From the Oregonian comes this Memorial Day tribute to an American soldier who gets a kick out of bringing gifts to the kids in Iraq. Anne Taylor of Lake Oswego writes this charming ode to her 25 year old grandson, Sgt. Joe Coon of the Oregon National Guard: 
Sometimes “Joe’s kids” get candy. Other times it may be toothbrushes and toothpaste, Beanie Babies, stuffed animals or hair ornaments. But Joe always has something for them from his stash of goodies, supplied by family and friends… Joe was so moved by the bare feet he saw in Iraq, he urged his friends to send shoes for the children. The result was 1,200 pairs of shoes and 300 pounds of clothing sent to Iraq in 54 large boxes, inundating the post office.