FALL 2008 NEWSLETTER

The Leadership Team of Tribute To The Troops has recently undergone some changes. As we grow and strive to do better, changes are inevitable. We are grateful for the contributions of our old friends, and thank them for being a part of this great organization. They helped shape TTTT from it's infancy. We wish to personally thank Don and Jen Knafla, Chris Lind and Pam Johnson, and Rick and Linda Block for all their efforts over the years. We are looking forward to continuing to focus on our primary mission, along with improving the infrastructure of our organization creating more opportunities for member involvement, increased events and functions and better communication with our members and participants. Our newest Board Members: Brad and Cindy Chandler of Blackwater Choppers and The Chandler Group. Cindy Chandler serves on the Board of Directors and is incoming Chairperson of the Children's Cancer Society. Jim and Dianna Beardsley, Gold Star parents and founders of Heroes United. Jim and Dianna own J+D Excavating, and No Limit Graphics. Please join us in welcoming these great folks to our Board!

The remaining Board members are: Gregg Schmitt, Chairman and CEO, Pam Braastad, Treasurer and CFO, Randy Vaughn, Ride Captain, Chopper Master, Mike Lundeen, Ride Captain, Education Fund Co-chair, Cindy Lundeen, Secretary, Merchandise Manager, Barbara Vaughn, Co-Chair Education Fund, Social Activities, Maggie Schmitt, Ticket Master, Legal Affairs, VIP, Tim Braastad, Ride Captain, Safety Officer.

Recent Developments:
After our September Ride and Concert a unanimous Board vote was held in favor of increasing the funding of the Children of Fallen Heroes Education Fund to $76,000.00, to be disbursed this year! We not only doubled the amount designated for the 33 children of fallen heroes from it's original funding, but have identified two children of a fallen hero, currently in college, who have an immediate need. Our grant to them, $5,000.00 each, was presented on September 27, 2008.

Presenting Elizabeth Mettille $5,000.	Presenting Michael Mettille $5,000

Join Tribute To The Troops!
We have begun a campaign for membership. It is easy, and free! Click Here For Details

Annual Donation Meeting:
Saturday December 6th, 5:30PM
Gallagher-Hanson VFW Post 295, lower level, 111 South Concord Exchange South St. Paul, Mn.

We are still working out details for dinner and entertainment. Please plan on making an evening of it. We will notify you as soon as more details become available.

Newly Created Volunteer Opportunities
We have identified the following areas of responsibilities that need to be improved. As we grow, we need motivated people to help make TTTT the best it can be. We have created Officer positions that report directly to the board in the below listed categories. Each Officer may have a committee of volunteers/members to help. We ask for a one year commitment. If you are interested in any of the below positions, please e-mail Gregg detailing the area you want to serve and a brief description of your qualifications. We will announce our selections at the December meeting.

Heroes Remembrance Officer: Responsible for an accurate list of Minnesota's fallen heroes, their rank and branch of service and hometown for reading at the concert. Coordinate with decoration committee the display with the soldiers pictures. Assign names at the concert, and help volunteers with pronunciation. Responsibilities include notifying TTTT members and Board the dates our heroes were killed, and what we might do to let the family know we are thinking about them. Recommending what TTTT should do for each family, flowers, card, visit on the anniversary of the heroes death, etc. Responsible for preparing and sending sympathy cards, Holiday cards for the families, etc.

Social Activities Officer: Responsible for recommending and planning TTTT social events, �identifying where TTTT can be involved to support other like minded organizations. Recommending and planning chopper appearances, etc.

Public Relations Officer: Responsible for producing sponsorship certificates, volunteer/membership award certificates, thank you notes to sponsors, donors, police agencies, etc. Responsibilities also will include preparing and sending press releases about TTTT events, grants, rides, functions, etc. This person should be media savvy and have experience drafting and writing press releases, have media contacts, and is knowledgeable in media relations.

History Officer: Responsible for documenting and recording all things TTTT, scrapbook, photos, DVD's for possible sale. Laurie Johnson has graciously agreed to accept this position, however she may need help. She is also the official photographer of TTTT.

Blue Star Mothers Liaison Officer: Coordinate with the Blue Star Mothers joint projects and events.

Veterans Affairs Officer: Responsibilities include presenting ideas and functions at Veterans hospitals to visit these heroes, contacting different veterans groups for inclusion in TTTT events and missions. Contacting groups like American Legion Riders to pursue how we can coordinate joint efforts and functions, as well as how TTTT might help returning troops and injured heroes

Family Gift Officer: Responsibilities include developing a consistent list of gifts TTTT brings to families of ALL rides. Includes researching gift items, pricing, etc. and recommending to board what should be given, the ordering through merchandise and distributing to the rides for the families.

VIP Officer(s): Janet Mertes and Sandy Olson

Decoration Committee Officers: Sue Wascher and Jamie Scofield

The Leadership Team is also striving to include more input and involvement from our members, as well as respond to the needs of the families of our fallen heroes and our wounded heroes. As such, a "Family Relief Fund" has been established for families with an immediate need, a "Wounded Heroes Fund" has been established to assist those injured soldiers returning home. Our donation focus is more concentrated in Minnesota, and more towards the needs of the families of our fallen heroes and wounded heroes, than ever before. For this, we need your input and suggestions. Your involvement and participation is crucial to our mission, because you are the ones who are TTTT!

Mission Statement
The Tribute To The Troops ride and benefit concert is dedicated to those brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Our focus is to gratefully and graciously demonstrate to loved ones left behind that we, as ordinary Americans, will not forget their loss. It is in their memory and honor that we raise awareness and funds for the benefit and comfort of those who continue to serve. Through these efforts we convey our gratefulness and appreciation to all veterans who have served, whether in war, or in peace.