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Caleb recently turned 14 and celebrated with a bunch of friends and relatives by throwing his party at the Chisago Lakes Area High School swimming pool Saturday, Sept. 6. But this was no ordinary birthday party-- instead of presents for the teen birthday boy, all the invited party-goers brought gifts for troops in Iraq. It was Caleb's idea to turn his good fortune into something that would reach out to the men and women in military service. Caleb said he has a relative who is now back home from serving in Iraq and he spoke about how great it was when packages and letters arrived at base in the war zone.

Caleb said he felt moved to ask for gifts for the troops hearing a voice from the Lord, speaking to him to remember the soldiers.

Caleb's parents Julie and Al Hawkinson helped Caleb unwrap the cards and presents in the lobby of the swimming pool, obviously very proud of their son and of his friends. The gifts included handwritten notes with packs of chewing gum taped on...to gift cards that can be used by the troops. Caleb's grandfather Don Esmay attended the party and as a World War II veteran he too said he was moved by Caleb's decision to turn his own special day into something to benefit others. Pictured are Caleb with his parents, opening gifts at the party and all the birthday party attendees, holding their flags held proudly. Grandfather Don Esmay is seated in wheelchair next to family friend Roman Beck.

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