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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'>Ladies and Gentlemen,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'>Many of you recall when the North Texas PGR escorted the 2-149<sup>th</sup>
Aviation Regiment from their armory in Grand Prairie northbound on the first
leg of their deployment toward Fort Sill to Iraq last year. Many of you
also remember the very sad duty we had as we received back home 3 members of
that unit after the tragic helicopter crash in Iraq that claimed the lives of
the 7 crew members of “Red River 44” during a mission there.
Those honor missions will remain fresh in many of our minds for a very long
time. Those present at the airports as the transport plane arrived will, I’m
sure, not soon forget the sight of the plane landing and the Texas flag
emerging from the top of the plane as it came down the runway bringing its
precious cargo home to the waiting family and friends. I know that we all
look forward to the time, hopefully in the not too distant future, when we can
once again mount up and meet those busses and escort them back to the armory
for the reuniting of those troops and their families. The North Texas PGR
has come to have a sort of special connection with that unit and its Rear
Detachment Commander, Captain Randy Stillinger. Captain Stillinger has
sent an e-mail and given me permission to post it to all of our riders
regarding a memorial park they are planning for the crew members of Red River
44. This is for your information only and any action you take is strictly
voluntary. The North Texas PGR has already committed to donating $200.00
for a park bench for the project and a check has gone out for the contribution
to this worthwhile project. His e-mail was addressed to “2-149<sup>th</sup>
Soldiers, Families and Friends” and I’m sure glad he included us in
that group.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'>Thanks to all of you for all you do each and every day to support
the ongoing mission of the PGR. Without you, nothing happens.
Without you, the mission stops dead in its tracks. Without you, we don’t
exist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'>Captain Stillinger’s message is below and the attachment to
which he refers is attached to this message.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'>Steve Lucas<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'>Deputy State Captain<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'>North Texas PGR<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>2-149th Soldiers, Families and Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>When we lost seven soldiers on September 17th, we faced several
challenges. As we get closer to the end of the deployment for the
2-149th, we are faced with another challenge: How to celebrate the return
of the battalion while remembering and honoring the sacrifice of the crew of
Red River 44. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>We’ve come up with a plan for a very special weekend that
will take place in September. Right now we are coordinating a special
homecoming celebration on Saturday the 12th and a Red River 44 memorial service
the following Sunday morning. We are hoping that the combination of
events will accomplish our dual mission of honoring both service and
sacrifice. Look for more information on this weekend in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>We also want to build a memorial park here in Grand Prairie in
honor of our seven soldiers. It will be situated in a location that
overlooks the flightline and will be a concept that is simple yet
symbolic. There will be seven park benches under seven trees that
surround a memorial marker and bronze Soldier’s Cross. The benches
and memorial marker will sit on top of Tuscan style pavers, which you will have
the opportunity to engrave a message upon. Flowers, shrubs, and mulch
will be used to add to the feel of a park. See the attached sketch of the
proposed park.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>I have attached a concept sketch so you can get an idea of what we
are looking at doing. We are also consulting with the Red River 44
families to ensure that their soldiers are honored appropriately. We are
hoping to have this complete by the September 13th memorial service so we can
dedicate it at that time, but we need your help now so construction can begin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>Although Home Depot and Pavestone are helping us defray costs, we
are doing a fundraiser in conjunction with the 2-149th FRG to pay the costs of
the memorial park. We are hoping to raise over $15,000 in the next month
or so to pay for this fitting tribute to our fallen heroes. The amount of
money raised will determine what type of memorial marker centerpiece we can
afford. Our goal of $15,000 will take care of all park expenses and
ensure a fitting marker dedicated to the crew of Red River 44. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>For this fundraiser, the FRG is accepting donations for the
following items:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>• $200.00 for each of the seven trees<br>
• $200.00 for each of the seven park benches<br>
• $70.00 for one 12x12-inch Tuscan paver with the words of your
choice engraved on it<br>
• $25.00 for one 12x12-inch Tuscan paver with no engraving<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>While we have listed prices of individual items, donations of any
amount are always appreciated. Cash and checks made out to the
“2-149th Family Readiness Group” can be sent to: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>2-149th Family Readiness Group<br>
c/o CPT Randy Stillinger<br>
1013 Lakecrest Drive<br>
Grand Prairie, TX 75051<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>You can also go to any Bank of America to make a donation.
The FRG has an account named “2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Family
Readiness Group.” It is account #004797451337. If you do
this, please let us know via e-mail so we can track your donations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>While the FRG is accepting donations right away, please reply to
let me know if you would like to pledge a certain amount or donate a tree,
bench, or paving stones. Please reply or send an e-mail to <a
href="blockedmailto:randall.stillinger@us.army.mil">randall.stillinger@us.army.mil</a>
if you would like to make a pledge. For those that would like to have a
paving stone engraved, we will have more information on how to do that in a
future e-mail. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>I appreciate any and all donations that you can make to this very
worthy cause, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the dedication
ceremony.<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>CPT Randy Stillinger<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>Rear Detachment Commander <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>2-149th Aviation Regiment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'>512-782-3617<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Classification: <b><u>UNCLASSIFIED</u></b></span>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";
color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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