From a Mom 2008

I would like to welcome all of you! Some of you join us for the 5th year…some of you join us for the first time. I want to thank all of you for being here tonight to remember Jason and to honor our scholarship recipients.

I want to take a moment to personally acknowledge our scholarship recipients. First I must note that in acknowledgement of the 5th anniversary the scholarships awarded tonight were significantly larger than in the past!  Each recipient has a very special gift and goals that mirror exactly what Jason was all about. – Jordan with his desire and interest in sketching villains and heroes. – Ryan with his cute habit of doodling. Jason doodled on things from the time he could first hold a drawing tool, from the bottom of his bunk bed to his textbooks and materials going through Pararescue training. – Laura who shares the personal drive to succeed and the passion of giving and sharing with others. I congratulate you all on your accomplishments thus far and know you have a very bright future ahead. It is an honor to know we will be assisting you along the way.

In the past year I have had a few amazing opportunities. This past June I was invited to represent Jason and the Air Force at the closing ceremony of the Faces Of The Fallen exhibit at Arlington Cemetery. Jason’s portrait was part of the exhibit since it had opened in March of 2005. It was imperative to me to be there to support the incredible founder, Annette Polan. This exhibit was one of the most touching memorials in honor of the fallen that you will ever have seen. It was at this ceremony when I met Robert M. Henry. Robert had painted Jason’s portrait for this exhibit. He was also invited to personally present me with Jason’s portrait, on display this evening. I was finally face to face with the artist that captured my son’s life in an amazing painting. All I could say to him was “Thank You”. It took Robert a moment to realize who I was. His response was “ take this portrait home-wrap it up and put it away until I’m gone. Then put it up on e-bay it will bring a good deal of money for your scholarship fund”. I just graciously smiled and replied, “you obviously don’t know me yet”! I carefully guarded this portrait and the Larger one also on display all they way home on the plane from D.C. I have the portrait(s) proudly displayed at home where all can enjoy.  I’ll proudly do so for the rest of my life.

Since my return from D.C. Robert and I have maintained contact and have developed a wonderful friendship. He has this amazing ability of saying just the right things at just the right moment. He has been extremely instrumental in aiding with the plans for this years event. It was his mission to get as many of his 180+ artist thru Eons Art Gallery to donate a piece for the auction. Many of those artists graciously donated from all parts of the country (it’s been like Christmas). Robert also drove all night from Maine to join us this evening to share our story and his gift of art. I would like to thank Robert with a small gift! (framed photo)

My visit to D.C. also provided me with some influential contacts at the Pentagon. After almost 5 years of asking, the Air Force for only one favor, a ride in an HH60 Pavehawk (Jason’s aircraft), and almost 5 years of my request being denied… I was finally cleared for my flight! It was Dec. 19th in Albuquerque NM, at Kirtland AFB. It was a beautiful day with bright blue skies and temps in the 40’s. The day began with a briefing with the flight crew. I was suited up in my very own personalize flight suit, taken to be fitted for a helmet, safety gear and communication devices. I was then given a tour and briefing of the aircraft. To say I was treated like royalty would be and understatement! I was joined by 3 wonderful PJ’s, our flight was about 1-½ hours long over the desert and mountainous terrain. I took part in a mock mission where I was the rescuee. There are no words to explain what this experience meant to me. I finally knew why Jason had such a huge smile on his face while flying-as I could not stop smiling myself.

Another opportunity I am thankful for is having Terry Deitz join us tonight to share with us his story of being in the military as well as being a participant on the show Survivor. In the past 5 years I have turned to reality shows as a way to escape. Too many programs are now full of violence and drama. I’m looking for a reason to smile and laugh, and Survivor has provided me with that escape. I have not missed an episode or a season. It was season 12, Survivor Panama – Exile Island, that I found myself especially intrigued by Terry and the way he played the game. Of course the fact that he was a former Navy pilot was the first connection I made between he and Jason. I realized as a pilot Terry and Jason had much of the same training, especially survival school. It was apparent to me Terry had the skills to survive as he often was sent to exile island… As the season progressed I also felt that Terry played the game with great confidence, yet he did not boast. He presented himself with admirable integrity. These traits he also shares with Jason. Jason strived to be his best and to finish first, however he did it with great pride, never gloating, just a great smile of accomplishment, always helping another along the way. Therefore I could vision how Jason would have participated in the game of Survivor through watching Terry.

Jason would not be surprised that I arranged for Terry to be here with us tonight, he was very aware of my obsession with Survivor. He also knew the extent of my determination. I must add that it was not an easy task to track Terry down. However most of you know how determined I am and that I exhaust all options and never quit my mission. My creativity guided me to a website for a vintage baseball league called Simsbury Taverneers, which Terry plays for. I was able to reach an individual whom goes by the nickname “Lucky”. I felt it was my lucky day when Lucky was able to put me in contact with the Deitz’s.

As you may have noticed in reading Terry’s bio, he is an avid lover of sports especially baseball. A birdie also told me his favorite colors are blue and gold. Therefore, out of my greatest appreciation for having Terry join us this evening, I have a special gift for him. (present jersey) Terry, I thank you so very much…

I am truly thankful for all these opportunities, as I am thankful for the many people that continue to support me in remembering Jason and aiding me in my mission to give out scholarships so others can pursue their dreams. I am thankful for all of you and our time together this evening. I also hope you enjoyed the ice cream sundaes as ice cream was by-far Jason’s favorite food!

I would now like to introduce my daughter Shaynah…. She will be performing a song for us this evening!