A while back I posted about my good friend serving in Afghanistan, who would be bringing home with him anmd American flag flown in combat, to give to Camp Wilderness. Well thanks to God wathcing out for him, he returned homke safely to us a couple weeks ago.The night he got back here to Michigan on leave, he came over to the house, and as he had promised, presented to me a crisply folded American Flag, along with the certificate bearing the mission and crew names who flew this flag into combat.
To me, seeing my friend home safely, nad seeing this flag left me speechless and humbly honored. The flag will be proudly hoisted up the flagpole at Camp Wilderness, to honor those who have served, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Enduring Freedom. The othet thing about it is, Jameson will be the one to raise that flag at Camp, as he is taking leave to come bne part of this summers Camp Wilderness.
It was good to spend time with him while he was home, tossing back a few beers over a good steak dinner. He needed to unwind, and unload a bit after his tour in combat. We talked about what he did and went through while there, and he, not unlike every other service man and woman in theatre, bore an incredible service to our country. I for one am grateful that we have young people in this country willing to bear the cost every day.
Not to be outdone, I also had a special gift for him. I’ve had it since June, but cannot take full credit for it, as there are a couple dozen fine folks who made it happen. I was just the catalyst to get it started. Let me first give a little background to this surprise, so you may begin to understand the value of his surprise.
AS I had posted in the past, Jameson has always pitched in to help Benefit4Kids since he was just a young boy. That is how I got to know him. Anyway, as the story goes, every year at the B4K shoot/fundraising weekend, a very special custom longbow is auctioned off. This bow is only available at this type of venue, and connot be bought in any other manner. The bow, a Thunderstick Arrow Inlay longbow, brings a typically hefty price, which is used to fund Outdoor Wish trips for terminally ill kids. The bowyer who makes them, Jim Reynolds, has supported B4K for many years by donation of these wonderfully longbows for the auction.
This was the first year Jameson was not in attendance, as he was busy serving in Afghanistan. As I was seting up the tables with auction items, I was struck with an idea. I conspired with our aucioneer and longtime supporter to see how many people we could get to pledge $50- $100 each, and see if we could win the bow in the auction, and present it to Jameson upon his return as a thank you for his service to B4K, and to our country. In short order, Kenm and I had pledges from a bunch of people, and the stage was set. we ended up getting the winning bid, which broke all records for the price this bow would bring to B4K, and jameson had his surprise. All told, we raised around $1,900 for B4K. A few others also threw in a dozen arrows, a bow sock, back quiver, and target to go with the bow.
So, after Jameson had given me the flag for Camp Wilderness, I informed hjim of a surprise we had for him. As I gave him the bow, and told him the story, that tough ol’ Marine was pretty speechless. It was a good way for him to start out a couple weeks leave time at home. We spent the evening tossing back a few beers, and even found time to shoot a few arrows.
He’s on his way back to duty, who knows what tomorrow’s call will be. But we’re glad to see him home safely.
Thanks Bro, for all you’ve done, and continue to do.
