A Request from SSgt Tim Chambers
May 30, 2007
The other day I wrote about a Marine who stood in the median of 23rd and Constitution, saluting the Rolling Thunder bikes as they rode by. He contacted me with this message.
I want to first thank you for your kind words of compassion towards my efforts to honor all those that have gone before me, the families that have made the sacrifice, and citizens that show their support. As the pain shoots through my body and arm, there are so many reasons to push on racing in my mind. America needs to see this demonstration of fortitude and commitment and understand that our men and women demonstrate this on a daily basis every where they are deployed too and have in every generation past. We are an out of sight out of mind society, and as long as I am not forward deployed my goal in life is to make a difference on the homefront. Our unity as a nation will be shaken time and time again and in order to strengthen our unity is through the spirit of volunteerism, by inspiring Americans to come together (despite religious or political background) and work together on improving the quality of life of our youth, less fortunate and our veterans, through means of nurturing, mentoring, compassion, and education. This country united will do more for people all over the world and in turn allow society’s to live not in fear or retaliation but in peace and harmony.
I would love to recieve any pictures you may have snapped and letters of what the salute meant to them so I can show this country how closely knitted we truly are.
If you took pictures of him, please consider sending them to me at kit.jarrell@gatheringofeagles dot org. If you were touched by his simple yet painful action, please write down how you felt and send that to me as well. SSgt Chambers is right–our country needs to see that we are united, that we are resolute.
Thank you for your support.
Eagles UP!
Comments
35 Responses to “A Request from SSgt Tim Chambers”
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Podcast Feeds
-
Is this the same guy who’s a west coast recruiter who stood in front of the protesting hippie with the “Home of the Free Because of the Brave” sign?
as long as I am not forward deployed my goal in life is to make a difference on the homefront.
That says it all. God bless you and yours, SSgt Chambers.
SSgt Tim Chambers; the very definition of selfless sacrifice and honor.
There is a great picture in the Washington Times/Metro on
B-8. I called the Times to check if GOE could post it.
Thank You SSgt Chambers. What a great day with Rolling
Thunder and the Support the Troop event at the Lincoln
Memorial.
GOD BLESS THIS FINE MARINE. YOUR BREED STAND WITH GREAT PRIDE.
I PROMISE I WILL ALWAYS STAND WITH YOU MY BROTHER.
I AM THE SON OF A PROUD MARINE PVT WHO WOULD ALSO BE PROUD TO KNOW HIS USMC HAS MEN LIKE HIM TO TAKE HIS PLACE. DAD DIED FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED IN THE PACIFIC DURING WW-II
GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA
&
THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
AMERICA WILL NEVER SEEK
A PERMISSION SLIP TO DEFEND THE
SECURITY OF OUR PEOPLE
GEORGE W. BUSH
I see him there every year and I salute him as I ride past every year. I was told that he takes leave for that every year and pays for everything out of his own pocket. I was also told that it basically ruins his uniform.
My wife snapped a pic when we road past this year. I will send it A.S.A.P.
Can someone verify these stories? SSgt Chambers is a GREAT AMERICAN!!!!!!!
SSGT Chambers,,,,,SEMPER FI
MY DAD WAS A MARINE WHO SERVED IN WW11 & KOREA. HE PAST ON 30 YRS. AGO BUT I KNOW HE WAS SMILING DOWN ON YOU SSGT. CHAMBERS AND ALL OF THE OTHER FINE MARINES TODAY THAT HAVE CARRIED ON THE “TRADITION”.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
YOU ARE WHAT MAKES AMERICA GREAT
I had the honor to meet SSgt Chambers at the VA medical center on saturday ,May 26 07. I didn`t think I was going to be able to get my wife away from him. He is a fine young Marine, and a load of thanks go to him for standing on the corner. I`m with Rolling Thunder Chapter 6 NC. I remember last year he was standing in front of the field memorial all day, never thinking of himself, but to whom he saluted, thank you again Tim
I stand (and sit!) in awe of Americans like SSGT Chambers. Well done, Marine! The Corps, along with the Eagles, is proud of you.
Larry Bailey
When I described Sgt. Chambers to my Dad, I thought he was going to burst with pride. And that little tear in his eye makes one know how much he wishes for days gone by. He and my entire family salute you Sgt. Chambers.
SSGT Chambers is a great asset to this country. This is the 4th year in a row that he has stood and saluted until the last bike passes him. Last year he drove a truck for Chaplain Joy from California RT 1 with the “Run for the Wall.” He always takes the time from his own leave and pays his own expenses. This year he flew out and his Mom and Grandmother came with him. I am with Rolling Thunder NC4 and am proud to say I have been able to meet and spend time with another great American who happens to be soldier. As a Blue Star Mom, veteran’s daughter, veteran’s daughter-in-law,veteran’s sister and veteran’s wife - I am truly proud to be an American with soldier’s such as these protecting us.
Yes d-day the stories you have heard are true. If you want to thank SSgt Chambers may I suggest you write the Marine Commandant and let him know what this one Marine has done for you, for us and for our country.
I missed this one Brothers ’cause my Mom passed away a few days before the event… I won’t miss another as long as my ageing body can hop on the Harley…
I watched the news on many stations and viewed very little coverage of The Rolling Thunder event…
I am heartbroken over the fact that our news media chooses not to focus on the great things that we Veterans and Patriots do… But choose to be right there when some Jane (scum-bag) Fonda wannabe has something to say to the world…
God Bless America
God Bless Our Troops
Airborne!
GM
2/505 3rd Brigade 82nd ABN Div
1970-1973
Soapbox - I did just that. I hope my letter and picture go all the way to GW. I also sent Kit the picture too to forward to SSgt Chambers. I will be happy to share with anyone who is interested. Not sure if I can post my email address but I am sure we can figure something out if your interestred. Or maybe Kit can post it?????????
“For some like me……Everyday is Memorial Day”
I took 115 pictures on Saturday, and 200 on Sunday. I have not tallied the number of pictures that I have of this one Marine. They are online already, and I hope that some are good.
I have heard several people say “Did you see the Marine”, at an event like this one with so many Marines all over the place — you’d think they were crazy… But after seeing this proud soldier and reading his words, I now feel that I have been witness to:
Rolling Thunder 20, GOE II and “THE MARINE IV”
Thank You SSgt Chambers
First of all, THANK YOU SSgt CHAMBERS! I was unaware that you, a lone Marine, stood all those hours, paid your own way, and probably had to buy a new uniform every year to be there to honor those of us who have come before. We should be, and are, honoring the heroes of today…YOU…and trying to cover your backs on the home front.
Now, FOR THE REST OF YOU, why are we allowing this young Marine to cover his own expenses? Would it not be appropriate for us, the veterans, to step up and cover his expenses? Good grief, folks, if you remember, as enlisted or officer, we didn’t make a heck of a lot of money and I’ve been both. My base pay when I enlisted was a whopping $88.10 a month!
SSgt, I want you to know that I was one of the ones, probably in the first 500 bikes, who saw you for the third year in a row, straightened up tall in the saddle, and gave you a RIGID and proper salute (as I have for the last three). Thank you for your service and that of your fellow Marines and other service members…we are all, BROTHERS!
Doc Hal
E1 - O4 (USN Retired)
Thank you for your kind words, I hope I am not doing anything to overkill this kind blog the moderator created, but I thought I would share with you part of my journey before fully becoming aware of all the Americans that participate in Rolling Thunder one memorial day weekend about 8 years ago as you read below I will hope you realize how committed I am to a greater hope for this world. I have a very motivating picture of me toasting with about 20 school kids from this weekend, and it would be neat to find out if anyone remembers seeing me as they read this article written by a Marine Corps Correspondent.
A lone Marine stood vigil near the Korean War Memorial here, May 28-30.
Despite the sweltering heat and lack of shade, he wore a heavy winter parka, World War II-era camouflage utilities, helmet, leggings and boots to do his part to honor veterans.
Sergeant Tim A. Chambers, a legal clerk for the Chief Defense Counsel of the Marine Corps, stayed at the memorial from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day toasting veterans with sparkling apple cider. By the end of the weekend, he went through more than 30 bottles of cider.
Passers-by stopped to stare at his uniform, but stayed to peruse his display of the history of the Korean War. Chambers, a partner of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee, also passed out flyers, posters, bookmarks, coins, pins, and stickers pertaining to the Korean War.
“They say it’s the forgotten war, but not in our hearts, and I pray not in yours,” Chambers told his audience.
The Silverton, Ore. native began volunteering for the committee two years ago, then decided to apply to be a partner. As a partner, he can coordinate events on his own to honor the Korean War veterans. He wants to help educate the public about the sacrifices made by veterans of the “forgotten war” and ensure no one ever truly forgets, he said.
His message is targeted at Korean veterans as well as the general public. Chambers informs veterans about the campaign medal approved 50 years after the war for veterans of the Korean War.
Many who stopped at the display wanted to leave donations for the pamphlets and memorabilia.
“How can I accept a donation for a long overdue appreciation,” the sweat-drenched Chambers would reply.
Chambers spoke passionately about his topic as if he were the often-overlooked Korean War veteran. Over the three-day period, he entertained thousands of tourists with facts about that period of American history.
Veterans and tourists alike came to the memorial to visit friends who had fallen, loved ones who didn’t make it home or just to pay their respects to those that sacrificed their all.
Many veterans paused at the display to thank Chambers for what he was doing, but he was quick to pass the appreciation right back.
“Thanks for keeping such big shoes for me to fill, it’s such a challenge every day I go to work,” was his usual response.
To those who never served, Chambers challenged them to, “go thank a veteran, and not when it is just convenient for you — not just on Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day. Give them a hug or shake their hands. Perhaps it might take away some of the pain they are living with from day to day. It’s called being a good American.”
Great idea Doc, how do you suggest we proceed? Just one dollar from each of us could easily take care of this year AND next. Sure would like to see the Sgt with a Saber next year. Is that acceptable for a Marine NCO? I am but a simple Army grunt; and damn proud of it!!
SSG Chambers is the epitome of Semper Fidelis, God Bless him!
I would be happy to kick in a few dollars but you may want to check with SSG Chambers first, I believe there is a policy that limits the amount on gifts that our military can receive
SSG Chambers is one of the things i look most forward to during the Rolling Thunder ride on Memorial Day. The dedication he shows by standing there in full uniform , sun blazing on him until the very last bike has passed is something that everyone should have the opportunity to see. I shed a tear every year that i see him standing there. To me he is one of the symbols of freedom and what it is to be an American. I finally had the opportunity to have my picture taken with him this year. I will be sure to e-mail it in. Theres nothing more in this world that i love more than each and every soldier that has fought for our countries freedom and all those soldiers still fighting to keep it. God bless each and everyone of them.
Freedom…………Isn’t Free.
God bless you and your sore arm. And thanks to Dale Lanham for being in the right place at the right time and getting such a great shot!
Jenny Hatch
Colorado GOE
Gentlemen SSgt Chambers is actually being very modest
A little bit google will turn a couple of interesting facts on this outstanding Marine. To include his charity.
http://auto.military.com/roadwarriors/view/road-trips/97682.html
http://korea50.mil/media/newsletter/38th_parallel_2_9.pdf
SSgt Chambers you my brother are a true asset to this great nation
SEMPER FI
MIGHT THE GATHERING OF EAGLES SET UP A CENTRAL ADDRESS FOR EAGLES TO SEND IN THERE CHECKS TO SUPPORT THE FINE EFFORTS OF THE TRUE EXAMPLE OF A UNITED STATES MARINE?.
THIS MAN IS A MASTER EAGLE.
MY RESPECTS PROUD MARINE.
A SHIP WITHOUT MARINES IS LIKE A
GARMENT WITHOUT BUTTONS
DAVID PORTER
ADMIRAL USN
Visit http://www.nikkiusa.com/index.html
She has a page and pictures of SSgt Tim Chambers from 2004. He is one of her special heroes.
Kimberly77077
Excellent point about the donations I’ll bet you are right. Got any ideas about how we could or should proceed ?
Maybe the Capt. or XO needs to get involved here.
Thanx for keeping our feet on the ground Kimberly, but our goals and dreams soar like, well; like Eagles.
Well, frankly, when I posted, I was thinking to myself, “now how the heck could you pull this off?” To tell the truth, I don’t know, but maybe we could kick in through GOE or RT. It also depends, like Kimberly says, on the fact that there may be a limit on what the good SSGT can accept…I don’t know. I’m willing and able to help with $$$ but haven’t a CLUE as to how to proceed…perhaps some of our legal colleagues can tell us how to do this. I just know that the good SSGT has been there for US and WE should do something for him…this may all come to naught, but I hope not.
Good evening Gang,
As awkward as this is, and considering all the gouge and interest it has picked up I will admit that my girl friend (the lawyer) and grandma picked up the majority of the tab outside of the money I spent on uniforms and stuff, and they covered the hotel faire and airplane I was going to pay them back promptly for those things. To tap dance around any certian regulations, I am sure if anyone’s generosity went directly to grandma and she dispersed this would lesson any special instructions on the military end. I would never ask for anything in return for what I do or how I get it done. I am swallowing some pride letting you know how I make this happen. I mainly look forward to to future endeavors with you and your diligent assistance when I approach you to venture to your community and make happen my volunteer efforts and educate kids about pow/mia awareness, it is a program I started in one of four blogs I have created below, that will let you in on more about me and my passions. I can guarentee you these are very motivating, inspiring reads.
http://funeral-for-a-veteran.blogspot.com/
http://the-last-mile-powmia.blogspot.com/
http://marine-saluting-at-rollingthunder.blogspot.com/
http://long-over-due-appreciation.blogspot.com/
Sorry one did not get put in correctly
http://marine-saluting-at-rolling-thunder.blogspot.com/
Oh, man…yes SStg, you’re right, this is a bit embarrassing…and awkward. It was not my intention to bring you any unwanted attention. I probably should have engaged my brain before unleashing my keyboard…that’s the embarrassing part. Now, the awkward part…thanking the lawyer. Pass on my thanks for her support of the troops and vets and pass that to your grandmother as well. I’ll take a look at your blogs.
Doc Hal
Doc,
Please be rest assured it doesnt bring any negative attention and I feel we are family amongst this amazing group of people (Ealge nation), but there is always that select few that could criticize and attempt for have my locomotive loose steam (our mission) and try to confuse people and individual’s true intentions that is all, the biggest problem we probaly face as a nation is that people cannot swallow their own pride from time to time in order to move forward for what is best. I really look forward to possibly getting to talk to Kit sometime she inspires me with her passion and dedication to our nation’s well being
I’m sorry to take the wind out of your sails guys, I just don’t want our Marine hero to get any black marks he doesn’t deserve. There however is nothing that says we cannot present a plaque of appreciation to this wonderful young man, and there is nothing to say that we cannot “pay forward” his good deeds by making a donation in his honor to a worthy cause. The Wounded Warrior Fund comes to mind, and there are dozens of others.
Great idea, Kim…been on the road for a week…didn’t get to respond before now. Good luck, Tim…Kim, I will make a donation to Wounded Warrior or some like charity.
Doc
Hi everyone,
I am SSGT’s girlfriend (the lawyer! as Tim refers to me). It is wonderful to read everyone’s encouragement of Tim. I can tell you all that he truly is as good and pure as you have come to believe. He has donated many hours and personal money to his various causes helping the veterans and bringing attention to POW/MIA issues. We set up a nonprofit recently called TimforAmerica, Inc. If any one wishes to help Tim’s non-profit, you are welcome to do so. Just email me at Marienko@aol.com. If not, that is fine too because it is obvious you all give back in many many ways.
Thanks again and God Bless you all.
Mariam
[...] Lange posted this on Gathering of Eagles last year after meeting Tim: I want to first thank you for your kind words [...]