nospam@example.com (Dawn Stanko) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:16:54 -0500

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who is this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary; I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play, and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, my life is my God, my Country, my Corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. "Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!"

A Marine wrote this poem. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable...

PLEASE Share this with others. Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

If you are a member of our U.S. Military, thank you for your service to our country.

A Good News Story

nospam@example.com (Dawn Stanko) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:47:55 -0400

Pride Ride sweeps through the Southern Tier
06/28/2008 06:44 PM
By: Mariah Sparks

HORSEHEADS, N.Y. -- The thunderous roar of motorcycle engines could be heard from afar.

"It is an exciting day. It's a great day,” said Dawn Barton, Assistant Road Captain.

"You get this feeling of goose bumps when you see everyone coming together,” said Carol Sutterby, Pride Ride Organizer.

More than a thousand bikes rolled through the streets of Horseheads, kick-starting a 160-mile tour through the Southern Tier. Along with their helmets and gear, each rider brought along a toy to donate to the Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" campaign.

"The toys are collected for us by the Salvation Army. They store them until Christmas time,” said Sutterby.

"It's nice to bring out toys for the kids and we enjoy riding,” said Barb Cole, a Big Flats Resident.

Pride Ride sweeps through the Southern Tier
The 13th annual Pride Ride kicked off Saturday. Over 1,000 motorcyclists embarked on a day long journey for a good cause. Our Mariah Sparks was in the middle of all of the excitement.

The riders will make six stops in their eleven hour journey, in places like Athens, Montour Falls and Mansfield. The best part is all of the toys collected will stay in each area, so that all of the Southern tier is covered, and they'll be protected by police escorts, EMTs and one other special service.

"The outriders, they block the traffic where police coverage can't be,” said Barton.

To ensure the riders move along safely. So if you happen to see this determined brigade of motorcycles in their 160 mile trek, smile and wave. Their on a mission to help kids who need it most.

After stops in six counties, the riders will return to the Elmira Corning Airport at 9 for a parade and fireworks show.

Claus for Celebration - Great Stories

A Good News Story