Carson City woman connects with troops in a special way

"On Dec. 1, this American flag was flown for Carson City resident P.J. Degross on a combat patrol in Southern Baghdad, Iraq.

"This bright symbol of our nation accompanied the soldiers of A Company, 1-184 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, traveling in the Commander's M 1114 Up-armored HMMWV [high-mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle].

"This vehicle was crewed by Capt. Danjel Bout, 1st Lt. Gerald Mothes, SSG Eric Cryar, Sgt. Luis Bardales, SPC Gabriel Herrera and our Iraqi Interpreter Mohammed Zidan."

- Signed, Capt. Danjel Bout, commanding

Degross operates the Web site: WebofSupport.Com which seeks out volunteers for a Soldier Adoption Program.

Degross said, "Today I received a package from Iraq. This time I was on the receiving end of mail call. I looked at the customs documentation addressed to me and it made me smile. Then I opened the package and my eyes filled with tears. I was overwhelmed with pride and happiness."

Degross received two certificates from the troops and the flag.

Anyone interested in adopting a soldier is asked to e-mail or call Degross at 691-7332 or Pjdahling@aol.com.

Reservations are still available for the fourth annual Eagles and Agriculture Tour of local area ranches, to observe birds of prey from vantage points not available to the general public.

Motor coach transportation is included, along with expert guides on Carson Valley history and wildlife during the tours offered Feb. 22 and 24-26.

A buffet luncheon immediately follows.

There is also space available for the Friday night reception featuring guest speakers on birds of prey and agriculture or beginning and intermediate photography workshops conducted by Robin Wilson, photographer/instructor.

For the adventurous, raft/canoe trips down the Carson River are available Saturday and Sunday. The "Local's Day" and Owl Prowl tours are currently sold out, but a waiting list is available.

The Eagles and Agriculture event focuses on the influx of birds of prey that come to Carson Valley to feed during the winter calving season. The interaction between nature and agriculture attracts nature-lovers of all kinds to observe eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and a variety of other bird species.

Space is limited for all Eagles and Agriculture events so participants are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The Carson Valley Agricultural Community in cooperation with conservation groups, businesses and agencies have developed these events to provide a special educational and up-close way to view birds of prey.

In conjunction with the Eagles and Agriculture event, there is a photography contest where $200 will be awarded for the best eagle photo and $50 for the best agricultural/wildlife photo taken in Carson Valley. Photos are to be submitted by March 10 to the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Authority, photo size 5 x 7 or larger, also on CD if available. A photo release must be signed for eligibility.

Application forms to attend the events during the Carson Valley's Eagles and Agriculture Tour are now available at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Authority in Gardnerville or at www.visitcarsonvalley.org.

All proceeds benefit future Eagles and Agriculture Tour events.

For more information or special hotel room rate offers, contact the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Authority at (775) 782-8144 or toll-free at 800-727-7677, or via e-mail at info@carsonvalleynv.org.