Keizer Chamber Hosts Veteran and Local Hero Tribute Luncheon

A special tribute to veterans of war, United States armed services, the Oregon National Guard, and local Heroes from Keizer, Salem, Marion County Sheriff’s Office

(KEIZER) - Veterans and local heroes were honored for their dedication and service Wednesday at McNary High School.

The Keizer Chamber of Commerce brought together members of the Keizer Police Department, Keizer Fire Department, Salem Police Department, local veterans and community members for a very special event.

McNary High School FBLA students were on hand to help with the ceremony, as veterans and local heroes were introduced.

John Baker, one of the speakers, talked about how he became involved in contributing to our men and women serving in the Armed Forces. John said that it all started for him when he asked a friend, “What can I do to help?”

From that one question, an entire program was born. John spearheaded the creation of “Operation Love Boxes For Our Troops”, which has sent thousands of care packages to our troops who are serving overseas filled everything from candy to toiletries. John has enlisted the help of family, churches, schools, businesses and community members. In return, Love Boxes has received many letters of a deep appreciation and gratitude for making a difference to so many.

Oregon citizens have stepped up to the plate when it has come to showing our appreciation to our troops serving our country. John Baker and his care packages are putting smiles on many faces overseas. Clay and MJ Kesterson are two integral forces in the AFGHAN-IRAQI FREEDOM WAR MEMORIAL, dedicated to Oregon fallen soldiers, to be unveiled this Saturday. Salem-News.com’s own Tim King is en route to Afghanistan to embed with the 41st Combat Brigade to cover personal stories from the soldiers and civilians who are disconnected from their families and loved ones. These few are just a small example of what Oregonians are already doing, but we can do more.

Our veterans served valiantly, and the Keizer Chamber’s luncheon reminded attendees that it is our duty to return the favor. To now, valiantly, thank them. For their service, their bravery, their sacrifices. All, not to be forgotten.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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Joey K. November 14, 2006 7:59 am (Pacific time)

Ralph, thanks for the info...I just scrolled down the page and came across some interesting info:Depleted uranium is the garbage left from producing enriched uranium for nuclear weapons and energy plants. It is 60 percent as radioactive as natural uranium. The United States has an estimated 1.5 billion pounds of it, sitting in hazardous waste storage sites across the country. Meaning it is plentiful and cheap as well as highly effective. Who are the one's with weapons of mass destruction and are useing their own terrorists to spread them now? Americans, soldiers for the militia or soldiers for your own pocket books, wake up! You can no more give glory to "war heroes" when you wake up to the facts of what they are doing...spreading weapons of mass destruction...they WILL kill us all the way they are fighting. Sorry, I don't see them as heroes, they're more like foes, in denial of it themselves or simply braiwashed zombies.

Donna November 13, 2006 8:02 am (Pacific time)

If these men and woman are not high ranking freemasons than they don't even have a clue what the goal of their leaders really is. They're fighting is ultimately going to cost all of us our own lives.

Kurt Huckee November 12, 2006 8:57 pm (Pacific time)

Louise, You should study the Rothchilds and the financing of war for the gain of private interests. Troops are used just like toy soldiers. You need to study higher up the ladder to understand the link between money, global banking and industrialists. No one is assuring your safety and freedom. In the very near future, if not now, you will find out what I mean. Global economic collapse is already in action. I suggest you put as much money into things like gold as possible (and I don't mean jewelry). You must believe that there is some magic out there that gives a damn about the likes of you or I. Industrialists will sell you for less than the chemicals in your body. If they still put gold in teeth, they would sell you for that. There are no countries, only the global elite. Do some homework for Christ sake and stop watching crap like "Sex in the City".

Louise November 12, 2006 3:55 pm (Pacific time)

We are forever indebted to our troops for assuring our safety and freedom. Thank you, Sterling, for this story.

Kurt Hucke November 12, 2006 9:30 am (Pacific time)

Everyone is a hero! Andy of Mayberry is my hero. What about French, German, British, Japanese, Turkish soldiers, are they not heros? To hell with all this garbage.

T Samuel November 10, 2006 11:19 am (Pacific time)

Congratulations to Sterling on his debut article. Well done!

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