Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Mother Natures Fury..

Loyal EAGLE listener, Peggy Crom and her family lose their home in HWY 30 landslide... They had started to clean up and re-built their lives after last week's storms, only to lose it all anyway....


Yesterday while broadcasting the EAGLE COUNTRY CAFE, live, from Lum's Auto in Astoria, I was informed by Tom Freel of our sister station, KAST AM, that HWY 30 was closed, due to a landslide. I relayed what information we had concerning HWY closures and alternate routes, to our listeners. I was about ready to wrap up the show, when I received a call at Lum's. When I answered the phone, I heard a voice on the other end that stated, "that landslide on highway 30 wasn't just a landslide, it's our house in the middle of the road." It was Ian talking… Ian and Peggy longtime listeners of the EAGLE. Ian went on to tell me that a log jam gave way and that the debris and water behind it, completely washed away their home. He also wanted us to pass along to our listeners, that motorist's were being turned around at Westport due to the massive slide and a gas leak.... His mom and dad were ok. He was too. Thank God. My heart broke for Ian and his family.


It was only Monday morning that Ian's mom, Peggy, stopped by to show me pictures of the devastation their home sustained during the Coastal Storm last week. I had looked at the pictures in awe and again, was reminded how little damage my home had sustained, even with some broken windows and much of my roof missing. Peggy's pictures showed a home full of water and mud. Vehicles in water up to the windows. My heart went out to them then and now, I am speechless...

Below: Don and Ian outside thier home last week, following the Coastal Storms...


Peggy, her husband and her son, Ian, are hard working, every day people. Even though they have struggled themselves, they have gone out of their way to help others. Last year they donated over 100 cans of food to a food drive the EAGLE was helping promote. They have been donating again, this year, to the same food drive.


Peggy and Ian, are regular listeners and callers to the EAGLE COUNTRY CAFE. An all request lunch hour on The EAGLE...... I got a kick out of Ian calling in one day especially... he had gotten new speakers in his truck and had to 'try them out'.! He asked me to play some, 'rock’ in country songs'.... I played him one, but then people kept calling in all hour, dedicating songs to Ian. Songs THEY thought would be good for Ian to play, nice and loud, through those new speakers!

This past year, Peggy and Ian were thrilled when they won tickets and backstage passes to the Jason Aldean Concert sponsored by the EAGLE. Truly thankful, it was great to see them have such a good time.


Peggy and Ian deliver newspapers in the early mornings. During stormy and icy weather, along with other EAGLE listeners, Peggy and Ian call in to let me know of dangerous road conditions, concerned for others and their safety. I pass along that information to our listeners and it has been another show of how our listeners, come together and watch out for each other.

Coming together…something our Community has done especially well this past week when we all had to ride out the devastating storms. We’ve checked on our neighbors, families and friends... we've come together to share bits and pieces of information in hopes of helping others. Even our NNB crew here at the station, not only worked together as a team, but as a family.
I ask you during this time in your prayers, include Peggy, Ian and their family… I watched the news last night with breath held, at the coverage of the HWY 30 landslide ……again…watching mother natures fury.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Reflections of Christmas..and Thanks


Oh, my it has been a long time since I have written. I promise to do better! SO much has gone on in the past 6 months!

I listen to Christmas songs, as it gets busy here at the station and enjoy getting the EAGLE's list of Christmas songs ready to play each year. I truly feel Christmas spirit is captured and passed along, perfectly, in song. Through the words and music we hear, with humor, dreams of home and family, songs about the birth of Christ and just good old, feel good, Santa songs. Fun songs. Christmas songs hold so much and I LOVE that!

We get ready for the holidays and I tend to reflect on a lifetime of Christmas memories. SO many of the my memories aren't about gifts bought from the store. They are precious memories of family, friends, the smells and traditions of Christmas. My 'song' of the holidays. the past present and future.

My most vivid memory is of my dad reading the Christmas story every year from the Bible. He also, would read us the story of The Little Match Girl. A tale by Hans Christian Anderson. This story succeeded, in relating to us, as children, how BLESSED we truly were. Christmas was NOT about how many presents someone got. It was about each other.

The Little Match Girl is the story of a little girl who has to sell matches, because her family needs the money. She instead uses the matches, one by one, to stay warm, until there are no more...a poor little girl, bareheaded, and with naked feet, in the cold on a dark street. She crept along trembling with cold and hunger--a very picture of sorrow. What was it like after all to look into a window and see the warmth and laughter of a family together at Christmas? To this day, I find myself peering out my window into the darkness and envision the little girl...it brings me to a place of true thankfulness.

Days will go by and just as I start to 'slip', in remembering to be thankful, it seems I am reminded, of what Christmas should be TRULY about. Whether it's something my child has said or some act of kindness I observe, it's always just as I start to feel bad about not being able to BUY this or that, having focused on what Christmas ISN'T about, even if only for a moment.

I am brought to the realization, someone ALWAYS has it worse and we must be thankful for what we DO have and try to give to those that don't. Even a smile, can do wonders. After all, a smile is free and something always welcomed this time of the year!

This year, I was shown the beauty of giving, by our EAGLE listeners. One listener especially. We have been collecting non-perishable food items for TJ Auto Repair's Annual Christmas food drive. TJ's helps feed families each year. This year on the eve of Thanksgiving, A woman heard us on the radio talking about feeding families and asking our listeners for their help. We did the show from TJ's. I left and later that night received a phone call from Katrina at TJ's. She said she had to share what happened after I left and wanted to pass along the Thanksgiving cheer.

A man had stopped by TJ's, for his sister, Liz. Liz didn't want to wait until Christmas to help...She sent her brother to TJ's with not only a turkey for a family in need, but everything to go with it! The turkey, stuffing, salt & pepper, the roasting pan, foil. EVERYTHING needed to prepare and have a wonderful Thanksgiving meal! This act of kindness was so touching... especially after I heard the rest of the story..

Katrina called the Women's resource Center, who was thrilled for the phone call. Apparently, they had already dispersed the donations they received to families in need. BUT they had received a phone call from a women that morning, who was in tears. This woman had 3 young children and no meal for Thanksgiving. The women's Resource Center took her number, just in case. Because of this ONE EAGLE listener's thoughtfulness and generosity, The woman and her children were contacted and received the Thanksgiving meal and everything to prepare it with!

Who knows where peoples paths in life takes them, or what things change a heart. Maybe this act of kindness meant more than anyone of us will know, to this mother. Possibly, giving her a new faith in people or a renewed spirit of the holidays? One thing in which I am confident. This woman, no matter where her life is, or the daily struggles she has, for a day, a moment, she could enjoy peace. She could watch her children eat, laugh and smile. This thought, certainly, renewed MY spirit.

The holidays shouldn't be lost in the money and material trappings, but instead, be encompassed with love, faith and joy. We spend money every year on things that will be put on a shelf, broken or forgotten.

This year, spend a little on food and donate it. Purchase a gift for a child. A gift for a child who would otherwise not receive one.

Bring the magic and spirit of Christmas to someone who's life it will REALLY touch. That, my friends, is a gift that will NEVER be forgotten, put on a shelf or broken.

Remember the Little Match Girl. Remember HER 'song'.

An act of kindness not only affects the life of the ones who receive, but of those who give. And, for those who observe such self-LESS-ness of one, and joy of another, is in itself, a priceless gift. For that I am thankful.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

UPDATE on WAYCROSS



WAYCROSS -New Hotshot Artists
(To read more and see NINETEEN video- scroll down blog)

After my interview with WAYCROSS, We've kept in touch...here are some exerpts from their Blog at
www.myspace.com/waycross!! They have quite the 'buzz' going and some very exciting meetings coming up....EAGLE listeners have contacted them with touching stories and thanks for the amazing song.. "NINETEEN"

Thursday, May 24, 2007
On Air w/ Sonja on Eagle 103.9 FM
This morning we got to do an on-air interview w/ Sonja on Eagle 103.9 in Astoria, Oregon. It was awesome being able to talk about what "Nineteen" means to us and getting to hear how it is affecting listeners. .
Sonja has 19 year old son who is a Marine and will soon be going to Iraq to serve our country. She was the first person to contact us after hearing "Nineteen" on The After Midnite w/ Blair Garner Program. She's been a huge supporter of Waycross and "Nineteen" so thank you her and The Eagle.


Friday, July 06, 2007 -Waycross on GAC Friday
We found out last Friday that the video for "Nineteen" is getting put into the rotation on GAC. As if this news wasn't good enough, we got a call Monday and were invited to be part of an interview segment on GAC called "On The Streets" hosted by Suzanne Alexander. The show is awesome and focuses on new and upcoming artists and new videos.
We did the interview on July 3rd and it will start airing on GAC July 17th. It was an incredible honor to be invited to be a part of "On The Streets" and even more of an honor to get to meet Suzanne and the rest of the crew that make things happen there.
Thanks GAC for inviting us on the show and for spreading the message of our song "Nineteen"! You guys are awesome!
Video premieres on Tues. July 10th at 8:27am!


Tuesday, July 03, 2007 -
Waycross in Country Weekly Magazine!
We just found out that we will be in the July 30th Edition of Country Weekly Magazine which will be available on July 16th.
All we know so far is that there will be a picture of us with some kind of write-up about what's going on w/ our music. We're just pumped to be in there at all.
Big thanks to Larry Holden and everybody at Country Weekly!!


Monday, June 25, 2007 -
Hot Shot Debut in Billboard Magazine and R&R
In the June 30th edition of Billboard Magazine, Waycross was featured as the Hot Shot Debut and entered the charts at #58. It had our picture beside the chart information and also a little blurb about the song and its success. Ben and I would like to thank radio for hearing the message of this song and playing "Nineteen" even though we don't have a record label behind us. We would also like to thank Dreamcatcher Management for believing in us. This is a cool moment for Ben and myself to see this unfold.
...

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

STEVE HOLY IN CONCERT - JULY 26th !!

STEVE HOLY
"....Steve's engaging stage performance alone has created a loyal following. Although, his primary objective is to connect with them on an up-close and personal basis, he naturally and unconsciously dazzles fans and listeners alike, capturing them immediately. Steve Holy is charming, charismatic and captivating...."
When I met Steve at a show in Portland with Mississippi brother, Steve Azar, Sarah Buxton and Ashley Monroe, I was so impressed and thrilled to watch Steve Holy perform. He is a great performer and all around artist.
His brand new single is, "Men Buy The Drinks" is upbeat and fun....to find out more about Steve's success, singles, hits and CD's...check out his website.
I saw him a few months ago at CRS in Nashville and he was excited THEN to come play for all of us in EAGLE COUNTRY

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

MEMORIAL DAY HISTORY-Slideshow... WAYCROSS '19'

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS...LET'S NOT FORGET



Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. was 1866 and the United States was recovering from the long and bloody Civil War between the North and the South. Surviving soldiers came home, some with missing limbs, and all with stories to tell.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery


BELOW IS A TRIBUTE TO THE SACRIFICE OUR YOUNG MEN & WOMEN HAVE FREELY GIVEN FOR OUR COUNTRY...

THE SONG IS PERFORMED BY THE DUO 'WAYCROSS' ...I PUT TOGETHER THE SLIDE SHOW AND YOU MAY RECOGNIZE SOME OF OUR OWN HOMETOWN BOYS.... THE SONG IS CALLED.....'NINETEEN'
(If the 'YOU TUBE' Site pops up, close it out and you can view it right here..otherwise you may hear it playing double..here and there!) :)



WAYCROSS has been receiving rave reviews from all over the music industry...from Blair Garner, After Midnight to Kenny Rogers. ...to name a few...

www.myspace.com/waycross
Let Them Know What You Think and Tell Them You The EAGLE sent YOU!

MORE HISTORY ON MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:


The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day:

Mississippi: Last Monday in April
Alabama: Fourth Monday in April
Georgia: April 26
North Carolina: May 10
South Carolina: May 10
Louisiana: June 3
Tennessee (Confederate Decoration Day): June 3
Texas (Confederate Heroes Day): January 19
Virginia: Last Monday in May

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO ASTORIA




A LOOK AT THE MOVIES and SOME of our area's BEAUTY!
I didn't even realize myself how many movies have been filmed, or partially filmed, here in beautiful Astoria and surrounding areas!

(Left to Right: WENDY BEREZAY accepts the donation check from Astoria NNB GENERAL MANAGER:Paul Mitchell, OPERATIONS MANAGER:Tom Freel)

When THE RING TWO, starring Naomi Watts, premiered in ASTORIA, NNB RADIO sponsored it and donated proceeds to our community's local project for the children. The TAPIOLA PARK PROJECT.
It was only one of the many events we participated in to help in our own community.
The project was to build a new and improved playground, that depicted many of the historical points in our area. It is now finished and is great! Children go play at Tapiola Playground in Astoria and are able to play in 'Fort Clatsop' cross the 'Megler Bridge'...play at the 'Astor Column' a Victoria House , boats and much more! As they play..the learn history as well!

Friday, April 20, 2007

THE EAGLE IS #1 - BECAUSE OF YOU!

A MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU- OUR EAGLE LISTENERS...


DON'T MOVE THAT DIAL, THE RESULTS ARE IN!...'- Darryl Worley

"SENDING OUT A BIG 'OLE YEE HAW ! THANKS YA'ALL FOR MAKING THE EAGLE YOUR #1 STATION"- Jake Owen
"

'A SPECIAL THANKS TO YOU, OUR EAGLE LISTENERS. ACCORDING TO EASTLAN SURVEY, YOU'VE MADE US YOUR #1 CHOICE FOR COUNTRY MUSIC! YOUR LOYALTY. YOUR SUPPORT. KEEPING YOUR DIAL ON 103.9FM, MADE US #1 ! THE EAGLE 103.9! WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU! SOARING THROUGH EAGLE COUNTRY...FROM THE NEST, THANK YOU AGAIN, FOR LISTENING! .....Love from me, SONJA and EVERYONE at NNB RADIO!'




LEFT: The EAGLE -103.9 FM, Tattoo'd around an Eagle. The Eagle holds a banner that say's VICTORY, for all the Victories this listener has had in his life. An EAGLE of great meaning to him. I was speachless, but honored that someone would actually tatoo their arm, because sometimes we bring a smile or a chuckle to their day, along with music that him and his wife enjoy. ..LOBO and his wife PEGGY have been to almost every EAGLE concert, remote...They are gracious kind people I enjoy visiting with when we are out and about. You name it they are there, just like SO MANY OF YOU.

I'm constantly humbled at HOW LOYAL & SUPPORTIVE our listeners are.... I can't thank ALL OF YOU enough for the smiles you put on MY face and for listening to THE EAGLE.


"... TO ALL OF MY FANS, THANKS FOR MAKING THE EAGLE YOUR #1 STATION!"- Miranda Lambert

KEEP YOUR DIAL ON THE EAGLE 103.9 FM AND YOU'LL HEAR MORE ARTISTS LIKE...

GRETCHEN WILSON, BIG & RICH, DARRYL WORLEY, SARA EVANS, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LITTLE TEXAS , MIRANDA LAMBERT AND MORE ! OF YOUR FAVORITE COUNTRY ARTISTS,

THANKING YOU FOR MAKING THE EAGLE YOUR #1 STATION AND FOR KEEPING IT ON 103.9 FM!!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

CRS 2007 -Country Radio Seminar- NASHVILLE

ENJOY THE PICTURES...HIGHLIGHTS COMING SOON!
IF SLIDESHOWS DON'T SHOW RIGHT AWAY, PRESS REFRESH...





NASHVILLE SKYLINE
Cool Slideshows







A NIGHT WITH TOBY KEITH and FRIENDS!
Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Crystal Gayle, Don Williams and MORE!

Cool Slideshows

SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE / ARTIST SHOWS

BMI SONGWRITER's SHOWCASE
JEFFERY STEELE, PAT GREEN, MAC DAVIS & SARAH BUXTON
Cool Slideshows


PICTURES ABOVE:
1.) CMT 'Life Set To Music'
2.) SARAH BUXTON & I...I ran into Sarah earlier in the day and she made me promise I'd be at her show. I am SO happy I didn't miss it. It was an AWESOME!
3.) KEITH URBAN took, 'STUPID BOY' to the TOP of the Charts...SARAH co-wrote it & she recorded it on her new album as well.
4.) JEFFERY STEELE- HUGE #1 HIT Songwriter
5.) PAT GREEN hits the stage with JEFFERY...
6.) PAT GREEN's new single, 'DIXIE LULLABY'
7.) MAC DAVIS!
8.) SARAH BUXTON thrilled to be on stage with MAC DAVIS!
9.) JEFFERY STEELE sings his #1 hit, recorded by RASCAL FLATTS-'WHAT HURTS THE MOST'
10.) MAC DAVIS had everyone in stitches...funny, funny, guy!
11.) SARAH's new single, 'THAT KIND OF DAY' (GREAT song!)
12.) PAT GREEN & MAC DAVIS & I !



ARTIST SHOWCASE PERFORMANCES
CROOK & CHASE, TRACE ADKINS, JACK INGRAM, DANIELLE PECK, TAYLOR SWIFT, MARC ERIC, BIG MACHINE RECORDS & SCOTT BORCHETTA of UNIVERSAL-NASHVILLE

Cool Slideshows

VIP PASSES, PERFORMANCES and PRIVATE SHOWS

MUSIK MAFIA's:GRETCHEN WILSON, BIG and RICH and 2ft.FRED
Also...MIRANDA LAMBERT, ALABAMA'S- RANDY OWEN, MARCEL and JEWEL


Cool Slideshows

903 RECORDS...NEAL McCOY, DARRYL WORLEY, CHRIS YOUNG and Others!!

I ran into BRYAN WHITE, his manager, JOEY FINGER and NEAL McCOY who suprised me by recognizing me from their shows out here in EAGLE COUNTRY at the Liberty and the Clatsop County Fair.. which was fun.

Neal's new label 903 RECORDS had a SHOWCASE that was rocked Country Style!..

NEAL McCOY is truly one of the nicest guys in the business...meeting DARRYL WORLEY was an honor. He sent greetings to my son who is in the USMC and signed a camo hat for him, along with BIG & RICH. I met tons of new artists as well..the Chance to just 'chat' with everyone was really an experience..

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

KIWANIS, NNB RADIO & The EAGLE .....Caring for Community....

I received a wonderful letter of thanks in my e-mail
I wanted to share with all of you....
NNB RADIO LOVES OUR COMMUNITY AND TRIES TO HELP WHEN AND WHERE WE CAN- ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT DONE FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN OUR WANTING TO BE INVOLVED IN A COMMUNITY WE CARE ABOUT-
IT'S LETTERS LIKE THESE THAT PUT SMILES ON OUR FACES -
EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A SMALL DIFFERENCE WE CAN MAKE...ANY DIFFERENCE FOR THE GOOD, IS A WONDERFUL FEELING...
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN KIWANIS RADIO DAYS...YOU TOO MADE A DIFFERENCE. -Sonja
................................
KIWANIS YOUNG CHILDREN PRIORITY ONE

WOW! What a great job you all did for us!

It is because of people like you and businesses like NNB Radio that make the North Coast of Oregon such a wonderful place to live.

We feel that your Stations and employees went way above what we expected. The advance notice announcements that Tom, Sonja, Matt and Michal made before hand opened many doors and we were welcomed.

Because you cared, the foster youth of Clatsop County will continue to have a Christmas party sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Astoria/Warrenton.

Because you cared, the Kiwanis Club of Astoria/Warrenton will be able to increase the scholarships’ we award at Astoria and Warrenton High Schools and send several High school students to Leadership Training.

Because you cared, we will be able to continue to support VOCA and CASA.

On behalf of the members of the Astoria/Warrenton Kiwanis Club’ I extend our heartfelt appreciation and thanks.

Because you cared, our area will become even greater!


Emil “Swede” Nyberg
Radio Days Coordinator

Kiwanis Club of Astoria/Warrenton

Website: kiwanisclubofastoria.com

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

TY HERNDON at CRS

TY HERNDON


I MET TY IN NASHVILLE HE'S A KIND, FUNNY AND AMAZING TALENT. HE DECIDED TO TAKE A BREAK WHEN HE WAS ON TOP WITH HIS CAREER ....

NOW, HE'S BACK WITH A NEW ALBUM AND RENEWED SPIRIT. HE IS ON FIRE !!

When I met Ty, we had a blast and laughed so much! It was one of the highlights of my trip to CRS in Nashville.




...INTERVIEW TIME..?
My feet were killing me, so I was happy when TY plopped down on the floor in the hall, YAY my feet were getting a rest!

We were going to do the interview in the hall, because it would be quieter than the noisy Media Room....HA! ...NOT the case. ....It was Check-Out time for that day...

Guests were stepping over us, saying hello, we were commenting on there purses, belts, clothing....giving compliments, asking if they'd like to join our interview.... It was hysterical.

Then people we knew would come by and hollar, 'Hey, from Texas..." or they'd stop and start making plans for meeting up later in the day, or discuss which show was going to be the best to go to later... oh, the decisions!! ......
Oh, and the INTERVIEW....!?!

We finally did get through it, but by the time I edited all of the chatter out and played it for all of you on the air...out of the 30 minutes that the recorder was on....I ended up with 5 minutes of interview! Good Grief! :)
After the interview, we visited, took pictures and NO, we didn't play in the elevators....we perused the housekeeping's cart when the maid wasn't looking... (not, really, she saw us...she was laughing too) The pink feather duster was the most popular item on the cart!
It really was funny. It was an 'interview' I'll never forget!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

'A SOLDIER'S PRAYER' by JESSE SPARKS


A TRIBUTE FROM A FATHER TO HIS DAUGHTER
AS SHE HEADS FOR IRAQ
The story behind 'A Soldier's Prayer' By: Jesse Sparks
"If others like the poem, tell them to feel free to drop me a line…”
- Jesse James Sparks Sr.
San Bernardino, Ca.




Cpl. SANDRA SPARKS RE-ENLISTING WHILE IN IRAQ
A Note from Sonja:
We lost ‘one of our own’ not too long ago, Army Spc Brian Browning, killed in Bahgdad, during active duty. A sad time for our community. Sadness of losing such a young man, son, brother, friend, soldier.... will always leave a hole in the hearts of a community for those who knew him and those who didn’t...he was a hero....and will NEVER be forgotten...

After I posted a tribute on the website to Brian and included the poem that was printed inside the announcement at Brian's Memorial..
I was happy and surprised to hear from the author of the poem,
‘A Soldiers Prayer’, Jesse Sparks.

“Hi, Sonja
I noticed my poem, 'A Soldiers Prayer', was on your page. I am curious to know how you happened to find it.
Do others like it? I didn't know anyone knew about it. I wrote it for my daughter, who is a Marine, stationed at Camp Pendleton, here in California."
Can't wait to hear from you
- Jesse Sparks

I wrote back and told him that his poem was beautiful and that I felt it comforted many people that day …..

Jesse wrote back:
“Hi again,
I'm glad you liked the poem. It was my first endeavor. My daughter always wrote poems, growing up, so I wanted to do something for her, and this was it.
It took me about two weeks to write it while on my trains (I'm a locomotive engineer).

She came back from Iraq with (only) a broken elbow.
If others like the poem, tell them to feel free to drop me a line…”

- Jesse James Sparks Sr.
San Bernardino, Ca.
Again, here is:
A SOLDIER'S PRAYER
by: Jesse J. Sparks

It's time to sleep -I've been relieved
My rifle at my side- My knife in it's sheath
Lord let me live another day - As I put myself in harms way
I made a choice - I took an oath
I stand for freedom - but I don't boast
My God, My country, my family - The things I hold so dear
With these all on my side - There is nothing for me to fear
But if I should fall before my next relief
I will stand before you Lord with honor and dignity
So, while I am here please make me strong
To fight the battles and right what's wrong

GOD BLESS YOU SANDRA ...BLESS ALL OF OUR TROOPS WHO ARE PUTTING THEIR LIVES IN HARMS WAY EVERYDAY....THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS and COMMUNITIES WHO PRAY FOR YOUR SAFETY and
YOUR RETURN TO THEIR ARMS.
FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO MUST ENDURE THROUGH THE UNLTIMATE SACRIFICE OF LOSING THEIR LOVED ONE...MAY YOU ALWAYS BE PROUD AND KNOW GOD'S COMFORT....
-Sonja












Wednesday, February 21, 2007

FAREWELL TO AN AMERICAN SOLDIER

BRIAN BROWNING - OUR HOMETOWN HERO

A SOLDIER'S PRAYER

by: Jesse J. Sparks

It's time to sleep -I've been relieved

My rifle at my side- My knife in it's sheath

Lord let me live another day - As I put myself in harms way

I made a choice - I took an oath

I stand for freedom - but I don't boast

My God, My country, my family - The things I hold so dear

With these all on my side - There is nothing for me to fear

But if I should fall before my next relief - I will stand before you Lord with honor and dignity

So, while I am here please make me strong - To fight the battles and right what's wrong





ARMY SPECIALIST BRIAN BROWNING LAID TO REST.

"You clearly saw the outpouring from the community," said Brian's father, Perry Browning, at a reception after the ceremony. "We had old friends, new friends, the parents of soldiers in Brian's unit. ... The support has been phenomenal…."

Brian's mother, Paula Browning, said, "They couldn't have given him a better send off,"


The funeral was led by the Oregon National Guard in Camp Rilea's Memorial Warrior Hall, after a procession through downtown Astoria led by the Patriot Guard motorcycle unit, police cars from local cities, the Sheriff’s Department local firefighters and the Oregon state police, with community lined up on the streets to show their respects to a hometown hero, as the motorcade passed.


A large group of dignitaries, several branches of law enforcement, military, friends and family. Our community paid their respects and said farewell to one of our own fallen soldiers. The son of Perry and Paula Browning., Army specialist Brian Browning, who died during active duty in Iraq.

The ceremony began with the sound of bagpipes by the Portland Police Bureau Highland Band. A touching slide show to the song, by Lee Greenwood, ‘God Bless the USA’, brought tears and some laughs as Brian Browning was shown growing up as a child into the soldier he became.



Governor Kulongoski, called Browning a soldier and Hero that our Nation and community could be proud of. A young man of only 20 years old, who died Feb. 6 in Iraq, offers hope to other young men and women looking to improve their own lives. Browning's death has brought dark clouds and grief to the North Coast and to Oregon. Kulongoski also wished that our community soon see a rainbow, after such a dark day like today. "When we see rainbows, we see their colors and read the unmistakable message of hope….Life is a rainbow which also includes black…..As we gather to mourn a young man who was the best Oregon could give, we know these words are true." He ended his comments with God Bless Brian’s friend’s and family this community and May God Bless the USA, then Kulongoski then presented the family with the State of Oregon flag.













Maj. Gen. Fred Rees thanked Spc. Browning for his service and "nobility." "Thank you for honoring us, the people of the United States," said Rees. "Thank you for putting service before self, putting your mission first and never admitting defeat."

On behalf of the President of the United States, members of the United States Army presented, Browning’s parents with the Purple Heart for wounds he received in action…the ultimate sacrifice for our Country and the Bronze Star for meritorious service,

The family was also presented the Army good conduct medal, The Iraq Campaign Medal service medal, the Global war on Terror medal and the Combat Infantryman’s badge.

The service concluded , with Brian’s parents, being presented with the American flag that draped their son’s Coffin. With hands over hearts and all military and law enforcement saluting during the rifle salute and while a single bugle played Taps ....a community said their final farewell to our own hometown hero. Army Specialist, Brian Browning.

Spc. Brian Browning was a part of a long family history of military service. Brian's father, Perry, served in the Navy, his grandfather Roy retired from the U.S. Navy, his uncle Doug retired from the Army. His uncle Leon is retired Army National Guard and TJ, his cousin is currently in the Oregon National Guard.