" Tim, you are a hero to me and an example of what being an american is. You, my fellow veteran have a special place in Heaven which is much more important than these sqwabbling, childish, self center, jealous human beings who thrive on contempt and disention. You did a great job...you and others like you make me proud to be an American... "

" To: Duhh

Your name matches your I.Q. "

" Why can't there be a veterans memorial dedicated in the region? I live on the coast and ours was just implemented on 11/11, and is fantastic. "

" Ask dummy Verini, our "special" councilor what is going on. I am sure he has a "special" answer.... "

" This is to all the different veteran guys who are back-stepping and denying any responsibility for the b.s. you've put Tim through and the steps Tim had to take to protect himself. You all raise your arms and pat yourselves on the back saying "We was helping too!" Really? I personally was witness to the last several years of Tim's tireless, selfless efforts to help ALL active duty and otherwise members of our military and their families, regardless of the area they were from. Not for days, weeks or months has Tim given his all, but for years. Anybody can give money and/or sign their initials giving approval to spend other's donations or dues. Where were you guys when Tim spent thousands of hours making these ribbons, and doing other hands on things such as the thousands of care packages he has personally packaged and then had shipped to our loved ones fighting for us. Don't get me wrong, he did have some help. But I never once saw one of you guys getting your hands dirty. I never once saw you guys out there helping a soldier's wife move, or get a car repaired, or any of a thousand different little things Tim has rolled up his sleeves and dove into. I believe this is why our soldiers know who is on the front lines, and who is "In the rear with the gear." Merry Christmas to all. Even you guys. "

" There are two sides and I would find it interesting to see in writing the other side. It might help me to understand why a group whose reason for existence is to support and serve other Veterans and their families has used its energies to diminish another’s work toward that goal.
I was given the name ‘Zippo’ by my Comrades in Arms and have always felt a certain pride in using it. It also gives me a reminder of the ‘Warrior Ethos’: “I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.” that was taken from the Soldier’s Creed that I attempt to follow to this day.
The publicity surrounding the ‘Yellow Ribbons’ is a minor part of the entire problem that I and now the John Ogburn III Post have had with area Veterans Organizations (and that includes those in Idaho and Ontario Oregon). The leadership of these organizations, at first, was content with snippets of malevolence and hostility which I mostly ignored. They expanded as their influence was accepted as authority - The Department of Idaho Veterans of Foreign Wars agreed with their preclusive territory; the city of Ontario cowered when they considered a city official become a Military/Veteran Liaison after their complaint; and finally, the straw that broke the community’s back, the demand to remove the Yellow Ribbons.
Now, after damage and negative publicity has returned to the initial source, there is an outcry of foul play by these Veteran Organizations along with claims that they had “Nothing to do with the troubles.”
Like myself, members of the various Veterans’ Organizations belong to other Veteran Organizations and know what activities, complaints, and resolutions are being presented at meetings and throughout the community. Their actions have had a snowball effect and now they disclaim any involvement. I don’t know who initiated the call to remove the Yellow Ribbons but I do know those that initiated the turmoil that led to their removal. I welcome an explanation and their reasoning and I am sure the community is also interested in their response. "

" I am amazed at how people can say things hurting others not knowing the whole truth, as everyone knows there is always 2 sides to all stories. I think it is time we put this to rest before more people are hurt. I am sure everyone agrees that you can not judge any organization by the actions of one member but you should look at what that organization does as a whole. To you Zippo, I think you and Tim McBride need to get together and decide who did what cause I lost track. Come on Veterans lets get your act together and focus on what is at hand taking care of our Veterans. "

" What a shame, that Ontario VFW Post has to be this way...They should be glad that someone has the time, desire, and ambition to attempt to help and recognize our hero's..wether they are from//in Oregon or Idaho...

I, can honestly say...you (Ontario VFW
Post) will never ever see another nickel from me...but Shall give it to the post from Idaho...and I have donated quite a bit of $$$ to the Ontario Post...You absolutely DISGUST ME !!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK TIM Mc BRIDE..I'm behind you a 100% "

" I personally love seeing the yellow ribbons up around town with servicemen and women's names on them. I used to feel proud driving through town and seeing what a great community to be from that would support its people this way...
Shame on you people that have nothing better to do than complain about a piece of wood up on a pole...
I guess that is why they give their lives in this way though...so YOU have the freedom to complain about something honoring them. Can you sleep at night? "

" This is very sensitive; no matter how anyone approaches this they will surely offend someone else. It showed a lot of pride for someone and the community to support the original placing the names on wooden placard. Just remember that Sgt. John B. Ogburn III and others deserve a memorial, something other then what they have had. If people are interested in keeping a memorial at this site, do something different, maybe a bronze statue behind the sidewalk or a bronze plaque in the sidewalk. Work together to come up with something different then what was there. "

" Reasons of Suspicion:
I belong to a number of Organizations related to support of our Military and Veterans. The two organizations that I find had established programs to assist Military/Veterans and their families are the Veterrans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. The Military Assistance Program of the VFW, especially the "Adopt a Unit" program (http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levele&eid=3718) allowed me to provide the support with the 'tax-exempt' status needed.
As Commander of the Payette VFW, I initiated the adoption of five Military Units including the Oregon members of the 116th Cav (Ontario National Guard). I later initiated a transfer of the adoption to the Fruitland VFW (John Ogburn III Post 12062).
To provide support of these adopted Units, I solicited donations, both money and materials, to provide for these Unit members and their families.
I asked for help (Money and services) from individuals, businesses, and Veterans' Organizations. The only Veterans' Organization to refuse was the Ontario VFW Post 5452.
To date, the community has provided over One Hundred Thousand Dollars in support to take care of household, medical, travel, legal, and special services to families along with 'Care packages' and 'Soldier Projects' for those deployed.
At the Idaho State VFW convention in June 2008, the John Ogburn III Post was awarded 'ALL State' and at the August 2008 National Convention, the John Ogburn III Post was awarded 'All American. These awards are due to our efforts in membership and community service.
At the June 2008 State Convention, I was called by the State Commander for a meeting in which I was told that I was no longer allowed to solicit any donations in Oregon due to a complaint the State had received from the Ontario VFW Post.
November 25, 2008, I was called into Idaho State VFW Headquarters for a reprimand (a Post member had a Buddy Poppy Stand on Veterans Day) and ordered to stay out of Oregon. I was also informed that there was a criminal investigation being initiated in Oregon concerning my regular travel into Oregon.
Again, this complaint was initiated by the Ontario VFW Post through the Department of Oregon VFW to the Department of Idaho VFW.
Using the provisions of Section 214 of VFW National ByLaws: "A Post shall not solicit funds or donations or otherwise engage in fund-raising activities or projects outside the immediate geographica area or community of the Post.", My Department Commander has defined the Post area to Fruitland, Idaho.
Due to my former prominence with the VFW, even though I am affiliated with a number of other organizations, my activities are to be regulated by the VFW.
There have been other attacks and ommissions made by individuals representing other Veterans Organizations in both Oregon and Idaho but these latest have expanded and caused a considerable lack of support for all Veterans and their families.
I am a Vietnam Veteran and I remember how I and my brothers and sisters were treated; I just didn't want it to happen again. "

" When the yellow ribbons for active duty soldiers were placed on power poles around the area, I thought it was a fitting tribute and a reminder to the rest of us that not all places are as peaceful as this place. I have known many of those servicemen since they were children and each time I passed thier ribbon, I said a silent prayer for their safety. Who knew this war would last as long as it has? The ribbons should be refurbished and rehung, if possible on the same poles they occupied before, and when a serviceman returns home, his plaque should be taken down. Surely, some local organization (The Boy Scouts?) could manage this. As for the Ogburn "memorial," I'm not sure a pile of faded, raggedy bouquets and wreathes is the way to honor a fallen hero. Probably, the time had come to disassemble that project. "

" A veteran — whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve — is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America, for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’ That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.” — Author unknown.

I was hoping that the story would have cleared up questions and get the community active in not only ‘Oggie’s Gold Star ribbon’ but for all the ribbons and what they should mean. Instead there are false claims concerning Veteran Organizations providing ‘time’ and ‘money’ into their existence. The ribbons were never a project of any Veterans Organization including those I am/was a member!.
My son is the reason the Yellow Ribbons were started in this area. He remembered what was done in Montana (where we lived at the time) for the local Soldiers deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm. (I have many of the newspaper articles and pictures of that time) and hinted that it would be nice for me to do it again. The first ribbon, made in October 2001, presently hangs on the side of my garage with the name of my son now painted over. When it first went up, I had it along with a yellow ribbon tree along side my driveway. People would stop and ask about getting a ribbon for their relative or friend and so began my project. As the numbers grew, I asked the cities of Fruitland and Payette if I could place them along their streets. I also talked with Idaho Power who gave permission to use their power poles for the display.
Next came Rose Minami from Weiser, who asked me to go with her to get permission from the Weiser City Council (Weiser owns its Power Poles) and at that meeting, there were objections that they should be placed in a park rather than line the streets. The Weiser mayor or maybe a councilman objected saying they shouldn’t be hidden away but proudly line the streets to remind the citizens of the sacrifice and service that its finest citizens were doing! I provided some supplies and assistance but Rose and her friends did the work and continue today to keep them in order and add more or remove them as the situation dictates.
Bobbi Hightower organized Cambridge and Midvale; Nora York put them up in Council; Jeanne Ward worked Nampa and Caldwell; and Linda Amman and her friends did Nyssa.
It was in 2004, when word of the 116th being deployed that friends asked for Ontario to be included. Once it was approved by the city, I went to Kinney Bros & Keele, Lumbermans. Franklin Building, Sav On Lumber and Ontario Building Supply for material and supplies which they donated. My family and friends gathered at my house and we began an assembly line for 500+ names that were without ribbons.
Before the removal of the ribbons in Ontario, New Plymouth, Fruitland, and Payette; no Veteran Organization had any financial or labor involvement in the Yellow Ribbon placards There was a twofold reason for this – First: Veteran Organizations are expected to support Veterans, those serving and their families. The Yellow ribbons were to show those serving that the Community was thinking of them and wanted everyone to know that we were proud of them. The second reason was to avoid any politics or bureaucracy that might interfere or detract from the community support of these fine young men and women.
John Kirby's letter was pretty mild but he and a few others are privvy to the full story. I would rather it had not come to this but Oggie, Joshua, Greg, Robert, and Mark all had 'Gold Star Ribbons and all had ties to our community. There also were 500+ of others still living and serving in the Military. I will fill a later blog with details of 'why' the 'blocked id' caller was affiliated with a local Veteran Organization. "

" bunch of Yahoos! convinced me to funnel my money to better causes. "

" Rest In Peace Oggy.

http://www.legacy.com/Soldier/Story.aspx?Page=FSStory&PersonID=3587079 "

" Finally,someone who wants to look for a salution.Laree, you make more sense than all these finger pointers and name callers. Why can't everyone invovled in this try to play nice with each other. If your kids were acting this way, you would all correct them for doing so. I just don't understand why organizations who exist to support all soldiers and veterans can't put their personalities aside and act like adults. Who cares who is doing what in which town,just put your petting back bitting and name calling away and go forth with the spirit of togetherness at this time of year when you should be filled with good will toward all. "

" Instead of arguing about who was or was not involved, why not be part of the solution? It is obvious to me that we all want to support our troops and veterans. Here is a simple solution, go to Mr. McBride pick up one ribbon and return it to its rightful place. I know that this does not solve all of the problems but it is a step in the right direction. This is the least that we can do for our troops. I should know I am married to a soldier in the United States Army, He has been deployed twice and returned home safely both times. We are truely blessed and endlessly gratefully to those who have supported us. Thank You "

" Sadden:
If a need arose that we had that many homeless veterans roaming the streets there is a possibility of opening the hall to house the vets, we also give money to an organization that helps vets in need of a place to stay.

As you can see my name is Charles , whats yours or are going to hide behind FAKE name ? "

" to: confused

I have raised a few questions but I have no grudge. If I know the "real answers" as you claim then I would not ask the questions. Maybe my questions hit a nerve or maybe you have a guilty consence. You seem quick to accuse me of having something to do with this. I don’t understand your last comment at all.

To: Charles Sokolik

You state: “The 3 veterans groups here in Ontario work together to help needy vets, all it takes is a phone call to get them going."

I have a question for you: Does any of the 3 veterans org. in Ontario have a building? If so why not work to shelter the homeless veterans in the community by allowing them to get in out of the cold over the winter by opening up the building as a temp. shelter?

I have to agree with "upset" this is about showing the honor and respect to the veterans. I am just glad that someone is putting up the ribbons. "

" Saddened, you seem to know alot about what is going on. You continue to raise questions like you have a grudge. You use words like turf war when in fact I think you know the real answers. What role did you play in this melo-drama. Did you make the phone call or did you help dream up the whole thing to blacken the eye's of our local veterans because one person can't follow the rules and be a player. "

" I think you have all lost sight a the real issue. John Ogburn gave his all for this country and should be honored with the yellow ribbons put up by Mr. McBride, but he is one of many the fought for our freedoms in that war. The rest of those that served over there deserve their ribbons replaced also. Why can't these veteran organixations in all the communities impacted by this get to gether and redo the ribbons for any family that wants one for their soldier and put them back up is a spirit of Christmas solitude and put this thing to rest. I'm sure if all these groups in New Pymouth, Ontario and Payette contacted Mr. McBride he, because he has always suppported the soldiers, would welcome the opportunity to get those ribbons back up. I think these groups should quit snipping at each other and support the one man who has worked so hard to support the soldiers who were deployed "

" Charles: I dont think that this is about "hard feelings" between the 3 Veterans groups in Ontario. Your last statement:" We don't brag,we just do " seems to be a bitter one and aimed at someone (or org) or is just said as a way of bragging. Is that the AL,VFW or DAV motto or something?

I noticed that one of the yellow ribbons was back up, are the rest getting put back up? Is this being done by AL,VFW or DAV?????

Who ever put it back up let me say THANK YOU. "

" I am not a member of any of these three organizations. Saying that: does it really matter "WHO" from "WHAT" veteran's organization put up the memorial? Are they all high school students and have to act childish? SERIOUSLY! This is about the most ridiculous thing I have heard of in the last few months. Who gives a rip "WHO" from "WHAT" organization put up "THE" memorial or for that matter "ANY" memorial. Talk of a "turf war" as quoted by John Kirby was stupid. Good heavens people, let's get back to the purpose of the memorials and pull our heads out of our rears. "

" Could it be that someone is just playing a mind game. Think about it,if they can convince you that there is hard feelings among the 3 Veterans groups will you donate to any of them when they ask you ? The 3 veterans groups here in Ontario work together to help needy vets, all it takes is a phone call to get them going.
" We don't brag,we just do "

Charles Sokolik
2nd Vice Commander
American Legion Post 67
889-8432 "

" The whole thing is a sad situation....Why anyone would threaten legal action for honoring one who has given their life in honor of their country, is beyond my comprehension.......Whoever it was must be a sad pathetic soul. "

" Someone told me today after I started asking questions about both Tim and Mr. Farrow, that this Farrow guy went to the City of Ontario and stated that ONLY the Al,VFW and DAV speak for the veterans in Ontario???!!! If this is true then I think that the "call" would fit with what he has stated and it seems that he would do something like this to stop anyone else from speaking for or helping the veterans. Tim I am told is not from Ontario. Again if this is true then I think that the Ontario AL,VFW and DAV need to grow up. "

" If only that was the only attack or 'Legal' threat made against Tim:

1st- call was made from a "Blocked ID" to cell phone and what was learned from service provider isn't enough to identify caller.

2nd- Idaho VFW Department Commander called Tim into office to give Official reprimand initiated from Ontario VFW (2nd complaint) through the Department of Oregon VFW.
At that time, Commander also informed Tim that a criminal investigation was also being conducted by Oregon State Police for criminal sctivity Tim was doing in Oregon. In contacts with Police, the only way that Oregon VFW would know of such investigation was if they initiated the complaint.

3rd- Businesses and individuals have been approached and/or informed by leadership and members from the Ontario VFW and AL to neither support nor associate with Tim and his activities in support of Soldiers, Veterans and their families.

4th- the personal attacks have been ongoing for over two years but Tim fearing that it might cause problems with community support has not publicized the 'Slander' until this latest threat of a lawsuit and criminal investigation.

5th- Tim is a disabled Vietnam Veteran who believes in his Country and Community and has used his personal finances for all his 'Support the Troops' activities. He used the (Idaho) Veterans Organizations to allow the community to contribute to that support.
Unfortunately, he has been ordered and threatened with membership suspension by Idaho VFW if he continues Fund raising and other Support activities in Oregon. "

" It seems like almost everyone is confused and concerned over the letter to the editor fron John Kirby and the resulting article in the paper.

I have personally checked into this matter. I have spoken with members of all the local Veterans organizations. They had no knowledge of any such goings on until John Kirby's letter hit the paper. American Legion Post 67, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5452, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18 all donated time and money to see that the memorials were made and put up in the first place. Why would anyone think that we would spoil the intent and meaning of it now?

John B. Ogburn III was a personal friend of my family and myself. He was a member, and 2nd Vice Commander of the American Legion Ontario Post 67. As you might imagine, I am as upset over this as anyone.

At this time, the American Legion Post 67 Commander is trying to make arrangements to pick up the John Ogburn placard from Tim McBride, so that it may be put back up in it's rightful place. Should anyone have a problem with that, they can contact me with the full details of their objections.

Further, The Veterans organizations have been working together for quite some time to build an all Veterans memorial in Ontario. A Tentive design, and location have already been worked out. Only the final approval of the design by all parties involved is left. Then we only have the exact cost and the fund raising remaining. With all due respect and apologizies to John Kirby, there is no turf war.

Michael A. Jones
Commander District 10
Dept. of Oregon
American Legion "

" I think this article begs a few questions. 1)How can Mr. Farrow state: “No one from any of the organizations made the phone call.”unless he called everyone in the organizations or he knows who did call? 2)How did the caller know who to call and complain? Unless he is connected to the "turf war".

This is total disrespect for our local service members.I think that the City of Ontario needs to step up to the plate and correct this problem. "

" I find it difficult to believe that Mr. McBride did not know to whom he was talking with on the phone. These days with caller id available its hard to understand how anyone can receive a truly anonymous call, and then take these type of measures based on such a call. If someone had the ability and intent to file legal action they are going to identify themselves to be more credible. "

" Why a more permanent memorial isn't presented either at the city park or City Hall escapes me and after so long it's time to do this.

The reason the memorial was there stems wholly from Mr. Ogburn's long-time employment with the Red Apple.The former service station that was across from the site is owned by the store as is the building behind it and directly across the parking lot, formerly housing a health store and a laundromat.

Johnny was a beloved member of the Red Apple crew and many customers think of him fondly when they see his name and face. Perhaps a public statuary in Ontario should be placed in either Lions or Kiwanis Park if that can be worked out. Not another jet body or tank though...something that reflects his giving spirit and protecting soul. "

" How sad that someone is destroying memories of the young men and women lost in this awful fighting. It is bad enough that we lost our sons and daughters, our sisters and brothers, a parent, a friend, etc. and we all grieve those losses. Whomever made the call, step forward, don't hide behind cowardness, show your face. Meet us head on with your objections. "