How about a memorial run this spring for XJFIRE?

[old_man]

Just throwing out an ideal How about a memorial run when the snow clears. Nothing hard, just real pretty. We could ask any of his family and friends to ride along and have a rememberance and celebration of his life, his love, and his sacrifice. We could ask all the Colorado 4x4 clubs to participate. In central Colordo, Bill Moore Lake would be a good candidate, or something equivelent closer to the springs.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

I think that's a great idea Tom. If we're going to invite other groups or clubs, we might consider opening the theme to include any other fallen soldiers that belonged to those clubs as well. Unfortunately, Seth probably isn't the only soldier / 'wheeler that has been lost to the cause.

Maybe even incorporate some sort of service with a non-denominational member of clergy to say something at the scenic location... does anyone know of a 'wheeling Reverend in Colorado? Or maybe a military Chaplain?

 

[jdogg4]

I'd be in for that.

 

[Frank Z]

A great idea. Families should be invited.

 

[Hypoid]

This is unbelieveable. He was so excited about joining :: and getting involved.

Seth's enthusiasm is part of what made him so likeable. I could participate in a mild trail ride without too much repercussion; it is a stocker and it is hers.

I wouldn't mind a memorial ride, or adopting a trail as a memorial. Family oriented works for me also.

 

[Rockken]

I'm in, just let me know when and where.

 

[jdogg4]

this just posted up on co4x4

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=83013

Fallen soldier and fellow 4WD - memorial fund

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COHVCO has been contacted by Ms. Susan Stanton, aunt of PFC Seth Stanton of Colorado Springs. Seth was killed over the weekend in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq. Seth was a 19 year old 4WD enthusiast, and as you’ll see in the account in the article link below, he liked difficult routes more than anything. His favorite area was near Cripple Creek.

Seth’s Aunt Susan was given COHVCO's name by the USFS, whom she had contacted to see what the family could do to help with OHV routes and access, and to help create a remembrance for him. We talked about some of the things that COHVCO could do to help memorialize Seth’s life through OHV trails efforts, and ICOHVCO has committed to get some projects going. A couple things that we talked about were trail improvement projects, possibly an annual event, and the possibility of getting a trail named in his honor. Val Douglas will be leading this effort for us, and we would love to have some other volunteers step forward to help. We should all remember that our commitments and sacrifices are small compared to what the Stanton family has given.

The Stanton family is asking that donations be directed to:
COHVCO
In Memory of Seth Stanton
P.O. Box 620523
Littleton, CO 80162

Please send condolences to:

Parents of Seth Stanton
3015 W Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80904

We will run periodic totals on the donations, and let the family know what Seth’s friends, admirers and family donate. We can all make an effort to show the camaraderie of the OHV communication, in terms of donations and trail projects.

 

[philip_g]

Should we pool donations and send one big donation from ?

 

[jdogg4]

Should we pool donations and send one big donation from ?

That's what I'm thinking. I like CO4x4 and all but this being a club would be way nice to represent the fact he was a fellow XJ guy.

 

[GSequoia]

I think that looking into naming that trail he wanted to clean up after him would be a great memrial token for him. (and of course clean it too!).

 

[ladywolf]

what about putting up a rememberance plaque on his favorite trail?

 

[philip_g]

I think that looking into naming that trail he wanted to clean up after him would be a great memrial token for him. (and of course clean it too!).

How would one go about doing that?

 

[GSequoia]

The first step would be to contact whatever agency is in control of the land the trail is on.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

I will be sending a letter to the family. I believe that Seth has younger siblings who may want to carry on with his XJ. I'll offer to extend Seth's membership to them for it's duration. I imagine that National would have no problem transferring the membership, but if it's something not easily done, the Colorado Chapter will certainly pony up for the cost.

I let them know that should his siblings need any help with Seth's XJ, that we would welcome them with open arms. I also offered the Chapter's assistance should they find it difficult to determine what to do with his XJ. I offered help in creating a raffle for the XJ, or maybe locating someone through the Make-A-Wish Foundation that would enjoy the XJ and our club.

In reading the posts in this thread so far, Seth is going to be well represented by and other off-road groups. Very cool!

 

[old_man]

I don't know when his unit is rotating home, but IIRC it was going to be Feb or early March. Maybe we can invite some of his unit. You've got to know it has hit them pretty hard as well.

 

[Frank Z]

Might be tough to do. His unit is based in Ft. Hood, Tx.

 

[YJgirl]

jdogg4 cross posted my note from CO4x4. Thanks!

Seth's family has contacted COHVCO and would like to do something in memoriam for Seth. As a result, the COHVCO board of directors has asked me to take the lead on this project and coordinate it through clubs, other volunteers, and the FS and/or BLM. If someone (like a point person) from the Colorado Chapter of would like to help, the help is more than welcome and much appreciated, especially since some of you knew him. If you would like to assist, please email me at [email protected] or call me at 303-842-0825.


So far we have come up with several ideas where the donations will be targeted.
1. naming a trail after Seth
2. turning Patriot into a memorial trail for all the fallen soldiers in Colorado, or do this on another trail.
3. doing an annual clean up in his honor.
4. doing an annual trail run in his honor.
5. creating a trail head kiosk in his honor
6. ???? got any more suggestions ????


You guys have some good ideas in this thread already, so keep them coming.

Val

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Val,

Thanks for the info. Please do post any updates as they develop.

Since the family has already been in contact with COHVCO, we'll follow your lead where the trail related events are concerned. I'm sure lots of our Chapter members will be eager to attend / support whatever you come up with.

Don't hesitate to contact any one of the Chapter BOD officers - me, Jeff Taylor (planefixer) or Justin Schrock (jrsxj98) with any info or requests. Jeff lives in the 'Springs and might be the best person for local help.

As I posted above, the Colorado Chapter will make itself available to the family for any XJ related needs.

Also, if you have any info on trails that are up for adoption, we'd really like to get one for the Chapter. Some talk about adopting Iron Chest has bounced around.

BTW, I think the Patriot trail idea is an excellent one!