Blackout Memorial Truck

11/11/2024

Thank You for your Service

06/02/2024

Thank You Franklin County Sheriff's Office. It was an honor rolling through the parade with you.

05/28/2024

Memorial Day 2024

05/28/2024

02/24/2024

Donation Baskets Ready for the Annual Tri-State 9/11 Tribute Banquet Fundraiser

02/24/2024

Working on some Blackout swag.
Ringolde Embroidery
Ranch & Home
Ghost Patch

02/14/2024

🖤Fundraising Patch🖤
Available at GhostPatch.com
Benton County, WA Sheriff's Office Blackout Memorial Truck Fundraising patch. Benton County Sheriff reached out to see if we could assist with this fundraising patch for the Blackout Memorial Truck and of course we did. Only 300 available. Proceeds to be donated to the cause.

12/26/2023

“Merry Christmas, My Friend”

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play, And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Author: Former Corporal James M. Schmidt

12/22/2023

Thank You Ranch & Home for supporting our Veterans!!

Come see Blackout at Ranch and Home Kennewick today.

Come see the Blackout Memorial Truck today at our Kennewick Location!!!

12/21/2023

Thank You Walla Walla Veterans Home.
Merry Christmas to you and All the Veterans!! 🎄🎅

12/21/2023

Thank You Volunteers Love Serving Veterans and Walla Walla Veterans Home for the invite. It was an honor celebrating Christmas with the Veterans.

The Volunteers Love Serving Veterans hosted the Christmas party at the State Veterans Home today and special guests, Shawn and Amy Marshall, drove their Blackout Memorial Truck to the event. They brought Christmas mugs as gifts for all the veterans.

The Blackout Memorial Truck, owned by Shawn and Amy, travels across the USA in dedication to the men and women who lost their lives in service to our country and honor all who have served and continue to serve!

Shawn and Amy are at the far left and right in the photo.