Maine Minutiae: Vet Makes Christmas Merry for Soldiers

Christmas Across the State***

I have mentioned that when it comes to serving in or showing support of the United States Military, Mainers are second to none. Literally. Per capita, Maine has the highest percentage of active and retired veterans of all fifty states in the Union. I know that to be true because I have substantiated it before, I just can't remember where. So you gotta trust me on this one. Most of the people I know in Maine are members of Heather's family and off the top of my head, I can name seven men that have served or are serving as I type this, and that's just a small part of her family. I know that's a bit anecdotal, but it also is representative of the larger group,the total population of the state.

Your average enlisted man/woman in the military is not exactly raking in the dough. Sure, they get some good benefits, but many of our bravest also have families to take care of. In a trying economy, like we are currently experiencing, it's all the more difficult to make ends meet for service members.

There is an organization here in Augusta that is a beacon of hope for military personnel during the Christmas season. I discovered an article in the Lewiston-Auburn area newspaper the Sun Journal that tells the story of Christmas Across the State and the man behind it, Kerry Birmingham, himself a Viet Nam Vet.
 
Daniel Hartill, a Staff Writer for the Sun Journal, gets the props for a job well done for bringing Christmas Across the State to the attention of the masses. Sun Journal.

Isn't that article a perfect example of selflessness, patriotism and a damn fine man? Daniel, again I thank you for your work in bringing this to the fore, and to Mr.Birmingham, I salute you, Sir, for your service to our country and for your continuing efforts to make sure our Bravest and Finest young people are looked after during the Christmas Holiday. God bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

***Photo shamelessly swiped from the Sun Journal ***

Texas Tidbits: The Trykoskis and the Square Lighting It Up!

Quick Note: Thank all of you who stopped by the place yesterday and took the time to read the birthday tribute to my wife, Heather. She was in wow of have many of you visited . Thank you all.  :)

Trykoski  Manor***

Today it's back to traveling around Texas in search of extraordinary Christmas light displays. We don't have to go too far from the D/FW Metroplex to find one of the best Christmas light displays in Texas. It's located in Frisco at the home of  Jeff and Bridgette Trykoski on Bryson Drive. Synchronized to computer-controlled music, the Trykoskis have 0ver 85,000 Christmas lights that dance and flash in rhythm to the tunes. You can listen to the music from the display on their low-powered FM radio station, 99.9FM. Besides the lights and music working in tandem, I think the low powered radio station is one of the coolest things since sliced bread. If it's too cold to get out of your car, you can simply tune in to 99.9FM and enjoy the show right there in your own ride! Ain't technology great? I'm making an educated guess here, but I bet the Trykoskis had a helluva time getting the OK from the FCC to run their low powered radio station for the light display.

We have covered several Christmas light displays from around the country, and the Trykoskis have an added a unique touch to theirs that is in keeping with the spirit of the Yuletide Season. They ask that if you visit their display, please leave a canned good in a big receptacle right next to their mail box.  They do not accept cash donations, so a few canned goods would be a big help to the needy in North Texas. All the food donations got to the Frisco Food Bank/Frisco Family Services Center. That's a damn good idea. Nice work, Trykoskis!

When you are visiting the Trykoskis in Frisco, be sure to drive through the town square in Frisco to see the fantastic light display there. It is absolutely outsatnding! How about a preview?

I know a lot of my long-time friends live in or near Frisco, so what do ya say? A canned good donation at the Trykoski's place and a trip around the square in Frisco would make for a nice evening ride, don't you think? I knew you'd see it my way.  :)


***The Trykoskis' Website***