Now off the Grid...day 3 and 3506 words written

 

/Today I finished up the introduction.  For 5 hours in this area designed like phone booth. I found a quiet that made it easy for me to as they say:  "pound the keys".  And my friend who encouraged me to "go off the grid" was so right!  While I can't say the words came easy, but they indeed seemed to find the memories and bring them back in full color.

Where did I find and connect with so many people that helped launch the A Backpack Journalist program?

Well, it started believe it or not with offering arts and crafts to 2000 children as they went to work with their parents at The Pentagon on the "TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO WORK DAY".   Pallets of craft supplies were loaded into one of the most secure buildings in America.  All donated by vendors who were supplying to Walmart, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Many vendors came also, and one of my favorite pictures is of Danny and his girlfriend and me all with bright red aprons on and lots of smiles.  I should add that Danny a Vietnam Vet, flew for the US NAVY was proud of his Navy Flying Cross. 

Then here was Brian, a former Michaels Store regional manager, and the individual who set up Canada for Michaels.  He sat in one booth area, and for hours helped the children make a craft.  Way to much think about again! I remember one of my dear friends Mary Nell, shaking her head and commenting:  "Geez you at the Pentagon with crafts.  Only you!"  then laughing out loud and coming to also work with the kids with a glue project.

We did make it on the DVIDS network, and had many of the Public Affairs Staff join us.  It was a very busy day and at the end - all we had left was the empty pallets!  And a lot of happy children carrying back to their parents desk - "crafts to take. home."

On this day I met Colonel James L Scott, II known as "Scotty" . He represented the Reserve Affairs for the Department of Defense and thus my relationship began with his guidance as the reserves at that time were vast and enormous.   That day also, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Community Affairs, Allison Barber took note of a Project for 2000 kids well done!  Thus, more assignments came forth and her door was open to listen to the concept of A Backpack Journalist when it came along.

Note:  Scotty and I have been friends since 2006 and his wife, an Army nurse, are now retired in Pangburn, Arkansas a town of 600.  They love to fish!  We talk frequently. 

Dr. Barber is now the CEO of the Indiana Fever, a woman's professional basketball team.  Her career following her work at the Department of Defense includes her dedication to serve at the Red Cross and various other agencies and universities.  We stay connected through Social media. Her present working within professional sports for women speaks volumes!

Thus, the secret to this successful experience - was "just ask" and have a "Cause worthy of the ask."

Linda Dennis

January 24, 2024

from the phone booth at the Ripple foundation