Sunday, July 12, 2009

SGT Mark Ecker, Jr - East Longmeadow, MA



Pic: SGT Mark Ecker, Jr dancing with Pilar Cyr July 2007

The staff at Operation First Response (OFR) assists so many wounded Heroes and some you can't help but develop a close relationship with during that time; even as they move on with their lives.

We met SGT Mark Ecker, Jr in April '07 at WRAMC. He lost both legs in Iraq at the end of Feb '07. Mark ALWAYS had the can-do spirit, was an inspiration to so many, including other patients at WRAMC.

I personally have attended local fundraisers for Mark where it was evident that not only did he have his family's support, but the ENTIRE community and that makes a difference in the lives of those who are willing to give up their life so we may live in FREEDOM.

Mark and his parents have even joined the band ShovelHead on a few occasions for a great time. I remember him convincing me to have a shot of "chocolate cake" at Brew Too (convincing may not be the right word, as having a shot with Mark was an honor). That was a little over a year ago. At some point Mark approached me that night and said "thank you, I don't know if I had the chance to tell you before." I never ask nor expect thanks from my Heroes, it is I who am thankful for their service, dedication and sacrifice for US.

SGT Mark Ecker, Jr was killed in a car accident Friday evening, July 10th 2009 at the age of 23. I couldn't write this yesterday and just barely getting through it now.

Please keep Mark's parents, family and friends in your thoughts as they deal with their loss, a true American Hero.


Pic: Meeting SGT Mark Ecker, Jr at WRAMC April 2007

Rest in peace Mark.

Very Respectfully,
Bob O'Donoghue
Director of Special Projects
Operation First Response (OFR)

Friday, December 19, 2008

'Twas The Night Before Christmas - Marine Style

I'll quickly mention that our visit last weekend to WRAMC was fantastic. More to follow when some pictures are ready.

Someone shared this video and anyone reading our blog will certainly enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx0smSfwI9Q

Monday, December 1, 2008

DJ Maxx Coming to the Mologne House


To kick off the holidays, DJ Maxx from Connecticut will be joining our Director of Special Projects, Bob O'Donoghue - as well as other members of OFR, to bring holiday music to our wounded Heroes and their families. This includes karaoke for those brave enough to sing. Rumor has it Bob may have to get the party started and if that's the case; wonder what song he'll select?

In addition to the entertainment, plans are in the works to bring cheer however we'll write about that and post pictures after the event.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Defiance Fight Gear - Supporting The Troops

Operation First Response (OFR) a 501(c) non-profit supporting our wounded Heroes and their families is one of three charities to benefit from the Defiance Fight Gear's shirts.

Check out this link:
www.defiancefightgear.com/Support%20the%20Troops.html

"Please join Defiance Fight Gear in honoring the memory of the brave men and women who have given their lives in the service of our great country.

Our team has created a design in memory of the fallen and we are going to donate $10 from each sale of this shirt to carefully chosen causes in three categories: those helping active duty personnel, those assisting combat wounded/disabled personnel, and those providing support and assistance to the families of fallen soldiers. In this way we can pay honor to their memory, their service, and their sacrifice by providing assistance to their families and to their comrades who are still serving or have been wounded/disabled in the line of duty."

Please share the link. Thank you.

Very Respectfully,
Bob O'Donoghue
Director of Special Projects
Operation First Response (OFR)
www. OperationFirstResponse. org
operationfirstresponse. blogspot. com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

2nd Annual Operation First Response Day (PA)

Second Annual Operation First Response Day: Warminster, PA

Friday, October 3, 2008: Last year I called this weekend, the “Slingshot” weekend and find it’s not much different this year. My weekend started in East Hartford, CT to see one of my favorite local bands “Road Rage”. It was the last show with Mike as lead guitar. As Mike moves on, Zoltan moves from bass player to lead guitar and Jim joins the group as bass player. You can check out the band at www.roadragerocks.com/ or www.myspace.com/RoadRageRockse.com/RoadRageRocks I’ll tell you upfront, the folks at Gilo’s that night had a blast. The music was fantastic and lots of laughter shared. One of my friends, Kerrie, was a good sport when the band played “Pour A Little Sugar On Me” and joined the band on stage. Kerrie poured sugar on Zoltan who was lead singer for this song.



Kerrie and Zoltan - "Pour a Little Sugar On Me"


Um, moving along LOL – the band played three sets and the whole night was electrifying.

I was keeping my eye on the time pushing my luck to be there for all three sets knowing I had to get up early the next morning to drive to Warminster, PA for the second annual Operation First Response Day. The toughest part is saying goodbye to everyone I know and not wanting to miss anyone. At one point I was out the door and back in as I knew I forgot someone who I had to hug goodbye. Finally stepping out to head home and hesitated because there was a slight chance I may miss a um, performance worth watching and thought, I really needed to get some sleep. Arrived home at 3am, life of a groupie :) Last year I had this same dilemma as the band “ShovelHead” was playing.

Saturday, October 4, 2008: The alarm went off at 6am and I rolled out of bed shortly after that. I must have, based on my arrival time in PA. Showered, dressed and drove to Dunkin Donuts. To my surprise as I stood there half a sleep, the clerk asked me if I wanted the sausage, egg and cheese on a French roll…I said yes, toasted. Honestly, I don’t eat there that often LOL Two cups of coffee and I’m on my way. Took the usual route out of Connecticut, down I-684, Saw Mill River Parkway (the deer eating right along the shoulder) over the Tappan Zee Bridge (awesome view in the early morning – with no rush hour traffic). Now comes the tricky part, I’m going west on I-287 in New York and then take the exit for I-287 south which takes me into New Jersey. No wonder people need a GPS system. It must have been “State Police” Day in New Jersey because they were out everywhere. I hope they know better than to pull over someone driving a car with OFR license plates :)

Last year I took the boring New Jersey Turnpike to Warminster, PA. For some reason, Google maps sent me down I-287 connecting with US rte. 202, which takes me right into Pennsylvania and within 30 minutes I arrive at St. Andrews’ Church. I did take note of the closest Dunkin Donuts LOL It was a beautiful day in Warminster compared to the rain at last year’s event. I parked the car and strolled through to see everything set up. We had a silent auction, a bake sale, burgers/hot dogs/etc outside for purchase, two bands both with the name “Cross Roads” , an OFR table with quilts to be signed, a sign up to help make Christmas brighter for our wounded Heroes and their families. The local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 590 joined us again – and a section for kid activities, like a dunking booth.

For this year’s event, Heather (OFR Secretary) was joined by; Peggy Baker (OFR President) and her husband Steve, along with OFR Senior Advisors Nick Constantino and MSG Beverly O’Donnell (RET) as well as myself, Bob (OFR Director of Special Projects). We were honored to have special VIPs join us on Saturday: CPL Andrew Smith (who joined us last year), SSGT Jason Neilson, SGT Jace Badia and Gold Star Parents Joe and Mary Kane.

I set up a video camera on my tripod to record the speeches as well as taking digital pictures of the speakers. Heather took to the podium, like an expert I must add, and we all stood for the National Anthem. Then Heather introduced Peggy and the VIPs. Peggy spoke first. Peggy then presented Heather and I with a recognition award for our dedication and efforts to support our wounded Heroes and their families. I’ve been with OFR for four years and was helping Peggy supporting our wounded Heroes for several months prior to OFR starting. I believe it was only a few short months before Heather joined us. OFR has a small staff, but the difference our small staff makes in the lives of thousands of our wounded Heroes and their families is significant thanks to the wonderful people and companies who provide donations – and I plan to continue my support of our wounded Heroes and their families. Their sacrifices are priceless and it’s the least I can do and I would venture to say the wonderful folks I work with at OFR feel the same way.


Gold Star Parents: Joe and Mary Kane




After Peggy’s speech, Joe and Mary Kane Gold Star parents of “Joey” stepped up to the podium and spoke to the crowd. (see video link part I)





CPL Andrew Smith




After the Kane’s, CPL Andrew Smith spoke about his experience with Operation First Response.

Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOfKRlaFVSs&feature=related

A Patriot Guard Rider, Tito Rivera, and his wife were in attendance. As Tito spoke with Heather and Andrew, it was learned that Tito’s son served in Andrew’s unit. Tito called his son from his cell phone so Andrew could speak to him…what a small world indeed.

Tito Rivera and CPL Andrew Smith

The festivities carried on and the event ended around 4pm. I should have hit the road for the 3.5 hour drive home, but decided to hang around and have dinner with Peggy, Steve, Heather, her husband Ed, SGT Jace and his wife Susan. I will say four cups of coffee was NOT enough. I should have asked if they carried espresso LOL Dinner and the company were excellent. Stories were shared and in my case, some things were learned :) See you can teach an old dog, new tricks. Dinner was over and we parted ways. I didn’t need the Dunkin Donuts that I made note of upon my arrival. I drove back to New Jersey and stopped for gas at a Hess station, which had a Dunkin Donuts, what timing. Speaking of timing, as the attendant (yes that’s right, in New Jersey it is illegal to pump your own gas – how I miss those days living in NJ and then I think about the traffic and taxes heh heh) is pumping the gas, two New Jersey State Troopers pull in and one is headed towards me. Naturally I’m thinking “what did I do wrong?” and a young couple come out of the Dunkin Donuts with a little baby in their arms. I was amazed the conversation took place right beside my car and how NOBODY moved an inch as I got in the car and started it. So I had to slowly drive around them and into a spot because I wanted a back up cup of coffee before starting the long drive through New Jersey.

I used the “call a friend” option to help me with the drive through New Jersey. I wanted to hear about her Vegas vacation and I was telling her about Friday night. You, the reader, get the “G” rated version of Friday night…but if you are over 21 looking for some great bands to see in Connecticut, I can be of some assistance :) Check out the blog entry about the Operation First ROCK Response featuring five local CT bands that was held on Oct. 19th in Connecticut (will add a blog entry about the day soon).

Sunday, October 5, 2008: I arrived home at 1am and set the alarms for tomorrow. Yes, I wrote alarms as in plural. I actually was going to get more sleep and yet managed to get up an hour before the alarm. It’s raining outside, not sure why it required I look out the window to “prove” to myself it was raining and I got ready for my next weekend event. I’m part of the core team for Bikers For The Cure http://www.bikersforthecure.com/ and raise awareness and funds to eradicate breast cancer. Our big event is a motorcycle ride on the second Sunday of August, though we participate in other events to sell merchandise to raise funds. I arrived at Gary, the Co-Director's, house on time and we loaded up his truck with our booth gear and off to Hartford, CT. I drive through Hartford on I-84 or I-91 and may stop in Hartford for a concert otherwise there is plenty to do outside of the Capital City. This event was Capital City Bike Night, even though it was from 2pm – 6pm. The original date was rained out and while it was raining, it wasn’t pouring like last weekend.

Gary drinks Rockstar Energy drinks like other people drink water LOL so I decided to try the coffee version this morning since I didn’t have ANY coffee yet. It was a long, chilly day…and we were next to TNT Motorsports, very cool people, so it made the day go by easier. It was a long day and I couldn’t wait to get home to relax. At least the drive was way shorter home this time – the traveling this weekend was still lighter than had I driven to DC and back. When it’s important enough, you find a way to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Links:

“Road Rage” www.roadragerocks.com/ and www.myspace.com/RoadRageRocks
The Back Home Box Foundation: http://www.backhomebox.com/ (supporting the deployed Heroes)
“The Best of US” video by Ryano: musicnation.com/music/ryanorocks/the-best-of-us


Very Respectfully,
Bob O’Donoghue
Director of Special Projects, Operation First Response (OFR)
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

Monday, September 29, 2008

Operation First ROCK Response Oct. 19, 2008 in CT

The following bands are donating their time and talent to help raise awareness and funds for Operation First Response (OFR)


- this effort is made possible by the great folks at CubedSquared (a multifaceted company specializing in entertainment services, seminar hosting, special event planning, charitable effort consulting and customized merchandising) www.cubedsquared.com/


Editor's Note: cool people who are experts in entertainment!


and the wonderful folks at Ultimate Billiards in Berlin, CT www.ultimatebilliardsclub.com who are hosting this event!


Easy drive from points in Connecticut, Massachusetts and parts of New York. Come out and show your support for our wounded Heroes and their families.


Bob O'Donoghue, Director of Special Projects, Operation First Response (OFR)

2007 Southern Adventures Part Two

The second and last part of my 2007 Southern Adventures....


Tuesday, Nov 20th 2007: Augusta to Cameron

Not sure why my cell phone has not melted from over usage, same goes with my American Express card :) It is check out time in Augusta. I could tell when the “storm trooper” came banging loudly on my door early in the morning. The force she used is obvious based on the security latch being loose.

I packed up, loaded the car and off to…yep Starbucks. But wait, what’s this? The traffic light won’t change? I need coffee and I need it NOW heh heh. I grew up in Jersey, so I made a right hand turn, made a u-turn and off to Starbucks for coffee and carbs. Off to the VA hospital to meet with the SGT. Once I arrived I learn that most of my guys are off to a luncheon and also learned that the SGT I was to meet is also at the luncheon. He wanted to reschedule for the next morning, but this was my last day in Augusta. Jason sees me and tells me I should go to the luncheon. I saw Michael in the hallway and he said the same thing. Anyone who knows me; knows I’m not walking into a luncheon uninvited.

I left the VA to get my own lunch. Those morning carbs didn’t last too long. I went in search of a postcard for an elementary school student from Ohio (I sent a few from my travels). I’ve been collecting something else along my travels that I should pack and send.

After lunch, I return to say goodbye to my guys before hitting the road for North Carolina. Not only did I get to say goodbye but the guys arranged for me to visit with the 1st SGT and Major of their company at Ft. Gordon. Okay, that was worth delaying my drive back to NC. Prior to going to Ft. Gordon, I took some friendly badgering for not going to the luncheon :) I think 1st SGT Michael C would have dragged me had he known BEFORE the luncheon that I was around.

I was on my way to Ft. Gordon with Jason and Shane to meet the 1st SGT and Major. We arrive at the entrance and the guard asks me what year the car is and I look at him quizzically and reply, “I think it’s a 2007, it’s a rental”. He asks, “This car doesn’t come with seatbelts in the back?” I slowly turn around to look at Jason. LOL! Never saw someone buckle up so fast.

I explain about OFR to the 1st SGT and the Major as I want them to know about OFR so we may be of assistance. The meeting was quick; I left them my card and brochures. I had to get Jason and Shane back to the VA hospital and get on the way to NC. I have a four hour drive ahead of me, not including any stops.

Wednesday, Nov 21st 2007: Early Morning Shuffle Er, Shuttle

Oh my it’s 6am already? I’m ready in fifteen minutes (it does happen, don’t tell my boss LOL!) I’m updating my notes as I wait the arrival of Carolyn with a wounded soldier from Ft. Bragg. The “baton” is being passed and I will drive him to Raleigh-Durham airport. By the time I leave NC, I should be able to drive back and forth to RDU with my eyes closed. At RDU, I park the car. Chris is on crutches and the plan is to help him as far as I can in the airport – which as it turns out, was right to the gate. We check one bag and the airline representative asked if I wanted to escort Chris to his gate. I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

I told the gate to make sure they board him early since he has crutches. He told me it was no big deal. We had a few minutes, so I got him a bottle of water called “Moonshine”. We walk back to the gate and I see boarding has started. Once they noticed us, they waved to Chris to board. My task complete, I head for the exit. Decide to grab breakfast at the airport. I ordered the “North Carolina Sunshine” and a cup of dark roast coffee. “Almost heaven West Virginia…” oops, wrong state though the coffee was heavenly and just what I needed.

Head back to Cameron. I stopped for gas and when I found a Wachovia branch, I stopped there too. This here is the stix and y’all never know when you would find these places again.

Stopped at Subway for a late lunch and before I could enter the store, my cousin in Florida calls me. He starts telling me he is only eight or nine hours away if I want to drive down for the weekend. Um…more driving, I don’t think so – not that far at least. After lunch I venture into Food Lion to purchase soda and pies for Thanksgiving. The cashier asked me if I had the store card and I replied no. He must have scanned his card because the total dropped by $15. Back to Carolyn’s house, I prepare two chocolate cream pies. I’m exhausted, it’s been a long day and you’d never guess where I’m headed tomorrow morning.

Thursday, Nov 22nd 2007: Thanksgiving Dinner With Heroes

Have you guessed yet? Yep, off to RDU once again. This time to pick up John the camera man who flew down to film parts of Thanksgiving dinner for a documentary. My timing was perfect. John called me as I was heading into the parking lot. Once inside, I see a young man by the carousel. I had described myself to John, but didn’t know what he looked like. I see this young man and I start thinking that it is John. I watch as he looks my way, but no recognition. He pulls out his cell phone and I’m thinking okay, if this is John he’s going to ring my cell phone. Surprise for John, my cell phone is set to vibrate. I pull the phone out while watching John and ask “John?”

Good time to travel, hardly anybody at the airport. Except the bag John checked didn’t arrive with him. We waited and waited. John checked with the baggage office. They would get the bag to his hotel later. It contained tripods so John would have to make do without them.

Using the GPS, we locate a Dunkin Donuts. Dang, they are closed. Can’t blame them though, so off to find Starbucks and fortunately for use they were open. Did I mention I love this GPS? :) John’s hotel turns out to be closer to the airport than Cameron. He checks in and we’re on the road to Cameron. I stop at Carolyn’s to drop off the GPS since she needs it for a family drive and then take John over to Karrie’s house. I stayed for a bit and then went back to Carolyn’s to freshen up though I really needed a nap.

John setting up the camera for when guests arrive. Even though it was a direct flight from Boston, the airline lost his checked bag with the tripods.



Back to Karrie’s as prep work is being done for dinner. Guests started to arrive. Not as many as Karrie had anticipated. Prior to dinner, we gathered in the dining room and Karrie asked everyone to mention what are they thankful for today. Dinner was fantastic and afterwards I thanked our Heroes for their service, dedication and sacrifice. Then they were asked to participate in answering some questions for the documentary. I asked the questions so John could concentrate on filming.

We helped clean up; I had some coffee and then took John back to his hotel and then back to Cameron.

Friday, Nov 23rd 2007: RDU – In My Sleep

Can you hear the song too? “I’m Henry the Eighth I am, second verse same as the first” off to get John at his hotel and get him to the airport. We stop at Dunkin Donuts so John could get breakfast. He gets back in the car and I heard him mutter a nasty word and I asked what was wrong. Turns out the departure he gave me was actually his arrival time at Boston. I asked when the flight was and John says 10am. I look at the dash and it’s 10:20am. We get to the airport and John has luck on his side. If he moves fast, he can catch the flight that leaves in FIVE minutes. I’m thinking no way with security. Good thing I didn’t make a wager. There was nobody on line where they check for ID and boarding passes and then they escorted him right to through the rest of the security check.

I decided to enjoy some dark roast coffee on the outside chance John didn’t make his flight. I also realized that I should have left today. I kept thinking the airports would be crowded.

On the drive back from the airport, I make a visit to the quaint town of Pittsboro, NC. I’m a member of the Motley Fool http://www.fool.com/ and today I’m to meet another online member “Piney” for the first time. Fortunately having a GPS helped me find where I needed to meet Piney, the Pittsboro General Store. We chatted over coffee, I met her son and time was flying. Piney gave me a quick tour of downtown Pittsboro before we parted ways.

As I arrived in Cameron, I stopped at Hardees for lunch. One customer chatted with me saying he couldn’t wait for summer. Um, the weather has been chilly at night but averaging upper 60s to lower 70s…I’ll take it. The customer was eating as another customer recognized him and stopped to say hello. She was getting ready to leave, although she said “I’m fixin’ to go” and I thought hey. I’m fixin’ to go as well :) I went in search of a movie theatre LOL that was an adventure in itself. The GPS helped me locate the nearest movie theatre, however it didn’t know that it’s been closed…for some time. I did find the next “closest” movie theatre thirty miles away in Southern Pine. Okay, a movie was out of the question. After texting with Karrie, I started to make my way over to Fr. Bragg to meet Karrie, Mahkaylah and Alan for dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. It was a nice dinner and we had fun with the staff as the gals would dance for certain songs, but no guys would dance. Convinced Jasmine, our waitress, a guy needs to dance to ensure her tip is nice. Heh heh, one young man helped her out and wouldn’t you know it, he’s a NY Yankees fan proudly wearing his baseball cap.

I returned to Carolyn’s house as the family finished their Thanksgiving dinner. Carolyn has been so hospitable during my stay; I wanted them to enjoy dinner sans Bob. Carina needed help with her iPod and they asked me to help. Um…I won an iPod in September and it’s February 20, 2008 as I write this and it’s STILL in the box. But with the help of another online Motley Fool member, I was able to get the iPod working again – even though she would need to download her songs.

Saturday, Nov 24th 2007: Dinner at Drunken Jack’s in SC

I slept in this morning as Carolyn and the family packed up the cars to head for the Smoky Mountains. It was a bit chilly this morning, so I grabbed my jacket and thought of heading to the NC shoreline. The winning destination became Ocean Isle Beach, NC and I set the GPS for the Silver Coast Winery (http://www.silvercoastwinery.com/) Upon arriving, I check the place out and then decide to do the wine tasting. I inquired about shipping to Connecticut when the gentleman behind the counter asked me where in CT I lived. I told him Waterbury and he asked me how Baldwin St. was doing. Either it was a good guess or he knows about Waterbury. Turns out he’s originally from Danbury, CT and retired to NC. Ordered a case of wine and drove around the area taking pictures.







It was getting late and I had called a coworker who vacations in Myrtle Beach, SC to ask for a restaurant suggestion. He tells me Drunken Jack’s is a great place. I set off for Myrtle Beach and Drunken Jack’s. It’s actually in Murrell’s Inlet, SC and a tad south of Myrtle Beach – but dinner was fantastic. Though I still have a three hour drive back to Cameron which is nothing compared to my drives to Washington, D.C.




Sunday, Nov 25th 2007: WOMAC Visit

You are NOT going to believe this…Sunday was a laid back kind of day. Karrie, Mahkaylah and Alan took me to WOMAC, the medical center on Ft. Bragg. I met a couple of wounded Heroes and had some items for them. The place was relatively quiet due to the holiday weekend. I enjoyed dinner and a trip to Cold Stone Creamery with Karrie, Mahkaylah and Alan.

Monday, Nov 26th 2007: Quick Stop in Raleigh Before the Airport

Can you feel the excitement? The trip is coming to a close; look how long it took me to write about it. I am packed and ready to head to Raleigh. Not quite ready for the airport, that would be too easy. I have one last stop on this long journey and right in Raleigh close to the airport. Another Motley Fool member, Sarah, and her family are involved with sending care packages to our troops overseas. Her Dad, PJ, is the founder of the Back Home Box Foundation – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. http://www.backhomebox.com/ It was a pleasure to meet some of the folks behind the Back Home Box Foundation and learn more about their organization. If you know someone who needs a box from…back home, check out their website. I highly recommend them.


WRAMC = Walter Reed Army Medical Center
BNH = Bethesda Naval Hospital
OFR = Operation First Response
BHB = the Back Home Box Foundation
GBFBD = God Bless Fort Benning Day

Links:

http://www.godblessfortbenningday.com/ – God Bless Fort Benning Day - Columbus, GA
http://www.portcolumbus.org/ – Port Naval Museum – Columbus, GA
http://www.operationhomefront.net/ – Georgia Chapter, Kim Scofi – President
www.elvaresa.com/tainsh.html - the book “Heart of a Hawk, Eye on an Eagle” – Deborah Tainsh
http://www.dav.org/ – Disabled American Veterans
http://www.backhomebox.com/ – the Back Home Box Foundation – Raleigh, NC
http://www.fool.com/ – The Motley Fool
http://www.silvercoastwinery.com/ – Silver Coast Winery - Ocean Isle Beach, NC
“Best of Us” video by Ryano: http://musicnation.com/music/ryanorocks/the-best-of-us check out Ryano's music www.myspace.com/ryanorocks

Very Respectfully,
Bob O’Donoghue
Director of Special Projects
Operation First Response (OFR)
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/