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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 15, 2000)
Smoke Signals Tribal Member Receives Congressional Award 10 Tribal member Veronica Eileen Gaston recently received an award from Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (Oregon), for saving someone's life in 1997. When the Congresswoman found out what Gaston did she had her Washington, D.C. office contact Gaston in Oregon. Gaston was al ready in Washington, D.C. receiving recognition once again for her poetry by the National Library of Poetry. "When I got the call, I was told that I was going to be getting a Congres sional Tour of the U.S. CaDitol Build- - a ing. IjUd,,not think anything else in "waTgoing on since I had signed up in February to get one of these spe cial tours," Gaston said. When she got to the Congress woman's Office however, she was in formed that Hooley found out what she did in January 1997 and was going to receive the award. What happened on January 25, 1997 at 1:10 a.m. was a night that changed Gaston's life forever. She was working at a local conve nience store in Salem on the grave yard shift from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. On this night she would never finish her shift. A teen was standing outside when Gaston was stocking shelves. All of a sudden several pop sounds went off. "At first I thought they were fire crackers, but then I saw a teen fall and a car speed off. That was when I knew there was a drive by shoot ing," Gaston said. The teen came inside and fell to the floor and Gaston ran over to help the teen who was shot in the neck. While she administered first aid to the in jured youth, her co-worker called 9-1-1. The police arrived and told her to keep administering first aid until the paramedics got there. When the paramedics arrived on scene, they said if it was not for Gaston apply ing pressure to the gunshot wound, the teen would have more than likely bled to death. Gaston received the "Congressional Award for Outstanding Service to the CitizenS of Oregon" from Con gresswoman Hooley in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washing ton, D.C. on July 12, 2000, in front of about 2,000 people. When asked if she would do it again, Gaston immediately replied, "Yes, I would, because as I see it there is no greater gift that a person could give than your love or your life for your fellow man. Even the Bible states that. We need to show one another kindness and love, as well as genuine concern for everyone. If we did I really think this world would I sTj ' i I I Tribal member Veronica Gaston (left) and Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (Oregon) pose for a picture after Gaston received an award in Washington, D.C. for her heroic actions in 1997. be a better place for you and me." Even some of the Washington, D.C. police officers who were there for con trol stated that what Gaston did was truly remarkable she risked her life to help someone without think ing of her own safety. Others said that we need more people like her, she sets an example on what we should do for others. Gaston is the daughter of Donna Casey the late Oren George Pichette and Granddaughter to Blanche Lillard. Elders Enjoy Fall Train Trip 1 1 ," I' mm.'' Lf- ' i -. ' 1 1 I 1 . V-jS I Tribal Elder Ruby Lee (right) with her sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Leland Lane. ! X ! 1 ' . ! I -i" a r M ; ' On Saturday, Sept. 23, 45 Elders took a train trip on the Mount Hood. Railway. "It was a beautiful fall day," said Tribal member Bonnie Tom. "The trees were turning colors and the pear trees were loaded. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip." Tribal Elder Verna Larsen (right) with her daughter Jeanne Larsen. - . ) t I irflh ' 1 r iiiiiiiiii. Birth Announcement Kathy, Rick and Megan Faber are happy to announce the safe arrival of Nathan Teade Faber on August 28. He weighed in at 8 lb 8 oz., even though he was two weeks early. He is an avid sleeper and feeder at this point in time. Megan is thrilled with her new brother. Mom and Dad are thankful and happy that beautiful Nathan has joined their family. Kathy Faber is employed at the Grand Ronde Health and Wellness Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner. EST I0BBE1 - SILETZ - Nov. 6, 7, 8, 9: 9 am to 3 pm Siletz is open other days by appointment. Call Kitti at 1-800-922-1399. - SALEM - Oct. 23: 4 pm to 7 pm Oct. 24: 9 am to 7 pm Oct. 25: 9 am to 5 pm Nov. 13: 4 pm to 7 pm Nov. 14: 9 am to 7 pm Nov. 15: 9 am to 5 pm Happy 14th Birthday GRACE AMOUR RUSSIE Love you, papa fiuy Dean Russie, Sr. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SJL October 14 Love, Grandpa and Grandma
