collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Captain Aaron Blanchard Memorial (updated)  (Read 30532 times)

Offline Wea300mag

  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2007
  • Posts: 5433
  • Location: Sedro Woolley
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial Wreath
« Reply #60 on: April 26, 2013, 03:26:15 PM »
How much more do you need for the wreath?  If you get to much does it just roll over in the donation to the family?

Thanks

Johnny

Yes, any extra $$ from the wreath fund will go into the general "Family Fund".
Keep your nose in the wind and your eyes on the skyline

Offline Bean Counter

  • Site Sponsor
  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 13624
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial Wreath
« Reply #61 on: April 26, 2013, 10:19:43 PM »
Taking a quick glance over the past few pages it seems as though we're well beyond the $300.  :tup:

Offline coachcw

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 8821
  • Groups: Team getsum !
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial Wreath
« Reply #62 on: April 26, 2013, 10:24:55 PM »
It looks like the wreath is covered . I'll send a check to bone monday for a $100.00 . great work guys !

Offline Jerbear

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 1381
  • Location: Goldendale
  • Y.A.R. MEMBER
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial Wreath
« Reply #63 on: April 26, 2013, 11:16:15 PM »
       $25.00 check sent today.  Thanks Dale.

Online Russ McDonald

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 8192
  • Location: Enumclaw
  • USN ET3 SW 87-92, USS Excel MSO 439
  • Groups: NWTF, NRA
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial Wreath
« Reply #64 on: April 27, 2013, 07:15:18 AM »
Money sent via paypal Dale.   :tup: guys.
Russell McDonald
President South Sound NWTF Chapter

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+29)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 50281
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial Wreath
« Reply #65 on: April 27, 2013, 01:01:58 PM »
We're going to lock this one. We've got more than enough to cover a wreath. The excess will go into the Joshua Cup fund.
Thanks guys...the response to this has been overwhelming.

 :tup:

-JB
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline bearpaw

  • Family, Friends, Outdoors
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 38498
  • Location: Idaho<->Colville
  • "Rather Be Cougar Huntin"
    • http://www.facebook.com/DaleDenney
    • Bearpaw Outfitters
  • Groups: NRA, SCI, F4WM, NWTF, IOGA, MOGA, CCOC, BBB, RMEF, WSTA, WSB
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial Wreath
« Reply #66 on: May 02, 2013, 09:47:22 PM »
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Aaron-Blanchard&lc=4207&pid=164573100&mid=5518152

In Memory of
Cpt. Aaron Roy Blanchard

April 2, 1981 - April 23, 2013

Obituary

Captain Aaron Roy Blanchard was killed in a rocket attack in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, on April 23, 2013.

He was born in Yakima in on April 2, 1981 and grew up in Selah. He attended Lince Elementary and played Little League Baseball. He and his brothers were part of a happy flock of neighborhood children that played in the streets near Crusher Canyon under the close supervision of many loving parents. Aaron learned a love of speed on his Big Wheel, plunging down Fifth Avenue with his feet off the pedals, in order to gain maximum velocity. He decided then that when he grew up he wanted to be an elk, and, were that not possible, a pilot in the US Armed Forces.

Aaron attended Selah Middle School and Selah High School, where he was a varsity wrestler and pole vaulter. He served as a page in the Washington State Senate. He played the trumpet in the Yakima Community Band that was directed by his grandfather. The band even took a great trip to play in Europe.

Aaron was an avid hunter and loved roaming the hills and canyons and mountains of Central Washington with his brothers and beloved Labrador retrievers. He was an accomplished bow hunter and exceptionally knowledgeable about elk. His expertise and frank posts as "Colockumelk" on the "Hunting Washington Forum" earned the respect of a far-reaching network of friends. Aaron and his brothers looked forward to the annual elk hunts that brought together the Blanchard Men for a week in the woods of camping, laughing, and hunting.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduation from high school in 1999. He completed basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego and earned certification as an Aviation Mechanic at Pensacola, FL. He made three major deployments including two combat tours in Iraq as a platoon Sergeant. Aaron's Marine career took him all over the world, across the oceans and through the skies, from Southeast Asia to Iraq.

In 2002 he met the love of his life, Becky. After discharge from the Marine Corps, Aaron and Becky were married. Together they shared a "once in a lifetime" love, filled with laughter and adventure. In 2008 they celebrated the birth of a son, Hunter, and in 2011, the birth of daughter Amalia. He was a doting father and committed husband. The love he gave to his family was his greatest achievement.

In 2005, Aaron and Becky enrolled at Central Washington University, where Aaron was a bull rider for the university Rodeo Club. He joined the Army ROTC program, seeking the bachelor's degree and leadership training required to be a helicopter pilot. Aaron led the CWU "Wildcat" Battalion to national recognition as the nation's "Most Outstanding Senior Army ROTC Battalion," and earned his commission as second lieutenant upon graduation.

Aaron completed pilot training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama; he was reassigned to Ft. Drum, New York, in 2011. In January 2013, his unit spent three weeks in Colorado, where he trained in high-altitude flying in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan. He loved flying his Apache helicopter and showed off his expertise at an air show at Ft. Drum, New York. In early April 2013, he joined the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade in Afghanistan, flying an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter.

Aaron's passion for service and leadership, and his determination to know and understand his work and the world around him earned him the respect of his peers. His warmth, wonderful sense of humor, and generosity will always be remembered by his friends and family.

Military colleagues describe him as having a huge heart: "If you told him he couldn't do something, he'd do it, no matter what." He took care of others. He is described as having a wonderful spirit, easygoing, able to get along with everyone, and adventurous. Aaron's friends and colleagues nicknamed him "Rudy," a reference to Rudy Ruettiger, who, against tremendous odds, pursued and achieved his dream of earning a place on the Notre Dame football team.

While Aaron was passionate about service to his country, the center of his universe was his family. He reveled in his role as loving husband to Becky and adoring father of Hunter and Amalia. On leave from the Army or Marines, Aaron sought out time with his brothers, mother and father, and grandparents. He looked forward to family events that brought together scores of cousins, and aunts and uncles.

Aaron's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the NATO Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon , the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, the Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and two Rifle Expert Badges. He also completed Marine Combat Training, Aviation Machinist Mate Courses, the Apache Aviator Qualification Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, and the Aviation Office Basic Course.

Aaron was preceded in death by his grandfather, Roy D. Blanchard. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; son Hunter and daughter Amalia; mother Laura Schactler; father Don Blanchard; brothers Michael and Karl Blanchard; grandfather John Schactler; grandmothers Carolyn Schactler and Nadine Blanchard; and an extended family and universe of friends who mourn his passing with broken hearts.

The Hunting Washington Forum is sponsoring "Joshua Cup IV Tribute," a big-game hunting tournament to generate funds for Aaron's family as well as the Blanchard Family Memorial Fund has been created at Wells Fargo Bank.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Stone Church located at 3303 Englewood Ave, Yakima, WA 98902. He will be laid to rest on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at noon in the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA. To share a memory of Aaron, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.
Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!

http://bearpawoutfitters.com Guided Hunts, Unguided, & Drop Camps in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wash. Hunts with tags available (no draw needed) for spring bear, fall bear, bison, cougar, elk, mule deer, turkey, whitetail, & wolf! http://trophymaps.com DIY Hunting Maps are also offered

Offline bearpaw

  • Family, Friends, Outdoors
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 38498
  • Location: Idaho<->Colville
  • "Rather Be Cougar Huntin"
    • http://www.facebook.com/DaleDenney
    • Bearpaw Outfitters
  • Groups: NRA, SCI, F4WM, NWTF, IOGA, MOGA, CCOC, BBB, RMEF, WSTA, WSB
Re: Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial (updated with photo)
« Reply #67 on: May 04, 2013, 11:11:58 AM »
I updated the first post, heres a photo of the arrangement. Captain Aaron R Blanchard we salute you.  :salute:
Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!

http://bearpawoutfitters.com Guided Hunts, Unguided, & Drop Camps in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wash. Hunts with tags available (no draw needed) for spring bear, fall bear, bison, cougar, elk, mule deer, turkey, whitetail, & wolf! http://trophymaps.com DIY Hunting Maps are also offered

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+29)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 50281
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Capt. Aaron Blanchard Memorial (updated with photo)
« Reply #68 on: May 04, 2013, 12:09:29 PM »
Holy crap that's beautiful.
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline JackOfAllTrades

  • Rasbo said I Ain't Right.
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 6509
  • Location: Lynden, WA.
  • Μολὼν λαβέ
Re: Captain Aaron Blanchard Memorial (updated)
« Reply #69 on: May 06, 2013, 12:45:46 PM »
My eyes welled up reading that obit. Men like Aaron are harder to come by now'a days.
 
-Steve
The NRA says I'm a Master!
Colt's, Ruger's, Dan Wesson, & Kimber are my friends!
Proud to be a U.S. Navy Veteran.

If you never follow your dreams, you'll never go anywhere.

Critical thinking keeps people from freaking the hell out every time some half baked blogger forgets his meds. Unlike some of you, I do not have TawkethOutOfAnus© syndrome.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Colockum Archery Bull Tag by High Climber
[Today at 05:02:53 PM]


American Legion Summer Raffle - $1000 Prize!!! by pianoman9701
[Today at 05:02:37 PM]


Selkirk bull moose. by 10thmountainarcher
[Today at 03:36:22 PM]


Sportsman Alliance files petition to Gov Ferguson for removal of corrupt WA Wildlife Commissioners by RC
[Today at 03:11:57 PM]


GMU 247 Entiat bear hunting by Dinkbears49
[Today at 02:50:23 PM]


North Peninsula Salmon Fishing by Stein
[Today at 02:23:22 PM]


Looking for people to hunt with. by Boss .300 winmag
[Today at 01:21:22 PM]


Primer 157 vs 209 by EnglishSetter
[Today at 11:30:27 AM]


Evergreen youth livestock show and sale by nwwanderer
[Today at 11:06:58 AM]


2025 Quality Chewuch Tag by elkaholic123
[Today at 08:39:45 AM]


Rotator Cuff repair X 2 advice needed by Wood2Sawdust
[Today at 07:49:52 AM]


Upland Side by Side by OutHouse
[Today at 07:37:28 AM]


Tooth age on Quinault bull by nwwanderer
[Today at 06:54:44 AM]


Public Land Sale Senate Budget Reconciliation by JDArms1240
[Yesterday at 08:45:13 PM]


3 days for Kings by Stein
[Yesterday at 06:45:11 PM]


Kinda fun LH rimfire rifle project by JDHasty
[Yesterday at 06:44:33 PM]


Can’t fish for pinks area 8-2? by WAcoueshunter
[Yesterday at 05:22:46 PM]


2025 NWTF Jakes Day by wadu1
[Yesterday at 02:19:48 PM]


Dandy Bull by Buckhunter24
[Yesterday at 01:29:37 PM]


Tricer AD tripod by gee_unit360
[Yesterday at 12:40:45 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal