Band of brothers inspires
It's always a pleasure to attend award events and share in the celebration of so many generous people who serve in our communities. Each year at the American Legion Post 143 dinner, held on the anniversary of the national organization, awards are presented to firefighters, police officers, educators and of course, veterans. People who do what they do not for the recognition, but for the reward of protecting, serving or teaching.
Bert and I haven't missed this event in the past two decades but this year there was a moment. A moment where your heart breaks at the same time it fills with pride. The final award, Veteran of the Year, presented that night by Commander Steve Hanson, the youngest Legion commander in the state in the largest Legion post in the state, was to Jason Rzepa.
Jason and Steve were both serving out of Post Falls with the 145th Brigade Support Battalion of the Idaho Army National Guard in Iraq in 2011 when a bomb hit Jason's convoy. Nick Newby and Nate Byers were killed in the explosion, Jason was injured and lost both legs to the battle wounds.
There the night of the banquet were nearly 200 people, many veterans of wars past as well as first responders. As Jason walked haltingly up to the front of the room to accept the award, we all sensed he walked with Nick and Nate and every soldier who's given the last full measure of devotion on the battlefield. A brotherhood that those of us who have never gone to war will ever know.
Darin Hayes is a senior financial consultant who can now add author to the resume. Darin has published a wonderful book titled "Beer Money" that breaks down the management of personal finance in an engaging context of beer. Well-written and cleverly promoted, it's the best book I've read this year. Available at Amazon.com. Kudos Darin.
Another weekend of events to enjoy ... On Thursday, Idaho Drug Free Youth is holding an open house at their office at 5 p.m., 610 W. Hubbard. The second Empty Bowls Luncheon at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday supports the Post Falls Food Bank and the Distinguished Young Women of Post Falls. $15 per bowl of soup (and you keep the handcrafted ceramic painted bowl painted by local artisans). You can also support the Post Falls Senior Center at the Gold Rush 2013 dinner dance on Saturday at the Greyhound Park. Tuxedo Junction is always a treat and there's a silent auction, too. gotgold.us.
The Idaho State Gymnastics Championships take place all weekend at NIC. On Monday night take the family to Post Falls Middle School for some kickin' fun: Donkey Basketball, featuring teachers from the middle school and Post Falls High School and a whole herd of donkeys in a basketball matchup.
Happy Birthday and Happy first day of Spring today to Pam Houser, Kristi Granier, John Blanchette, Tad Thompson, Julie Clark, Carolyn Anderson and Matt Hansen. Tomorrow Brandie Chapman, Michelle Lewis, Marla Lopez, Trudie Chamberlan, Julie Billetz, Steve Hanson, Evelyn Sanders, Jacque Kress and Jack Crawford mark their special day. Rich Anstine, Greg Cook, Tyler Huft, Julie Perry, John Little, Bernie Currie, Pam Adams, Boston Pierce and Rob Carpenter will enjoy a slice of birthday cake on Friday and Saturday celebrants are Tad Leach, Herb Huseland, Julie Perry, Linda Lewis and Jacey Brockhoff. Esther Paul and Nichole Frank are March 24 birthday girls. Jame' Davis turns 40 on Monday, sharing a birthday with Colleen Brown and Alexander Canle and taking another trip around the sun on Tuesday are Jackie Sharp, Julie Harris, Julie Readel, Dave Fair, Nancy Noordam, J.B. Romero, Lorna Griffin, Mike Bennett and WJ Lazerus.
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. She was voted Best Local Writer for 2012 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri is on the air Mondays and Wednesdays on 1080 ESPN AM (KVNI). Find her on Facebook or via email [email protected].