KNIVES: One cause, two great programs

On Sept. 23, U.S. Air Force veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan were presented with 66 Buck commemorative knives for their honorable military war service. Chuck Buck and I presented the knives on behalf of all our donors. In addition to the knives paid for by all our donors, each veteran receives a special, hand-written thank-you card and history packet containing donor lists and publicity of presentations from 2005 forward.

My wife and I pay all expenses of this program, including postage and UPS charges.

From October 2009 through September 2011, veterans of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing have received 445 Buck commemorative knives.

Special thanks to Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin, who originated the Buck commemorative knife project for members of the Idaho National Guard, returning home from a tour in Iraq. This was to be a special presentation of Buck commemorative knives, only for these Idaho Guard veterans.

When I saw how much the knives meant to our troops, I asked Chuck Buck if he would let me have knives for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard in other states, at the same terms offered to the Idaho Guard. He agreed - we pay the cost of manufacturing the knives.

On behalf of our donors, I send the knives all over the U.S. Severely wounded veterans and families of those killed in action are a top priority.

Contributions for knives to the Idaho National Guard should be sent to Mayor Larkin. Contributions to the knife program I run independent of the Idaho Guard program should be sent to me.

We thank God, chuck Buck, Buck Knives Inc., the Coeur d'Alene Press, the Post Falls Press and all our donors for making these knives a gift to our veterans.

GRAHAM CRUTCHFIELD

Hayden