Drifting Closer to Troop Deployment
Cars, cars, and more cars all revved up to help those who defend the country, especially during difficult times.
Specialist Michael Baker, 22, says, "I just got layed off from my construction job. And that's the economy now."
Baker became a member of the Oregon National Guard at 17 years old. He was still in high school. He's already been to Afghanistan and helped families after Hurricane Katrina. He has his own family now-a wife and a five-month old son.
He says, "We're getting by. We're kind of waiting on the deployment so we can have a better income."
Baker has no regrets. And it's that attitude that future heroes look up to.
Thomas Fletcher of the Young Marins says, "They basically sign their life away to serve this country that has experienced such growth and I just have a lot of respect because they hold the honor our country has."
Sergeant Daniel Ash had the idea for the drift race and car show. He says the support from home helps: "Regardless of what's on TV, we know different. We know that at least locally in our community that ‘Yes' they are behind us. And that sustains us while we're over there."
Chuck LaTourrette of the Redwood Lions Club in Grants Pass helped organize the event to lend a hand to soldiers and the families they'll be leaving behind. And as a former soldier he also has a few words of wisdom for the troops that are heading out.
He says, "Remember why you're over there. Remember why you're fighting the freedoms we have and remember we're here still safe and sound and waiting for you to come back."
Michael Baker says, "Everyone in America has red, white, and blue in their veins, but it takes somebody unique to defend the red, white, and blue."
If you weren't able to make it to the Grants Pass Fairgrounds for the day's events and you still want to show your support for the guard and their families you can contact Jan Slusser. Her phone number is: (541)-660-2364
You can also contact Sergeant Daniel Ash. His number is (541)-441-8211.
