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Motorcyclists participated in Operation Thank You’s Parade to Honor the Military in Morrow on Aug. 7. The Enquirer/Amanda Davidson

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

A Warren County organization that sends requested items to American troops in Afghanistan is kicking off its annual blanket drive with a motorcycle ride and fundraiser Saturday.

Operation Thank You’s fifth annual blanket ride begins with registration from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Mason Powder Keg Harley Davidson, 2383 Kings Center Court. Riders leave the shop for the 2.5-hour ride through Warren County at 10:30 a.m.

Cost is $15 per bike, $20 for riders with a passenger. Riders or others can also bring 72-inch long, twin-sized blankets to the fundraiser.

Blankets can also be dropped off at the Peoples First Saving Bank in Mason and Morrow; Porky Capone Barbecue in Lebanon; and the Culver’s in Mason.

All proceeds will be used to buy and ship blankets to troops in Afghanistan. Last year about 3,200 blankets were shipped to troops.

“It keeps a lot of men and women warm,’’ said C.J. Ashby, who is coordinating the event.

(more…)

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: adghanistan, blanket ride, blankets, carol alexander, cj ashby, iraq, mason, motorcycle ride, operation: thank you!, powder keg harley-davidson, soldiers, troops, warren county

Mason Heights students are reaching out to brighten the spirits of soldiers serving overseas.

Students in Kelly Gholz and Katie Wackler’s third grade classes recently made cards for troops, with a little help from Keith Maupin of the Yellow Ribbon Support Center.

Maupin founded the support-the-troops nonprofit organization after his son and Army Spc. Matt Maupin was taken captive by Iraqi insurgents in April 2004.  His remains were identified and returned in 2008.

Maupin and supporters have carried on their mission of supporting soldiers by boxing “care” packages, organizing fundraising events for their scholarship fund and organizing a drive that resulted in the creation two years ago of a Matt Maupin Computer Lab at Camp Anaconda, where soldiers can go to stay in touch with home.

The Mason students plan to continue to support the troops by making crafts at holiday parties and collecting items through the year to send to soldiers through Project Yellow Ribbon.

“The students need to think about our soldiers everyday, not just on Veterans day,” said Gholz.

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: captured, care packages, collection, insurgents, iraq, keith maupin, killed, matt maupin, military, project yellow ribbon, soldiers, students, troops, yellow ribbon support center

Fourth-grade students in Mason Intermediate’s gift program paid tribute last week to local rescue personnel  in observance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Students in the Ability ACT program shared notes and poems and created medals of appreciation to present to visiting first responders, including representatives from the City of Mason Police and Fire departments.

“You have some of the most important jobs in the world. You stop disasters. You stop deaths. You stop fires. Thanks for keeping us safe. You guys are awesome,” said Lisa Li, who addressed rescue personnel on behalf of her peers.

Students shared stories of personal heroes, such as that of student Tyler Holley’s cousin, Lt. Austin McNaul, who’s serving in Afghanistan.

“We are lucky to have such a strong man included in the defense against the terrorists,” said Tyler.  “I know you’ve been through a lost of difficult, even treacherous times, and I want you to know we are thinking of you and praying for you every night.”

“I think it’s spectacular what you’ve done,” said Mason City Schools DARE Officer Ryan Tanner, who addressed students about the changes in the years following the events of that fateful September morning.

“With the Mason Police Department and the Mason Fire Department,  we’re more vigilant and more innovative than we were before 9/11,” he explained.  “But most importantly, since 9/11 the number of people who have gone into the millitary has dramatically increased and I’m glad to see the increase in patriotism of today’s young men and women.”

Mason Intermediate ACT teacher Jerri Wright organized the event.

“Teaching about 9/11 and the country’s history is important,” she said.  “This recognition is a positive tribute to our country’s resilience, and it is important for our students to have tangible opportunities to honor those who serve our country.”

Posted in: Schools |

Tags: Tags: 9/11, ability act, afghanistan, austin mcnaul, city of mason, first responders, gifted program, iraq, mason, mason fire department, mason intermediate, mason police department, memorial, rescue personnel, september 11, soldiers, tribute

The Beach Waterpark is offering military personnel free admission May 21-22 in honor of Armed Forces Day.

The Mason waterpark opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this weekend for its summer preview weekend. Daily operations begin May 27.

New this season is Rainforest Rapids, a new heated water adventure, and the Toucan Lagoon, a children’s pool area.

A valid military ID must be presented at the gate.  For more information, call 513-398-7946 or go to www.thebeachwaterpark.com.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, The Beach Waterpark |

Tags: Tags: armed forces day, free admission, military personnel, soldiers, the beach waterpark