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Hey Jim;
Got your e-mails, the photo was sad but illustrative of the type
of folks I think our vets are. Dedicated, respectful and men and women of immeasurable character. Thanks for the kind words and all, but it is I who owes you a sincere thanks for all you and Pam do....the ceremony was a fitting tribute to some incredible Americans and a humbling event that I will never forget.
The obvious reverence you have for our country's warriors is inspiring. I was honored to be in the presence of such incredible people. Dave Barr, Sgt June, SgtMaj Wood and all the others, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To be able to meet, shake hands and talk with such honorable men who have given so much for this country is a true honor and as I said, one I will never forget. Your dedication to this event and the recognition of all our veterans by you, your family and all your staff is beyond awesome!
I do not pretend to speak for all veterans but I would be willing to bet that most would be satisfied with something as simple as just "thank you" for their service.....but what Pro Promotions does is above and beyond a simple thank you. It is more than just recognition for their service, sacrifice or accomplishments. It is honoring the deeds of so many selfless men and women who have risked it all and in some cases, given it all for the cause of freedom around the world and the defense of the greatest nation on earth.
What I think vets want from their countrymen is one thing....what you give them through this event is something else entirely. I am grateful to you and Pam for what you guys do and it is I who owe you the thanks! Just as Dave Barr mentioned in his speech, the true heroes and role models for this generation seem to get little publicity.......you swim against that tide and it is a great thing you do. I only wish I would have taken my sons with me to meet some of these great men.....maybe next time. I have always said that the greatest gift I have been given is being an American but I think being an American veteran tops that, at least in my mind.
Thanks again for everything, I don't feel as though I did much in the way of helping out or even enough to earn my lodging....you guys are truly gracious and I owe you plenty. Nonetheless, I thank you for letting Linda and I be a part of this event, I was honored to be there.
Semper Fi!
Chuck
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FROM THE WIFE OF A VIETNAM POW:
Dear Pam and Jim,
I have been soooooo up, excited and filled with renewed spirit and hope for the US of A after the TREMENDOUS Veterans' Rally that you so expertly put on!!! We've been to many events over the last 30 yrs. and this one was The BEST!!!! Wish you and Pam could be the Organizers for ALL such things....including our POW Reunions!!!!
I would be most happy to write ALL the powers to be in Winterpark....as this is a MUST Event!!!!!!
Rod and I had an appt. yesterday at Bitchin' Stitchin' (one of your advertisers) and Dan didn't make it up, but his assistant did and so did 2 other customers that were there. We were all RAVING about it!!!!
Rod and I will write and say THANK YOU to Winterpark, and it will be with heartfelt thoughts!!! Shelle
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FROM AN ACTIVE DUTY UNITED STATES MARINE MAJOR:
Jim, what a great weekend. Thank you for including me, and allowing me such an honor to present to Sgt June. There are moments in your active duty career that are amazing. That was one of them. Another one, if I may. In 1995, I sat on the black sand of invasion beach at Iwo Jima next to retired SgtMaj Fox, and his wife. He sat there, with his better half, almost 80 years old, 50 years after the month long campaign, and pointed to places where he'd watched heroes, fight, live, die, survive......As a 1stLt at the time, I couldn't believe I was receiving such an underserved moment.....Similiar feeling with Sgt June.
Thank you.
Bryan
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FROM A VIETNAM POW AND 37 YEAR VETERAN:
Good Morning Jim and Pam!!!!!
We are getting ready to depart the Denver area but, before we go, we want to express our most heartfelt thanks for making us a part of such a wonderful experience as the Veterans Rally. I know you receive many thanks and I don't suppose ours is more special than others but we want you to know from our hearts that we truly enjoyed ourselves, were impressed, and walked away with an elevated appreciation for our American Hero's.... the Veterans totally renewed our attitude!!!!
We know the weather threw you a curve and it caused havoc and created a tremendous amount of extra work for you both. We were totally impressed with your professionalism and ability to handle that curve ball!!!!! You both are wonderful dedicated people and do just a terriffic job.
We also can attest to all the hype you create and how you reach peoples hearts and soul. You are great Americans and provide a wonderful venue to thousands of people. This year the weather added a
little extra spice and I hope there were some true believers that realized that the troops have to press on no matter what the weather is, too!!!!
Thanks again for all that you do! We enjoyed being a part of it and will come back again when we can.
Sincerely,
Rod Knutson - AMERICAN EX-POW
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Jim,
I just wanted to say thank you for your hospitably over the weekend.
When we as a country remember the fallen and recognize our Warriors we are doing a higher work.
If there is anything I can help you with let me know.
God's Speed!
PATRICK T. VALDEZ
Command Sergeant Major
US Army
Outreach Special Projects
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Jim,
Thank you for the personalized dog tags. I was actually hoping to get some during that weekend but of course had other things going on...like snow. I was however able to sit out on the grass during the ceremony like I enjoyed doing last year. As an avid military believer and upporter I am always very touched by the bravery of the soldiers in war and their stories.
I am reminded that no matter what is happening behind the scenes of the event, the weekend is for the veterans and what they have done for us. We all made that happened and I am proud of being a part of that. I want to thank you for that opportunity.
Thanks again Jim and Pam.
Tamara Davis
Event Operations Director
WP Chamber of Commerce
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Jim:
Once again the Salute the Vets Rally was an outstanding display of patriotism, honor and respect. The presentation was exceptionally moving and the shear number of people who stayed throughout the event despite mother natures rath, speaks volumes about the integrity of this event - Congratulations to you and Pam - Get some well deserved rest!
V/R,
Debbie Quackenbush, Founder
American Military Family, Inc.
Thanks to our Military and Their Families
for their Daily Sacrifices for all of Us!
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FROM THE WIFE OF A US MARINE:
Dear Jim & Pam,
All I can say is "WOW"! What an awesome event! Nevermind the rain, the snow and the cold weather, what I was priviledged to be a part of on Sunday afternoon was all worth it. I have been to the rally several times, but was never fortunate enough to experience the ceremony and I can't even begin to put into words how wonderful it was to be there. Never in my life have I felt so small as I did standing at the back of the stage and listening to all the stories of our American Heroes. What those men and women have done for our country and continue to do is simply amazing. I am in awe!
Thank you so much for all you do for our Veterans here at home. I am so proud to have been a part of it this year, and next year whether Chuck is home in time to attend or not, you'll see me again.
God Bless You Both!
Linda Botkin
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WOW, JIM, what a great pic, im speechless!
I am so proud we played the rally, being a vet it meant the world to me!! THANKS FOR HAVING ME AND MY BAND STREET SURVIVOR INVOVLVED IT, WAS A FABULOUS EMOTIONAL TIME FOR ME.
WHEN I LEFT TOWN, I STOPPED AT THE 7 ELEVEN AND RAN IN TO SOME OLD NAM , FELLOW JAR HEADS, AND WE TALKED AND , MADE ME FEEL SO GOOD. THANKS AGAIN JIM, HOPE ALL CAME OUT OK, FOR YOU! YOU ARE A OUTSTSNDING MAN TO DO THIS EVENT, AND ALL YOU DO, FROM ME THANKS BRO!
DALLAS, STREET SURVIVOR
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Sir,
It was our distinct pleasure to once again be a part of this extremely worthwhile cause. Please keep the Buckley AFB "Mile High Honor Guard" in mind for any future events we may lend a hand to.
It's always a pleasure working with you and thanks again for all you do!
TSgt Ed Wise
NCOIC, Mile High Honor Guard
"To Honor With Dignity"
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FINALLY, FROM THE VET WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE VIETNAM WALL:
You are welcome, and thank you for support and sponsorship.
Hope we can all reconvene next year.
Many of our hero's fought and died in the rain. It is our duty to honor and remember them in the rain or any conditions..
Enjoy the blanket. It depicts the message of the event.
Roy and Michelle did a nice job at the park. They are great and gracious team members.
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Steve W Doty
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