier.  Your son.  And, with your permission, our son...  My cousin lives in La Grande, and she is sending me an article about Rick.  Congressmen, Governors, Generals, Moms, Dads... and my sons all know and honor your son.   Rick will live forever in my memory as a great American hero.

The Patriot Guard Riders were incredible.  What a tribute to our country's warriors.  I can see you riding with them!    (With your Any Soldier guardian bell!!!)

I am confident that you will live a life that will forever reflect the ultimate sacrifice a father has made, and one that will honor your son's memory...

With love,

Kaylynn