November 2009 – Month of Fallen Heroes

Yesterday brought news of another tragedy, a senseless act of violence against those who sacrifice their lives in order to protect us all. Two of the recent tragedies occurred in my state – a total of 5 police officers targeted for slaughter by disturbed assassins. The month of fallen heroes began Halloween evening when Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton was targeted and killed while on patrol and ended in a coffee shop in Lakewood, Washington as four police officers were gunned down while they prepared for their shift.

November 5 continued the insanity with the senseless shooting of military men and women and innocent civilians at Fort Hood in Texas. In three pointless acts of destruction, men and women who serve as protectors of peace left behind countless grieving children, families, friends, and communities.

As we begin December, a month of giving and joy in many families, let us remember those who have fallen in service to our freedom. Many of us will open our hearts and wallets for the unfortunate this holiday season. In honor of this tradition, I have included information on how to contribute to the families of the fallen officers, military, and civilian victims of these three tragedies.

For the families of slain Lakewood Police Department officers:

LPIG Benevolent Fund
PO Box 99579
Lakewood, WA 98499

For the family of Officer Timothy Brenton:

Donations may be made at any Bank of America branch under the “Brenton Family Assistance Fund.”

For the families of Fort Hood victims:

USO Fort Hood
50th Street Bldg. 1871
Fort Hood, TX 76544

Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter
Association of the U.S. Army
Attn: Community Response to 11-5
P.O. Box 10700
Killeen, TX 76547-0700