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
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' 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
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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.
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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