Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 17:20:32 -0900
To: balloon@balloonhq.com
From: jbrown@alaska.net (Jeff Brown)
Subject: Re: balloon-d Digest V01 #252

Hello! I am passing this on from Dana Blades who couldn't post it on
Balloon HQ at the time. I'd like all folks involved in Balloons Around the
World to know that the American Red Cross is an excellent charity to donate
to, in addition to any organization you had planned to donate to for this
year's event. Of course, there are many other good causes connected with
the sadness, and this is only one suggestion.

Our deepest condolences to all who have suffered during this week's tragedy.

Jeff Brown

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Hello my fellow ballooners from the largest military instillation in the US.
I thank all of our worldly friends who have offered their sympathy and
prayers.  I, too send my prayers to our nation's grieving.  I, too encourage
all Americans as well of our worldly friends to proudly wave Old Glory to
show your pride and support of our great nation that will overcome.  Our
nation's bird, the bald eagle truly represents us-the only bird who will fly
through a storm, and we will do just that, we WILL fly.  To those of you (or
should I say the one) who are questioning the cowardly acts and it's
definition.  A coward hides and does not take responsibility for their
actions.  A coward asks (orders) others to take their own lives to serve a
cause for him, but will not stand up for it himself and let it be known what
the purpose is and his.  A coward commits destructive acts then hides because
he is afraid to face his enemy.  Crazy handicaps?  Definitely.  Anyone who is
a terrorist is a crazy, mentally handicapped person who thinks it's OK to
kill thousands of people to make a point which we are still waiting to hear
what that point is, exactly.  A terrorist does not have to be a foreign
person in our country.  It is anyone who acts out against our nation, crazy
or not.  I'm not sure who the balloonist was defending, but I don't believe
there was 4 crazy handicapped persons who just happened to take over 4
different airplanes at the same time and crash them killing hundreds and
thousands of people all at the same time by coincidence.  My prayers are for
your way of thinking, sir.  As I lay awake last night listening to the
artillery division at Fort Hood preparing for the possible upcoming events,
hearing of the 3 hour delay of getting on post as it takes 3 minutes per car
to search today, and knowing that there are thousands of innocent people dead
today that were perfectly healthy and making plans for their lives yesterday,
I am certain that this nation will not stand for this kind of terror on our
people.  This is a time for the United States to become just that-United.
Forget other political issues and stand together.  We are here in the now,
this thing has happened, now lets stand behind our government, our military,
and our many loved ones and support them in any and every way possible, what
ever that might be where you are at.  I encourage those involved in Balloons
Around the World to consider adding this to their cause on October 3.  Make
the plans now to have the American Red Cross to be there with a blood drive.
I initially was going to benefit the Families In Crisis Inc.  I have now
decided to split the cause and send 1/2 of what ever is raised (actual items
for times of need and finances) to those in the disaster areas and 1/2 to
Families In Crisis Inc. as they are still in need of help.  Yes, October 3 is
a few weeks off, and hopefully this will be not as urgently needed, but you
can start today collecting or just planning.  What's it going to hurt?  Could
we have too many items, finances, and blood donated?  No, there will be a
need, somewhere.  God Bless America, God Bless our over seas friends, and God
Bless all those who pray for our Great Nation!
Dana Blades
Special Occasions
Harker Heights, TX
254-690-6910

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Jeff's Home Page: http://www.alaska.net/~jbrown
Balloons Around the World info at: http://www.balloonsaroundtheworld.com