Life after the race 

Since the race we have been very busy as we are builiding a new house and getting our current house ready for sale. We are wrapping up the race details and should be paying our final race bills and getting closer to releasing a final profit figure.  We are so excited that the race was such a success.  Last weekend we had a cookout with our race committee in appreciation for all their generous support.  It was a great time!!! Thanks again team…you are awesome!!!  We had special medals and plaques made for our team, blue and silver star sponsors which we presented over the last couple of weeks.  Our team was very generous and surprised Melissa and I with a hot air balloon ride….how exciting and thoughtful….thanks guys!!!

Old World Santa Collectibles  artist dedicates memorial ornanament in honor of Pvt. Heath Warner 

 We are so excited that Old World Santa Collectibles has dedicated a memorial ornament in honor of Heath.  This was a result of Heath’s cousin Stacey contacting the artist and requesting an Arlington Santa.  Please check out the details below.  Thank you Dan and Old World Santa Collectibles for the wonderful tribute to honor our fallen heroes.

See link below to order.
http://www.gr8american.com/catalog.php?category=15

Melissa Warner spoke at 1st Lt. Sharon Lane’s Memorial on June 8, 2008

On Sunday, June 8, 2008, Melissa was the guest speaker at the memorial commemorating the 39th anniversary of the death of 1st Lt Sharon Lane who was killed in Vietnam.  This was Melissa’s first time to speak in public since Heath’s death and she was wonderful.  She shared her perspective from one gold star mother to another and presented Mrs. Lane with a lovely bouquet of flowers.  The event was held at Aultman Hospital.

Scott Warner joins the Greater Canton Veterans Council

Scott recently attended his first Greater Canton Veterans Council representing the Gold Star families of Stark county.  This should be a great way to network with the veterans in the area and connect them with the families of the fallen heroes. 

We just wanted to share with you that Eric O’laughlen will be running next Sunday, Oct. 28, in Heath’s memory at the Marine Corp Marathon.  He will be running with team TAPS and is collecting donations for TAPS.  We have been tremendously helped by TAPS as they assist the families of the fallen troops. Please read below a note from Eric.

Hello Everyone!

As you may know, I have been training for my 3rd Marine Corps Marathon, which will be held on October 28, 2007. It’s amazing to think that the marathon is only a week away!

After finishing last year’s race, I wanted to run for a charity if given the opportunity this year. I am pleased to announce that I will be running this year’s race with “Team T*A*P*S” to benefit the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T*A*P*S).

T*A*P*S is America’s only national non-profit Veterans Service Organization, which provides support services for all those coping with the death of a military loved one.

In addition to running with Team T*A*P*S I am also running in honor and memory of Pvt. Heath D. Warner. The T*A*P*S organization connected me with the Warner family and I am very pleased to be running on their behalf.
You may read more about Heath and his wonderful family at: http://www.pvtheathwarner.com.

As a little background on the organization and event, T*A*P*S is certificated by Independent Charities of America (ICA). Furthermore, T*A*P*S receives no government funding; however, through the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, all families faced with a death of one serving in the Armed Forces receive information about T*A*P*S and its military survivor programs. One may read more about the T*A*P*S mission at http://www.taps.org.

Team T*A*P*S is working toward two important goals: to complete the 26.2-mile endurance event, and to raise contributions and awareness in support of the T*A*P*S’ vital mission.

Again, I feel honored to be running on behalf of those that have died for our country and in support of those families that have endured the loss of loved ones in the military.

Please help by sponsoring my Marine Corps Marathon 2007 run. All contributions to T*A*P*S are greatly and truly appreciated!

Thank you,

Eric
Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support TAPS, Inc.******************************************************************************
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http://www.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=220513&u=220513-189295662&e=1245695329
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Melissa and I traveled to visit Heath’s grave recently.  It was a busy weekend as many people had a long weekend because of Columbus Day.  As we were there, we were reminded of the sacrifice families across make for freedom.  We watched the raw. painful emotions of families visiting their loved ones graves and we became one with them as we are all united in a comon grief and loss of our special loved ones.  So we ask, that you please keep in prayer all the gold star families as we walk a very painful, sad, and honorable journey.

God Bless,

 Scott and Melissa