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Argyle, Bartonville, Canyon Falls, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Flower Mound, Harvest, Highland Village, Lantana, Northlake and Robson Ranch
February 2019
Blood Drives Take on New Meaning for Scout Troop Leader By Lyn Rejahl Pry, Editor
Before April 2014, Margo Strawbridge Brooks had never donated blood or even knew her own blood-type. That all changed several years after she took over as the leader of a Girl Scout troop. “My daughter was in first grade when I became a troop leader,� said Brooks, of Flower Mound. “Now, 12-years later, we still have a core group of seven girls-four of whom have completed their Gold Awards.� The troop’s past five-year journey has not been a smooth one. “My Girl Scout troop suddenly had a mom with a medical scare that opened our eyes to the need for blood when she was faced with severe aplastic anemia and needed lifesaving blood transfusions,� said Brooks. “Thank the good Lord above for Chandra’s bone marrow transplant success story.� Then, another scout’s mother began a battle with breast cancer, which had a successful outcome. Finally, a third major medical scare within the troop was when a mother, Michele Portillo, was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of liver cancer. Sadly, she lost her battle on Oct. 9, 2016. Her family was given more time with her due to a blood transfusion in her final weeks. “Through all the medical troubles, my See BROOKS Page A22
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #997 LEWISVILLE, TX
Mayors’ Columns Real Estate Corner Local Experts
By Lyn Rejahl Pry, Editor
www.CrossTimbersGazette.com
Since 1979
A Dedication to Service Ended Too Soon
You may have noticed a flagpole on a hill across from the FM 407/Lantana Trail intersection. This new landmark holds a special meaning for a Bartonville family. This coming March 15 will be the first anniversary of the death of Bartonville’s Capt. Mark K. Weber, a Combat Rescue Officer (CRO), who was killed in Anbar Province, Iraq-- near the border of Syria-- while augmenting the 308th Rescue Squadron (RQS) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. His Pave Hawk helicopter went down with six other, equally heroic, servicemen; all seven on board were killed. Their moonless night-mission involved two U.S. Air Force Pararescue helicopters on their way to rescue other U.S. Military Special Operation Force (SOF) Units under assault. The pilot of Weber’s helicopter saw the overhead power line in time to alert the second aircraft, but too late to avoid it for his own. The members of the U.S. Air Force Pararescue unit are among the most elite-- and most decorated-- of any Special Forces group in the world. The training they go through is referred to as “Superman School,� because that’s what they produce. The leader of these teams are CROs. “When I was five years old, I wanted to grow up to be a hero,� said Weber family friend Tom Ragsdale of Bartonville. “We dreamt of braving the harshest and most Tom Ragsdale (left) helped Ron and Margaret Weber of Bartonville honor the memory of their son. dangerous conditions to save those in danger. We dreamt of traveling to remote parts (Photo by Helen’s Photography) of the world, jumping out of helicopters and diving under the sea-- and literally walking through fire to save others.� The Pararescuemen-- also known as Guardian Angel Airmen-- are the only SOF units with medical training and are exclusively dedicated to the rescue and aid of other personnel. The sustained will, discipline, training, mental and physical toughness required to become a rescue officer is unparalleled. They are regarded as the first responders for all the other SOF personnel, including: U.S. Navy Seals and Seal Team 6; U.S. Army Delta Force, 75th Ranger Regiment and Intelligence Support Activity; and, U.S. Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance, MARSOC, ANGLICO and Fleet Anti-Terrorism See WEBER Page A15