The Courier
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48 Years In His Back Pocket
On Christmas Day, 1970, a 23-year-old service man from Idaho sat in Vietnam with his favorite sentry dog, sharing a can of beans and franks. The dog wouldn’t eat anything unless you gave it to him with a spoon... and there was only one spoon. What made that day extra special was a letter the soldier received from a sixth grade girl. For the next 48 years, John Metzler carried that letter everywhere he went. John grew up in Jerome County and now lives in Wendell. He credits that letter with giving him the hope he needed to make it back home. The letter could have been given to any soldier, yet something in those few short words said it was written especially for him. Being an Army Helicopter Gunner was a dangerous job in a thankless war, and that little girl’s note mattered. “Dear Serviceman, I’m a student at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School. I want to give my sincere thanks for going over to war to fight for us. The class hopes you will be able to come home...” It was signed, DonnaCaye. John always wanted to know who that girl was and not long ago, he asked family members to see if they could find her. However, rather than just finding her, the family decided to do something extra special for Veteran’s Day 2018. Arrangements were made and DonnaCaye Ludemann Sica flew in from Florida, all while keeping John in the dark. On Sunday, November 11th, the Wendell “On The Road” with American Legion Post #41 held what appeared Steve Hartman to be an ordinary Veteran’s Day Ceremony. (CBS News) aired Then, the door in the back of the special reunion the room opened, letting John on November 16, and Donna meet... in person... 2018 for the very first time. www.cbsnews.com/ “You’re real,” John said. evening-news/ “Yes, I’m real,” said Donna Caye. on-the-road
Gooding Gobbler Fun Run
This Thursday join the annual Gooding Gobbler walk/run 5K. Pre-registration begins at 7 a.m. Thanksgiving morning at North Valley Acadmey. The race begins at 8 a.m.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
November 21, 2018
Vol 42 ~ Num 47
Small Town Swank
If you walk into the Iron Mountain Inn just off of Highway 20 on the west side of Fairfield, you’ll notice something different in the southwest corner of the dining room. For almost a half a year, Cheyenne Wilson and Amanda Hulme have been running an online business called “Small Town Swank.” Their goal was to provide fun fashion for busy moms with an easy and budget friendly place to shop. Online shopping is great, but some of us like to touch and feel the items we buy. So, a few weeks ago Small Town Swank opened a small store at Iron Mountain with clothing (for men and women), aromatherapy jewelry, and locally made items. Someday they would like their business to make a real profit, but for now they are happy to make enough to donate to various local organizations that they both love. This weekend, November 24th, come visit them at the Fairfield American Legion Hall from 10 to 6 for a FALL SHOPPING FESTIVAL. This is a fundraiser for the Camas PTO’s winter clothing drive. This a great opportunity to SHOP LOCAL and support a great cause. Cheyenne and Amanda wish you Happy Shopping, and don’t be afraid to show off your swanky side!