4x4 Enthusiasts Combine Recreation and Lifesaving Skills to Help Others (SLIDESHOW)

Every once in a while, things line up just right for the benefit of all.

Photos by Q Madp IraqWarheroes.org

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Earlier this month I went to the Sandy, Oregon area with a friend named Noah Patraw, one of those guys who loves driving a 4x4 off road. As we all know, there are many people with a similar enthusiasm in this state.

And then there are those that love to drive 4x4's and use this skill and love for the terrain to assist the community in searching for and rescuing people.

Today, many came out to search along the Sandy River to continue search for a 55 year old man that was swept down the river the day before.

Some of the volunteers walked the riverside, and some used binoculars to search the river and surrounding areas for anything unusual and out of place.

Some act as communications center and relays, carrying a variety of radios to communicate with a variety of volunteers.

Two memorable people I had the pleasure of meeting are Ken Nelson and Renee Pierson. They are also with the Volunteer Trail Patrol 4x4, helping to keep our trails safer for it's visitors, campers, etc.

Their rig is equipped with a variety of tools and aids of all kinds from well equipped first aid kits to climbing gear and lots of communication gear.

Photos by Q Madp IraqWarheroes.org

Become a volunteer!! Check with your local C.E.R.T. (CERT : Community Emergency Response Teams:)

Here are some ideas for Oregon residents:

In Clackamas County: Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue

In Lane County: Lane County Sheriff's Search & Rescue

In Marion County: Marion County

In Tillamook County: Tillamook County Sheriff - Search & Rescue

In Washington County: Washington Search and Rescue Resources

Western Cave Rescue: Cave Rescue in the Western Region

So, let me get to the point of all this.....

THANK YOU SEARCH AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERS!!!!

Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving!

To learn more, please visit: IraqWarHeroes.org

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Q Madp is a person who has dedicated his life to preserving the integrity of those who have died fighting for their nation overseas. This is a person who has wrapped his entire life around his efforts to preserve the legacies of people who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as during other conflicts. He doesn’t think their deaths should go unrecognized, and he is right.

Q is a photographer and he has his work cut out for him as the self-appointed unofficial photographer of NW military funerals. He travels to services and he is constantly on the move. When he isn’t driving or shooting pictures, Q spends his time researching combat statistics and adding names to the vast list that he hopes will eventually include every American lost in the combat theaters and every other allied soldier as well. His Website is easy to remember, IraqWarHeroes.org is a place of memories for thousands of families who have lost a loved one.