SPIRITS HIGH AT NSA 2006 TRAIL MAINTENANCE SEND -OFF SOCIALS

“HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!”

Missoula, MT. Well over 125 smokejumper volunteers kicked off the 2006 Trail maintenance season in Missoula on July 15 and 23. The volunteers assembled for a beer call at Applebees and then moved over to the Golden Corral for dinner and some words of wisdom from trail boss Jon McBride and others before leaving for their assigned projects the next day.
Hal Howell, MSO ’55 has been with the trails program since it’s inception and so far has volunteered for 19 projects, (squadleader on most of them) in Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Colorado. Hal always shows up early in Missoula to assist Jon McBride with final preparations. Hal says, “my NSA trail projects, skiing, golf, and some family time mixed in keep me young, off the streets and out of trouble”.
James Cherry, MSO’57 is, among other things, a beekeeper. An early veteran of the trails program, Jim is volunteering for three projects in 2006. Jim travels to Montana, Idaho and Colorado from his home base in Iowa towing a honey wagon (bee hives and all). “Well, I can’t find a bee-sitter back home so I just bring them with me,” Jim said. Also loaded in the honey wagon, besides his trail gear and tools are cases of honey that Jim generously provides to all NSA trail volunteers. He gives each volunteer a one-pound jar (great nourishment on the trail) and each camp kitchen gets a one and one-half pound jar. Additional jars of his excellent Winnebago Beeline Honey are always available for purchase and with the bees along there is no concern about running out of the healthy stuff. Thank you, Jim-everyone appreciates your generous contribution.
Bill Breyfogle, MSO’55 is participating for his fifth summer in the NSA trails program. Bill lives in Michigan and with his camp experience as a life long member of the Boy Scouts of America, Bill usually volunteers as the camp cook. “I really enjoy the good comradeship and the hard work with its satisfying accomplishments. Since it costs me a grand to get out here, I just stay for two weeks and double the pleasure,” Bill added.
Stan Linnerzt, who is a cook on two projects in 2006, said “I don’t have any talent, so I just cook.” That is not necessarily true, since Stan gets kudos for proposing the idea for the GIVE program and recently was instrumental in securing a $500 grant for the Colorado projects. As far as Stan’s talent goes, if you haven’t had the good fortune to be in an NSA trail camp for breakfast when Stan serves his beer soaked granola in beer batter hot cakes with huckleberry topping, you are definitely missing out!
Speaking of huckleberries, Jim Scofield MSO’66, donated a box of huckleberry products, including the topping mentioned above, to each camp. In the huck package sent for the Colorado crew, Scofield included the following note: “Bill- sorry the Colorado crew has to work so high above timberline that you don’t find any hucks. We have managed to spare some of our Montana hucks and send them to you.” Jim, considering the cost of hucks (seems like they are sold by the berry not per pound) your contribution to the volunteers is greatly appreciated. “ I donate the huck stuff because I want to contribute to a great program,” Jim added.
“If you look at the people who participate in the NSA Trails program,” said Ron Stoleson MSO ’56, “there are great number of life members volunteering. Jon McBride and Tom Blunn are accomplishing the impossible.” Stoleson added,
“next to the smokejumper reunion the trails program is the most unifying program in the NSA. It helps renew friendships, provides an opportunity to make new friends and the program is making significant contributions to the public lands. I can’t say enough about the positive benefits of the NSA Trails program.”
Tom Blunn, Associate, who cooked on the Willow Creek project this season, is the main link between the volunteers’ work accomplishments and the fuel that keeps them going. 'We Work For Food' is the smokejumper trail volunteer motto and Tom makes sure there is plenty of high quality food available for everyone. “It all starts in February when I begin planning for the upcoming seasons projects and purchasing begins soon after.” Tom said. “I try to improve my efficiency each year because of the continued growth of the program, and Jon needs all the help he can get with the menu planning and food purchasing. The butcher knows me by first name and my purchasing team (Chuck Fricke, Gary & Mary Jane Weyermann, Don Courtney, Ted Nyquest) know where to get the best bargains in Missoula. I’m really glad to be part of this worthwhile program.” Thanks, Tom, for a great job. We all appreciate your great contribution!
“HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!” These infamous words were spoken by Fred Brauer, MSO ‘41 to the cheering group of enthusiastic smoke jumper volunteers at the July 15 send off social. Fred added, “ I wish you the all the success on your projects that I know you will have. Thank you for the work you have done in the past and the jobs you are doing now. Good luck to you all.”