| June 2008 Newsletter |
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Greetings to one and all. Let me begin by welcoming several new subscribers, I believe we had somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 join our list from just one organization alone. Here's to a hearty and warm welcome. Have you ever had a meeting or trip that you really looked forward to but that was just a little bittersweet? I had one of those this month. Some of you may remember the death of little Tony Nata last year on June 19th. I met the Nata family during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and was heavily involved in the rebuilding of their home in Slidell LA and became fast friends with the entire family. (See the May 2007 and July 2007 newsletters for details and photos at www.usecc.net) This year, for the anniversary, it was much different. So many of the folks we became acquainted with in Slidell and across the country staged a fishing rodeo in his name to benefit other children with Leukemia. Tony's Room is now official. Hundreds of entrants spent the weekend of June 22 and 23 on Lake Pontchartrain (or their secret spot) fishing for both pride and prizes. I know you are waiting for the biggest whopper tale but, God as my witness, there were some awesome fish caught. Weigh in's produced fish up to and over 50 lbs. I know you are wondering what my big catch brought in.  It was a twenty pounder, no lie, talk about a fight, I darn near messed up my back just getting that big thing in.......I'm talking about the cooler into my Explorer. Hey, I don't mind a little generosity from the folks there. I'm telling you, there's no better eating than twenty some pounds of fresh Trout and Red Fish. Especially when it's cleaned and filleted, charcoal fire, little bit of Zatterans or Tony Chacheres'. We should all have to suffer like that. HE'S THE CLOSEST THING TO A HERO Our DVD, “He's The Closest Thing To A Hero is doing very well. Let me pass on some exciting things that have been accompanying it. There have been groups, business and organizations that have “sponsored” a fire department for the DVD. In other words they have picked up the tab to send each member of the department a DVD. This has been done for department's that have experienced tragedy or loss of a fellow firefighter. The cost has ranged from $600 to $800, which is not extravagant at all. As you have heard in the news, there has been a terrible strain of bad weather this Spring and Summer that has overworked several area departments. I can't tell you what a boost to moral and an encouragement it has been for these men and women to receive this inspirational DVD. Written by professional songwriter Jimmy Whitaker and sung by my friend Frank Pizarro of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) it is a fitting tribute to all First Responders. We have several departments that have experienced loss that we would like to bless with this DVD. At present time these sponsorships range from $500 to $800. If you don't have a department in your area you would like to give a copy, PLEASE consider sponsoring one of the departments we are working with. A church, youth group, home fellowship group, civic organization or business could certainly make a big difference in reaching out to these brave first responders. Please call for more details or if you want to sponsor half we have others willing to do the same. It doesn't seem possible but we are just seven weeks away from our annual 911 outreach. This year it will be in Greensburg Kansas. Many of you remember reading of the horrible devastation the town encountered, 95% of Greensburg was totally destroyed. This year will assist in the building of a 14,000 sq ft building for the 4-H and county fair use. It will truly be something for the entire community to use and rally around. This years dates are September 4-7. There are a few spots still available, so if you are interested let me know ASAP because hotel space is sparse with the closest being 30 miles away. We will arrive Thursday and have a welcome dinner/cookout with work set to begin bright and early Friday and Saturday mornings. We will be treated to a bar-b-q and rodeo Friday and Saturday evenings.
This is already the middle of July and the middle of 2008, time is flying by so fast. It was no time at all that we were shoveling mountains of snow from our driveways. Remember this???????? Remember, the Joy of the Lord is our strength, if you are trying to do it all on your own, it will be a long haul. Give it to God, He's already carrying us as it is, we just don't realize it. Thanks for all the love and support, be a part of things with us at USECC, and may God's richest blessings rest on you. Until next time, I'll be ............................ Responding to the Call.....................Chaplain Steve |
