[Az-Geocaching] Message for Trisha

Tue, 28 Sep 2004 10:03:22 -0700

Hi Dirk,
I did get your message from last night.....it is very nice that you want to express your appreciation, and it sounds like you went thru a huge ordeal! I am glad that you are OK....
I don't know the specifics of that group (SARA) but I can tell you what I know from up here....
1. The DPS officers can't accept gifts of any kind. A letter written to their supervisors is always welcomed, and well appreciated.
2. Our Posse can accept gifts or donations given to the group, but no one individual or group of individuals is supposed to accept anything from a "search subject" given personally. The concept behind that is.....it was the entire group (no matter how many people were actually there) that had a part in your rescue. BTW, "rescue=alive" "recovery=collecting a deceased body". Thank God you were in the former category!!!!!
3. A well-written and heart-felt letter, written to the Posse group and also sent to their Sheriff's office (I am assuming they volunteer under the Sheriff's oversight) is always welcomed and often the best way to say "thanks". In our posse, ALL letters like that are read out loud to the entire group at our monthly meeting.&nbsp;They usually come thru the Sheriff's office because the people don't know how else to contact us, and because multiple "posse" groups are usually involved....and it also lets the Sheriff office and deputies know that the public appreciates what we do. I can tell you from personal experience that those letters make me feel wonderful and that all the training and effort they I do (and the group does) is ALL worth it!
4. So, I would definately recommend a thank you letter. After that, I don't really know what else....maybe contact the captain in the group(s) and ask if something specific is needed to be donated, or money can be donated. We don't get many things other than the thank you letters, but again, often that is all we need...
5. Here's an idea I just thought of....if it was one particular group involved in your rescue....like SARA, maybe you can find out when they meet, contact and ask if you can come to the meeting to personally thank them. Then bring cookies or donuts for all! 
I don't know what your time is like or what you do on a daily basis, but maybe consider joining a SAR group.....that is the best way to give back in a bigger sense...I realize that is a bit much, but you certainly know how it feels to be rescued, and you already know how to use a GPS! :-)
Let me know how it comes out.....
Trisha ----- Original Message ----- From: "ShadowAce" <HUNTING@SHAKABRUDDAH.COM> Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 22:02:35 -0700 To: <LISTSERV@AZGEOCACHING.COM> Subject: [Az-Geocaching] Message for Trisha 
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1458" name=GENERATOR>
<STYLE></STYLE>

<DIV>&nbsp;I tried emailing but it bounced twice..</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>Trisha, as a member of a SAR group, if you assisted someone and they wanted to make a donation or get something to say thanks.. What would be a nice item or two?</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;I know cash is always good, but we were thinking items that could be of use as well.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>Any suggestions?</DIV>