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Roger and Cindy Kaske will ride in the Karl Oskar Days Parade in a few days as Grand Marshals,  not because they think they’re anything special;  but because they see it as a way to remind us  an average person can do alot to make a difference in the life of each man and woman in the military,  as well as those left behind.  

The non-profit organization Tribute to the Troops MN saw Roger and Cindy brought into the fold in 2009 under devastating circumstances-- but the Kaskes have embraced Tribute’s mission and then some.  They have transformed a family story of  heartbreak to one that warms the heart.

Cindy vividly recalls the day the Navy Casualty Detail arrived at her home, in the woods south of Green Lake.  

These officers will spend a good deal of time delivering the message of a serviceperson’s death to family.  One of the officer assistants talked personally about  Michael Kaske and how his friends always anticipated packages of goodies that Cindy shipped to Michael.  This innocent comment made an impression on her heart.  At the very least Cindy knew she wouldn’t give-up making those care boxes.

A few weeks later she and Roger attended a meeting of the Minnesota chapter of Tribute to the Troops. They met dedicated people who wanted to focus on doing something of benefit to those who serve.  They also were embraced by a large community that shared their passion for motorcycle riding.

Roger, retired from the sheriff’s department,  said his first vehicle ever was a motorcycle.  Cindy has motorcycle enthusiasts amongst her immediate relatives going back generations.   They now travel on Tribute to the Troops road trips to visit homes of the fallen letting them know they don’t have to deal with their loss in isolation.  Tribute to the Troops chapters also attend special events honoring the military in all the states.  “Sometimes we ride with four or five other couples and sometimes it’s 150 other riders,” Cindy explained.   One of their favorite memories is joining thousands of bikers rolling into D.C. for the Memorial Day celebration.

Back home the Kaskes help to organize periodic waves of package item collections and shipping efforts, The post office personnel around here know Roger pretty well.  “I try to show up during times when I don’t think they’ll be too busy,” he offered.

The Kaskes coordinate fundraisers, and they gather young students’ letters to send with care packages. Cindy works for Chisago Lakes School District as part of instructional support staff and she is always looking for ways to get youth involved, with the district’s support.

“Treats for Troops” was an effort started by Cindy and several area mothers, which collects stocks of personal hygiene items as well as edible goods, CD movies, puzzle books and a host of things remotely-stationed troops enjoy receiving.  

The Rocky Lynn fundraiser concert at Lindstrom’s Chisago Lakes High School is also one of Cindy’s projects.

“It is amazing what soldiers don’t have access to,” she said.  Servicepeople are all so appreciative when they see the support sent from back home. She tries to send personal packages but whole military units will sometimes be recipients.  One time she got the name of a major from somebody in the care packages organization, and rarely do officers’ names show up.  She sent him a package and got an e mail that he had never received anything like that in all his years of service and was overcome by the gesture.

Cindy added, “The group is not just parents of the fallen, some have served themselves, but not all. It’s just that we want to show we care...and the people are super nice.”

Tribute to the Troops hit the $400,000 mark recently in donations to college funds 529s established for children of fallen servicepersons.  

Roger said Tribute uses all donations and fundraiser proceeds to directly benefit troops and family, there’s no wages paid or overhead related to the organization.

The Karl Oskar Days parade is 6 p.m. Saturday July 11. It starts near Akerson and Broadway and goes west along Newell Avenue and circles back through the residential area ending up at Lions Park by city hall.  You can’t miss it.







 

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