The legacy lives on

What an incredible trip!

Thinking back on this entire experience, I am blown away by all the opportunities, experiences, and miracles that have taken place. I am positive that God's hand has been on this trip from the very beginning.
The legacy of A.J. Malone is an incredible one, and I feel so honored and blessed to have taken part in such a legacy. I speak for my class when I say that we are so grateful for the Malone's family graciousness and hospitality through this whole experience, and on last week's trip itself.
Thanks to all of our host families from the New Haven Vineyard. Your kindness has NOT gone unnoticed! Enjoy that Idaho candy!
Thank you Sara Elander for all you did for our class. Your hospitality, joy, and smiles brought warmth where there might have been stress.
Thank you Congressman Walt Minnick for your incredible donation of 300,000 air miles, and more importantly, your investment in the lives of others.
Thank you United and US Airways for working with the air miles, and for great flights to and from Connecticut. :D

Finally, thank you Mr. Mansfield for EVERYTHING. You've shown this class that given enough prayer, sweat, and blood anything is possible. We have learned so much, and it wouldn't have been possible without you.

I'm sure there are others who deserve thanking, and indeed my class does thank everyone who contributed in any way to this trip!

Below you will find all the video pieces that were done about this journey. Thanks to NBC 7 (Idaho) NBC 30 (Connecticut) CBS 2 (Idaho) and Connecticut Channel 8.

Blessings!
Colin
On behalf of the VCHSC Junior Class

Click here for all CT stories (in sidebar)

Landed safely in chicago. Bad weather, doesnt look bad enough for delay tho. Check http://WWIIhelmet.blogspot.com

Oh, btw our plane leaves today at about 5 today. Just to keep ya in the loop :)

West Point, etc.

Went to bed at about 3am last night. Great day yesterday!

This morning we split into three groups. Kevin and Brian Egizi along with myself and my dad went to visit USMA at West Poin, the college Brian and I would like to attend. Another group went into New Haven to check out Yale, while a third group decided it would be in their best interest/health to sleep in.
West Point was awesome; hopefully I'll be able to get some pics on later.

More updates to come on http://twitter.com/WWIIhelmet

Colin

Posted with LifeCast

Friday In Its Entirety

Wow! What an amazing day! And so jam packed!
The day started with quick showers all around, then off to Middletown. Our good friend, Sara Elander tagged along all through today as well. Once in Middletown, we ate at the Athenian II diner for some fantastic breakfast. Letting my food digest, I plugged in the coordinates to our much awaited and planned for destination: the house of AJ Malone.

The anticipation hung in the air like a thick fog; everyone knew the importance of today.
As we pulled up to the Malone house (easily identified by the 15 cars parked out front) I immeadiatly noticed the local Nbc affiliate, channel 30 truck parked out front; to top it off, a cameraman got footage of us rolling up.

The proceedings went amazing, better then planned. Mrs. Malone was so very kind and gracious, and her family was extraordinary! Our class brought various gifts... Gold, frankensens, and myrh... Ok just kidding! Mr. Mansfield,my dad, had portraits made of the helmet that we presented to the Malone family. Also, our class presented Bibles which each of us had signed. Finally, the time had come.
With much enthusiasm, Mr. Mansfield reached into the bag behind him, and brought forth the item of most interest: AJ Malone's helmet. The cameras flashed, the film whirled, and the faces grinned. Speaking on behalf of my class, the moment was everything we could have hoped for and more. Mr. Mansfield handed the helmet to Mrs. Malone, and with a few more words the procession was over. We stayed at the house for about another hour and a half in community with the family and friends of the Malone's, as well as doing a few press interviews.
After the main event, our class was given the honor of visiting Mr. Malone's grave site with his daughter, Lorraine Decker. Truly a touching experience. My dad said a few words, and Austin prayed.

Then, it was off to New York!
Realize that originally, we hadn't planned on going to NY. It wasn't until Boston, yesterday, that Shalom suggested it. Great idea!

Anyways, we started our NY tour by hitting up the ferry. Once on there, we were able to take pics of the Statue of Liberty. Very fun!
From the ferry we went to ground zero (pic on below post) then we were off to Grand Central Station (pic below as well). After eating at GCS, we headed back to our cars, did a quick drive by of time square, then started the 2 hour process of getting home.

Now, as I sit here blogging from my dads iPhone, I look back on today with skepticism. Is it really possible we did all this in one day? The answer is yes, and my tired feet remind me of that fact.

Who knows what tomorrow holds before we head home at 5ish!

Colin

Posted with LifeCast

Grand Central Station

Posted with LifeCast

Ground Zero

Posted with LifeCast