chasedl

Chase: My wife and I were lucky to stand in front of you today and I was privileged to chat with you about Naval History (Leyte Gulf, F-14 Tomcats and such!). You made us all very proud because of your patriotism, dedication, support of our troops and your aspirations to attend the Naval Academy. As a 1970 graduate of USNA, I am always so happy to see such intelligent and dedicated young people like you wishing to attend the Academy. So keep up the great work you do, continue to learn (not just Naval History, but great mathematics and literature) and keep involved in all your projects. I know you will have much support from many of the people you have met over these few years. Congratulate your Mom and Dad too for being such supportive and involved parents. Go Navy, Beat Army!!! May John McCain be our next President!!!

Mike Kuhne

St. Augustine

I am a 58 year old Viet Nam veteran. You make me very proud. I think you are a wonder young man. You will be a fine example for your generation and for generations to come. I salute you.

M Russel Erwin Sr.

Posted at 7:40 PM on 12/26/2007 by ben_olson (Senator McCain's Blog)

John McCain has many supporters across America, but few are as endearing or enthusiastic as our friend, Future Aviator Chase Lucas.
Senator McCain was thrilled to entertain Chase and talk "pilot" from an experienced airman to an aspiring airman.
Thank you Chase for the photo and your encouraging words below.
"Senator McCain would make a great President because he is Brave, Honorable and one my greatest Military Hero's." Chase Lucas
Link to Senator McCain's Campaign Blog about Chase

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Dear Chase , I would like to thank for supporting all the troops. All thou I am not a aviator , I am a helicopter mechanic based in Balad Iraq. Balad is about 60 miles Northeast of Baghdad. I am serving in the Army , but I do live close to Great Lakes Navel Base , which is were all Navy recruits go to basic training. Great Lakes is close to Chicago , which is in Illinois. I would like you to know that it makes it easier to be away from my family knowing people like you support. I am very proud of you and your family for raising such a good boy and patriot ! I would like to say God Bless you and your family and thank you for the support. Sgt Chris Maderer U.S Army

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Dear Chase,
Wow, thanks for your lemonade stand. That is great that you already know that you want to become a Naval Aviator - best of luck.
Just wanted to let you know where some of your Operation Gratitude"care packages made it to . . . I work in one of Saddam's old palaces -Al Faw Palace, Baghdad, Iraq. During one of my "walk-bouts" (since I don't smoke, I take "fresh air breaks" and walk around) I stopped by one of the many "goodies table" and saw your care packages. I took a copy
of the Operation Gratitude magazine and enjoyed reading all the encouraging messages.
It is incredible all the work and effort it takes to mail so many care packages. I am deeply grateful for your support and sacrifice of all of
us over here. I ignore the news and know that there are many Great Americans like you, who support us and our endeavor. May God richly
bless you. I also write a weekly newsletter called the Baghdaddy Times. If you
would like a different perspective than the news, you can check it out at www.baghdaddytimes.com. Wishing you all at Operation Gratitude a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Steve
Stephen "Steve" Sheridan
MAJ, MS
Chief, Medical Logistics
MNC-I Surgeon

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Dear Chase,

I just received a care package from Operation Gratitude. It had a small picture of you @ your lemonade stand. I think it’s a wonderful thing that you’re doing in support of all of us troops serving overseas, so I commend you. I would have probably never done anything like that when I was 8 years old. The care package I received had quite a few things in it, but my favorite things were the DVD & pair of socks! It’s really amazing sometimes how a pair of white athletic socks can brighten your day. I’m sure you receive a lot of emails thanking you for what you do for us, but I just felt compelled to write you and tell you thanks. YOUR work is greatly appreciated. I hope you achieve your dream of becoming a Naval aviator. I’m sure you’ll be a great leader. According to the quote that goes out on all of my emails, you’ve already mastered the leadership trait. You’ve earned my respect & thanks again for all that you’ve done and continue to do for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, & Marines who are deployed.

Rock of the Marne!

SSG William Cunningham

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Hello Chase,
My name is SSG (Staff Sergeant) Shelly Glick. I am in the Florida Army National Guard. I saw your picture in the Operation Gratitude Magazine. I was truly amazed at your determination to raise donations for the
troops. When I was 10 years old, I had a Lemonade Stand also, and I was trying to raise money to get a Vietnam bracelet of a soldier that had
wrote me a letter, at my school. I wanted to help him get things he needed. It is so strange to me that here 36 years later, here you are doing the same for me. Chase, I believe that you will do all that you set out to accomplish. I have been in the military for over 26 years, and not much can really move me. Your picture did move me.
Chase, I am sure that your parents are very proud of you, but I am so grateful for your efforts, and your true courage to get out there and make a difference. Chase, if I can help you just email or write to me,
and I will do what I can to help you. Thank you very much Chase, myself and the troops that I serve with are very happy to get the items you send to us.
God has blessed you and your future, again THANK YOU from my heart. Take great care of yourself and your family.
SSG Shelly Glick
927th CSSB
COB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq
APO AE 09393

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Dear chase,
I just wanted to thank you for the nice picture that you guys included in my package. In all honesty, I hear so many people say how they support us soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines; however, when I hear or see it from someone as young as your you it gives me even more pride in being a soldier and just to let you guys know, it's because of kids like him who I want to make sure they have the freedom to achieve their goals that makes me get up every morning, lace up my boots and do what I do. Your words of encouragement and support are deeply appreciated and words can not express how greatful I am for families like yours!
Thank you so very much and god bless your family!
- agaboy21

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Chase,

Thanks for the pictures! It was great to meet you all. The Senator was truly happy and honored to meet you, Chase. Please stay in touch and take care.Sincerely, Fitz

LCDR Fitzhugh "Dud" Lee Legislative Fellow
Office of Senator John McCain
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Hi Chase!

Thank you so much for the pictures! They are great! It was wonderful to spend the day with you all as well. Austin really enjoyed himself and so did I. Please let us know if you are ever in the area again. I think that for next years airshow, my squadron will be on our deployment, but my husband may be here with Austin to make it to the show.

Keep up the good work, Chase! I know that you'll be an excellent Navy fighter pilot someday!!

Take care,

LT Kristin, VFA37 :)

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Chase,

Thank you so much for your support. Our ship received a lot of packages with so many great gifts inside. It was perfect because none of us were able to spend Christmas with our families and it was nice to be able to open a present. I want to wish you good luck with your lemonade stand. I know you will make a lot of money. Be sure to save all of it. I think it would be great to fly for the Navy. Keep reaching for your dreams and soon you will grab them and never let go. Thank you again for all of your care. God Bless you and your family.

Cryptologic Technician Second Class, Kaiulani Marsh

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Hello Chase,
My name is Lori Amundson and I am a Specialist in the U.S. Army, I read your letter in a magazine in our office and thought it was awesome. I am a part of the 3rd Infantry Division and we are currently deployed in Iraq. I read that you one day would like to be a Naval Aviator. Well I am not an Aviator, but I am in an Avitation Brigade. We have and fly helicopters, I don't, but the people I work with do. I just wanted to send you a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for all the support and pride you are showing. You are a wonderful example that I hope all our neighbors are following. Keep up the good work, the smiles that you are sending are as bright as the sun. Thank you again.
God Bless,
SPC Amundson, Lori

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I received a care package today from those of you involved with Operation GRATITUDE and want to extend my heart-felt appreciation. The items you included in the care package will be of great use to us here. More important however, is the impact your thoughtfulness and dedication have on our morale. Being in a combat zone away from friends and family for so long, missing so many important events in our families' lives, any little piece of "home" we can get is a great morale boost.
Your message of appreciation and the tremendous amount of effort you put into this project are incredibly uplifting. Please continue what you are doing for those who will follow behind us. You are the true heroes; it is you who represent all that is great about the United States of America - a group of very different people with very different backgrounds coming together to make the world a better place. Thank you.
Sincerely,
PAUL A. TOMBARGE, Major, USAF
Deployment Commander
Operation SILENT SENTRY
Southwest Asia
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You probably heard this before from soldiers like me that “this is our job” or “ we are just doing our job” but in reality even thou is our job and we are at risk in moments of fear, loneliness, sadness, coldness or happiness we always find the strength to pull trough by having memories, those memories give you that extra push to work or do things we normally don’t do, you are now part of those memories, just knowing that are people like you giving their time and effort for someone that you never met is very honorable and American. The real heroes of this world are the ones that give without expecting rewards and you my friend are those people. Have comfort that in the middle of war we will enjoy your blessings and with your prayers we will return safe to our homes and enjoy the blessing that our families and you bring in our lives.

1SG Esquivel, Juan

D co. 2/147th AHB

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Chase,

It is wonderful to hear from you! So glad you were able to enjoy Hawaii and endure the EARTHQUAKE!!!! yikes. The body surfing and Pearl Harbor pictures seems to sum up the experience you had. The picture of you at Pearl Harbor is a wonderful commentary about the passage of pride and tradition from generation to generation. The veteran in the picture must have been so proud and honored to receive such praise in such a hallowed place. My experience there, seeing the oil from the Arizona quietly coming to the surface, symbolizing the life blood of the ship and those who lay to rest inside of her, always reminds me of the selfless courage of that generation. It will be a memory I hope you always carry with you and an inspiration for you to one day bring your own son or daughter to experience. I hope you and your family are doing well. You are continually in my thoughts and prayers. It is a continual joy to watch you grow. You are developing into quite the young man. I can imagine the laughter so visible on your smiling face. You are a lucky person to be able to fill your mind with the wonderful memories your parents have provided. It is my privilege to be even a small part of your life.

Your friend,

Maj. Kevin "Stew" Mulligan

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Chase,

Hi it's Don Miller (Chief Gunner's Mate) from SERE school Brunswick, Maine. Just wanted to send you an email to tell you how much I enjoyed talking with you today and to let you know how incredible talented and special you are! I wish you nothing but the best in the future.YOU ARE SOMEONE SPECIAL! Take care, Don

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Dear Chase,

Great to see that you are making a difference, learning, and growing.

Your presence and attitude give so much to everyone. It is my privilege to know you.God bless the USA and Chase Lucas.

Keep up the great work.

Your Friend,

Dr. Denton

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Dear Chase

Thank you for the picture. I enjoyed seeing you again and was happy to show you my airplane.

Very best,Patty Wagstaff

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Chase attends Senator John McCain's Service to America Rally in Jacksonville, FL April "2008" He also met and did a brief interview with Greta Van Susteren of FOX News. (pictured above!)

Chase 8 years old, speaking to Ms Williams Junior World History Class at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. (His cousin Reid Mosquera attends Phillips Academy) He spoke about World War II and also reviewed and gave strategy tips for an upcoming educational game they will be playing in their class called Making History. Nov. "2007"

Chase visits the Douglas MacArthur Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas December "2007"

Chase greets and Thanks Veterans and Active Military for the "2007" Veterans Day Military Appreciation Dinner at the Golden Corral Aberdeen, MD About 1,100 Veterans and Active Military enjoyed the dinner.

Chase visits with one of his Military Heros, Senator John McCain in Washington, D.C. May "2007"

Chase during his radio interview with Larry and Robin at WOCA Ocala promoting his Lemonade Stand to support the Troops for Operation Gratitude. August 31, 2007

Chase raises $310.00 at his Lemonade Stand in Support of Operation Gratitude, Sept. 1, 2007 Operation Gratitude is a Non-Profit Organization that sends Care Packages to our Troops around the World.

Chase and his good friend USMC World War II Veteran, Lou Meassick. Lou gave Chase his Marine Corps Cover that he wore during World War II fighting across Saipan and Tinian.

A photo of Cpl. Lou Meassick USMC 2nd Marine Division 1943-1951

Chase and friend Lt. Kristin "Voodo" Thompson VFA 37, F-18 Pilot at the Pittsburgh Air Show July "2006" Chase and Kristin keep in touch by e-mail and have spent time visiting with each other at the NAS Oceana Air Show in Sept. 2006 and Sept. 2007.

Chase and his good friend Maj. Kevin "Stew" Mulligan USMC VMFA 312 Checkerboards "Fights On" Chase met Kevin at the Rhode Island Air Show in June of "2005"

Chase visits Maj. Kevin "Stew" Mulligan at MCAS Beaufort,SC in February "2006" Kevin has been a Great role model and friend to Chase and stays in touch by e-mail wherever his travels take him.

Chase and his friend LCDR Fitzhugh Lee at Senator McCain's office. "Fitz" is a Navy Super Hornet pilot working for Senator McCain as a Legislative Fellow.

Chase attends the World War II Extravaganza in Reading, PA, June "2007" He talked with and Thanked many World War II Veterans. He can't wait to attend again next year!

Chase and his cousin USMC LCPL Dustin Meyers at USMC Parris Island, SC Sept. "2007"

World Champion Acrobatic Pilot Patty Wagstaff and Chase chatting in her Extra 300S. Jacksonville Air Show "2006"

Chase & Capt. John Lesho A-10 Pilot, Maryland Air National Guard

Chase gets a lesson in the A-10 Simulator Cockpit from Capt. John Lesho

Chase walks the flightline with Major Kevin "Stew" Mulligan at MCAS Beaufort, SC February "2006"

Chase enjoying lunch at the Mess Hall with the Army soldiers.

Chase meets and talks with the Pilots and Crew of VAW-120 E2C Hawkeye Flight Demo Team at the Pittsburgh Air Show July "2005"

US Navy Chief Don Miller, Chase and US Navy Chief Chris Anton (Chase's Uncle) at NAS Brunswick, Maine July 2007

Chase gets a lesson from Master Sargent Jozens in the USAF Thunderbirds F-16 trainer cockpit at Nellis AFB, Nevada

Chase meets and Salutes Pearl Harbor Survivor retired Command Sgt. Maj. Streling Cale at the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii Oct. "2006"

Chase received a special invitation by Capt. Tom Keeley, Commanding Officer & CDR Richard "Corky" Erie at Oceana NAS to sit in the Executive Squadron Chalet for the "2005" & "2006" Oceana NAS Air Shows

Chase with his good friend Capt.Terri Thayer at Jumbolair Aviation Estates

Chase meets Capt. John Travolta and tours his 707 Boeing Jet at Jumbolair Aviation Estates in Florida

Chase graduates from "My Way Boot Camp" at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD June "2005"

Chase visits the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis,MD to watch the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Show for the Graduating Class May "2007"

Chase greeted and thanked Veterans and current military as they arrived for a free dinner on Military Appreciation Night at the Golden Corral, Aberdeen, MD November "2006"

Chase shows his support and entertains the Army troops during a visit to the Aberdeen Proving Ground April "2006"

Chase meets and talks with members of the Canadial Snowbirds Flight demonstration team. April "2004"

Chase in the Greenroom waiting for his apearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show. March "2006"

Chase has dinner with the Soldiers at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Army Base in MD. After dinner he went around and thanked the soldiers for defending and protecting our Country. "2006"

Chase meets with History Professor Matthew Jacobs at the University of Florida to discuss World History. Feb "2007"

Chase ready to take a flying lesson with good friend Jay Curtis in his Cirrus

As the Ambassador for the Gainesville Regional Airport Chase supported and raised over $1000.00 for the March of Dimes.

Chase visiting with the Army Soldiers and doing a little PT!

Chase and Vetean, Mr. J.J. Whitmeyer Jr. at the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA Oct. "2007" Mr Whitmeyer received 2 Purple Hearts.

Aunt Robin, (US Navy Reserve), Uncle Chris, (US Navy Chief), Lauren, Ryan and Chase visiting in Brunswick, ME July 2007