In Honor of Captain Aaron Blanchard

[bigdave]

My son and I went to the internment service for Aaron. Thank you to the family for allowing me to attend such a private ceremony.....it was moving and something I will remember for a long time to come.  I made it a point to take my son, Ben, who is 9. I told him what I knew about Aaron and it will help shape this young man to honor TRUE heroes.  The Patriot guard was out in force and lining the drive with dozens of American flags. There was all the ceremony befitting an Officer and I was moved by it all. There was a moment that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I was standing out side the chapel and as the bugler was playing "Taps", there was a slight breeze and all you could hear was the crying of a woman inside the chapel.....and then as the high note of taps was played, there was a huge gust of wind that made the flags flap extra hard and loud. It was surreal. It was like a last goodbye. As I said, I was very moved and when I came home I wrote a poem and put it with some video I took at the ceremony.

We Honor you Captain, and may your legacy live on through your family and friends. This is my contribution.   The youtube link for the video is In Honor of Captain Aaron Blanchard

The poem is as follows:

Today We Watched......

Today we watched, my Son and I
As a grieving family and friends stood by,
To lay to rest a soldier, brave,
How many lives this man to save?

To protect our peace on this country’s land
to bring some peace to foreign sand.
It was not the first time he was called to go
The last it could be, but he didn’t say no.

So today we honor him and his friend
For giving of themselves until the end
End! You say? I say “No!”
The legacy of the man is just beginning to show.

From the love he gave to those he knew
To the passion for ideals to name but a few
These are the things we will cherish the more
When we think of him on that Heavenly shore.

So today as the Taps horn hit the high note
And the wind came rushing out of the north
We pledged one and all to try to forgive
and to copy from him the way we should live.

[Dan-o]

Made me cry for his family......   again.

God bless them.  May they find grace, mercy and peace.

[Huntbear]

Thank you for posting this..

I keep trying to express my thoughts in words, and I can not...

Aaron, "colockumelk" R.I.P. my friend.  I hope to meet you on the other side in elk camp.

[runamuk]

Goodbye my friend......

thank you for posting that we were unable to make it over there today.

[coachcw]

that was a nice tribute !

[Russ McDonald]

Very nice 

[iRem]

If I get drawn for the Colockum cow tag or the Peaches Tag (as rtspring wants to honor with a big bull) I will take that poem with me, recite it in honor of him for protecting my family, your family and our nation!  Thank you for sharing!

[rtspring]

If I get drawn for the Colockum cow tag or the Peaches Tag (as rtspring wants to honor with a big bull) I will take that poem with me, recite it in honor of him for protecting my family, your family and our nation!  Thank you for sharing!

Im preparing for this hunt! Trust me!!!

[buckcanyonlodge]

 

[250savage]

Very nice, thanks for sharing.

[farmin4u_98948]

Thank you for posting..... 

[bigdave]

I wished I could have greeted more of the huntwa folks who were there.......but it was a very subdued ceremony and it didn't seem appropriate at the time. I saw lots of hunt-wa support in the guestbook and was proud to be there.

[quadrafire]

bigdave that was beautiful.
I was there as well, and you are right it didn't seem appropriate to chat. Glad you brought your son, I was going to, but didn't.
Wasn't the patriot gaurd just something to behold?

[bigdave]

It was spectacular. I talked with my Son about kind of adopting the gravesite and although I know it will be well kept, we would keep it decorated and remembered in the days to come. We are only a few miles away and it is a very reflective peaceful place.

[quadrafire]

You should post the poem under one of the stickies as a  tribute for all to read. That is a very touching poem

[Karl Blanchard]

Thank you to all that attended.  That poem is pretty touching Dave.  With your permission I would like to use it for something.  The Medical Lake folks were pretty amazing.  They do not let people watch the actual internment but Michael and I stuck around for a little bit just to be with Aaron and have a chance to not have to be strong for everyone else and just absorb the moment.  When we heard the CAT fire up we knew it was time for us to leave but they invited us to stay and watch.  It was nice to see this through to the absolute end.  Sobering feeling to know that that was the last time all three of us would be together on this earth.  It will be a year of first for me.  First time for everything without Aaron. -Karl

[elkoholic1]

      

[jstone]

Lots a great people on this forum. Ever need anything just ask.

[pianoman9701]

I was there in mind and heart, Karl. My house flag flew at half mast Saturday and Sunday all day, and I was thinking about Aaron, you, and your family at 11 AM on Saturday. I'm glad to see that there was a turnout and ceremony appropriate to your brother's commitment to his country. 

Yes, and thanks Bigdave

[bearpaw]

Thanks bigdave for sharing, I wished I could have been there, I was in attendance in my heart and mind.

RIP Aaron 

[Huntboy]

 

[bigdave]

By all means, use those words for anything you wish.

[huntnphool]

 Was just listening to the Outdoor Line radio show on 710am, they were talking about the "Salmon for Soldiers" event going on today with one of the Sponsors "Silver Hoard".

 They said every year Silver Hoard creates a commemorative fishing lure and this years lure was in memory of Captain Aaron Blanchard.

[Alchase]

Was just listening to the Outdoor Line radio show on 710am, they were talking about the "Salmon for Soldiers" event going on today with one of the Sponsors "Silver Hoard".

 They said every year Silver Hoard creates a commemorative fishing lure and this years lure was in memory of Captain Aaron Blanchard.

That is awesome!
Any insight on how to get one?

[Alchase]

I did find this on their website!

https://www.silverhorde.com/salmon-for-soldiers-memorial-lures.html

[huntnphool]

Was just listening to the Outdoor Line radio show on 710am, they were talking about the "Salmon for Soldiers" event going on today with one of the Sponsors "Silver Hoard".

 They said every year Silver Hoard creates a commemorative fishing lure and this years lure was in memory of Captain Aaron Blanchard.

That is awesome!
Any insight on how to get one?

 Oops, looks like I butchered their company name, "Silver Horde".

 They didn't say how to get one, I'd assume they will have them up on their website. 

[huntnphool]

 Here you go guys. https://www.silverhorde.com/aaron-r-blanchard.html

[pianoman9701]

I went to your link, which says sold exclusively by Salmon for Soldiers. Followed that link and see the memorial for Aaron. But can't find where you purchase the lure. 

[Fish4Fun]

Here is the story of how the Blanchard Spoon came to be.

The idea of the spoon was hatched last year during my Bethel Quality Rifle tag. I asked Karl Blanchard what he thought about the idea. Then after the hunt was over and things got settled down I called and we talked more about it and then I got the families blessing to go to the SFS Board. ( I am on the board for Salmon For Soldiers)  the green light was given for me to go forward. When the SFS board approved the idea, I was then able to work with Kelly Morrison the owner of Silver Horde to develop the spoon. I wanted a color combo that was close to but not the same as the old Army Truck Spoon. That is how the color combo came about. When I got the colors on the spoon that looked fish catching ready,  I sent the picture of the proto-type to the family and they liked it. I then told Kelly, we are ready to send it to production. I am honored, to have done this for such a great guy and family. This past Saturday at the SFS event, I was honored to have Aaron's brother Karl, and also Aaron's son Hunter on my boat.  We hooked, lost and landed fish all morning. I have fished and hunted my entire life, this is without a doubt one of the most memorable outings I have ever done.

As for the spoon, you can contact Randy Shelton from Salmon For Soldiers, the number is on the website. Randy, will let you know the info of how to acquire one of the spoons.

[robodad]

OR...........since I was able to participate in this worthwhile event and was given one of these spoons I will put it up here for auction and the highest bidder will get the spoon and the money will go to Aarons kids, hows that sound ??

[mhbrewster71]

I'll start the bidding at $50.00.

[pianoman9701]

  Great opening bid.

[robodad]

Good for you mhbrewster, way to show support for our greatest folks on Earth !!

So I think there should be an end to this auction so how about 5 days. 6:00pm Saturday this will come to an end and I will get the address of the winner and ship immediately, also the winner will be responsible for getting the money to the family !! 

Might not get alot of attention in this board though, may need it to be in the general discussion board ??

[mhbrewster71]

Thank you..

I think it'd be great if this thread was moved to gain some more traction and to help out the family a little more.

[Karl Blanchard]

I'll stop you guys right here.  Family is just fine.  Hunter and Amalia have endless hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities ahead of them and aren't hurting in the least financially.  If there is anything raised from the auction of the Spoon it needs to go directly to Salmon for Soldiers so they can continue to provide outdoor opportunities for those who do not have the means or the Avenue to enjoy the out-of-doors.  All of you guys are awesome and as always I'm humbled by the honor and respect shown to Aaron and his memory

[robodad]

I'll stop you guys right here.  Family is just fine.  Hunter and Amalia have endless hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities ahead of them and aren't hurting in the least financially.  If there is anything raised from the auction of the Spoon it needs to go directly to Salmon for Soldiers so they can continue to provide outdoor opportunities for those who do not have the means or the Avenue to enjoy the out-of-doors.  All of you guys are awesome and as always I'm humbled by the honor and respect shown to Aaron and his memory

Ok Karl, in light of your request, and also the lack of interest so far in this I am going to suggest this be terminated as of now and I will ship this spoon directly to mhbrewster and he can make a donation to the salmon for Soldiers as he sees fit !! Hows that sound ??
I am very happy to hear the family is doing well, glad to help wherever I can should the need arise !!

[Karl Blanchard]

I'll stop you guys right here.  Family is just fine.  Hunter and Amalia have endless hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities ahead of them and aren't hurting in the least financially.  If there is anything raised from the auction of the Spoon it needs to go directly to Salmon for Soldiers so they can continue to provide outdoor opportunities for those who do not have the means or the Avenue to enjoy the out-of-doors.  All of you guys are awesome and as always I'm humbled by the honor and respect shown to Aaron and his memory

Ok Karl, in light of your request, and also the lack of interest so far in this I am going to suggest this be terminated as of now and I will ship this spoon directly to mhbrewster and he can make a donation to the salmon for Soldiers as he sees fit !! Hows that sound ??
I am very happy to hear the family is doing well, glad to help wherever I can should the need arise !!

that works or have mods move this or you want to make a new thread.

Regardless, thank you for continuing to keep Aaron, Becky, and the kids in your thoughts.  It means the world to us!

[Fl0und3rz]

Saw Q13 segment with Becky and parents, tonight.  RIP, sir.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[Timberstalker]

http://q13fox.com/2017/11/06/local-gold-star-family-they-say-time-heals-but-it-just-doesnt/

Here’s the news segment. RIP.

[pianoman9701]

I read this today. RIP Aaron. Never forget.

[Machias]

   Great American Family

[Rainier10]

I was just thinking of Aaron as I was replying in the true spike thread.

Prayers to his family.  He will always be missed.