Out & About: Remember those in combat

Operation Cookie Jar

I received an email it started with, "I met a very nice young man, very neat, clean and polite. His hair was cut very short. Yes, he was one of The Few, The Proud, The United States Marines." Cameron preparing to go to Afghanistan. We chatted as he waited for his flight to be called, talking about "all the paper we had killed in Basic. My gun was bigger than his. He shot straighter than I did ... both of us were 'Rifle Experts.'" I asked Marine Cameron what he might like in Afghanistan, as far as care packages. Cameron had never tasted combat but he knew about it. Socks! Came his reply, without hesitation.

I just about lost it. You see, Cameron is from Reno. Recently out of high school, he became a U.S. Marine. He was assigned to a MEF Weapons Company. So was Marine Sgt. Frank R. Zaehringer III, Weapons 2/9 Marines. Frankie also needed socks. Sadly, before everything had been taken care of, Frankie had made the ultimate sacrifice. He died in combat operations Oct. 11, 2010 in Afghanistan. Tomorrow (Sunday, July 10) is his birthday.

So, it's personal with me. Monday, to let Cameron know that we are supporting him and to remember Frank, I'm beginning a drive to get every Marine of the 2/4 Marines a bag of socks. I'm working with Reno Walmart and hope to get some help from the Marine Corps League. I hope to have the socks at Camp Pendleton by mid-August at the very latest. Frank graduated from Wooster High School in 2005. I knew some of his friends, Jesse and Jake Rasner, they played baseball with Frank. Everyone who knew Frank admired him. He was an outstanding son, brother, husband, friend and soldier.

In honor of Cameron and Frank the fundraiser below is this weekend, please swing by and purchase socks. This anonymous statement was on one of Frankie's blogs, how true this is: "This hero will forever be with those of us who knew and admired him." Frank's birthday was a couple of weeks ago. May his mother and father, Sharon and Frank Zaehringer Jr., his wife, Cassie and his sister, Nicole Scott know he will never be forgotten

WHO: Operation Cookie Jar - Sock Drive

WHAT: Hanes / Fruit Of The Loom / other major brand, high cotton content, crew/boot length, dark brown or black in 10-pair bags (white will work, if need be). The 2/4 will need some 1,000 bags of cotton socks.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: Socks For Marines at Walmart (Kietzke Lane store) collection drive or the Flag Store at 155 Glendale Avenue #9, Sparks, NV 89431

COST: A bag of 10-pair of socks is about $10 with tax. Don't worry about shipping. Operation Cookie Jar will be taking care of that expense.

CONTACT: Steve, 775-425 - 5936

WEB-SITE: www.operationcookiejar.org/adopt.html

Children's Museum Luau

Hands on, mind expanding, the Northern Nevada Children's Museum inspires the imagination through learning and adventures with innovative play settings and home-based programs. This weekend's event provides funding to allow admission and membership fees to stay low to help make it possible for every child to visit and enjoy. Remember you can book birthdays, baby showers and let the children enjoy while learning craft activities, exhibits and much more. Make a valuable contribution to local children's learning and help the Elk's continue to support children's learning.

WHO: Children's Museum Of Northern Nevada

WHAT: Learn to hula with amazing dancing girls, specialty drinks and dinner

WHEN: Saturday. Cocktails 5 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Elk's Lodge, 515 North Nevada St. Carson City

COST: $25 per person, advance ticket sales at the Elk's Lodge and Children's Museum

CONTACT: 882-226 or 882-3751

WEB: cmnn.org.

• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.