CAN YOU HELP (15 YR OLD LOST HIS FATHER)

[Harold Scoggins]

First, I want to thank @Glenn for allowing this post.

Last Thursday, a young man lost his father, Warrant Officer Knadle, an Apache chopper pilot. WO Knadle was killed in Logar Province, Afghanistan, while providing close air support for U.S. ground troops. He was based, with his family, at Fort Hood, Texas. He leaves behind a 15 year old son who I know from first hand experience, as well as some of you do also, is experiencing a lot of emotional pain. 

Chris Payne, a kayak angler from the same community and friend of the family, is organizing what we hope will be a special Christmas for this young man in  the hope that it will lift his spirits. We are looking for outdoor gear, specifically fishing, to present to Knadle's son this Christmas. I have put together a small box myself that I'm sending out tomorrow. If you would like to be involved in this effort, you can contact Chris direct by calling 512 517-3916 to discuss the boy's needs, or you can go ahead and send your donation (No Money) to the following address:

Chris Payne

2510 Twin Ridge CT

Belton, Texas 76513

 

Lets help introduce this young man to healing waters.

 

[jbsoonerfan]

I will get some things together and a package will be sent out this week. As a middle school teacher I understand that the ages between 13-15 are when young men make decisions that can and usually will have an impact on their lives forever. Here's to hoping this young man can see the good the world has to offer and turns this tragedy into a time to make the best of what is out there and he doesn't turn to all the bad the world has to offer to try and deal with the loss. I truly hope he has a great support system and if I can help by sending out a few things, you better believe I will.

[J._Bricker]

@Harold Scoggins, package sent

Edited November 29, 2019 by J._Bricker
Changed text to package

[roadwarrior]

Package on its way.

 

[Oregon Native]

Dun

[txchaser]

Package enroute.

[Black Hawk Basser]

I have a box ready to ship to tomorrow.

[ike8120]

I was glad to help package was sent.

[Black Hawk Basser]

@Harold Scoggins, is it possible to get an update when this is all said and done?  I'd like to see the outcome of this.

[Harold Scoggins]

58 minutes ago, Pickle_Power said:

@Harold Scoggins, is it possible to get an update when this is all said and done?  I'd like to see the outcome of this.

As far as I know, it will be given to the young man at Christmas. You might ask Chris if he'll take a pic or two, but I wouldn't present your request as "proof." I've known Chris Payne for awhile and he's a standup guy, you won't see him using anything you sent.  Chris promotes Heroes On The Water, and is also involved with NRS and Kayak Angler Magazine. I trust him.

[Black Hawk Basser]

It's not a trust issue.  I just wanted to see the haul that this kid gets.

[Harold Scoggins]

A funeral with full military honors will be held for CWO2 David Knadle today at the Vista Community Church in Temple, Texas.

[J._Bricker]

@Harold Scoggins, any chance you will hear from Chris in the next few days and to how the Knadle family is doing. Just trying to keep it relevant and if any additional tackle would be appreciated or needed. Thanks, JB 

[Harold Scoggins]

I had seen the tackle collected for the boy and it was substantial, including the tackle sent by BR members. The daughter's school had collected gifts for her as well. With the exception of close friends and family, they are keeping to themselves, and IMO it is still too soon after their loss. Knadle's son is very close to Chris's son and they both are planning kayak fishing trips for him soon. Thanks for asking @J._Bricker.

[Way2slow]

I just saw this post, so a little late.

What would be nice, if someone in the Ft Hood area could try making a connection with the boy and serve as a mentor.  

Back in the mid 80's I was stationed at Langley AFB in VA.  A couple moved in next to use with a 15 year old boy in a similar situation, but his father was killed in Vietnam when he was very young.  The mother had remarried twice since and the guy she was married to at the time was waste. The boy really had no father figure and had an attitude that showed that.  I started working on a relationship with him.  Getting him to help me do a lot of things, and teaching him how to work on cars, which he really enjoyed.  He had never been fishing or hunting so I started taking him.  When his attitude popped up, I would put him in his place.  After about a year, he was a totally different person.  He and his mother had me doing all the things a father would normally have done, like go with him to pick out his first car when he turned 16.  Help him prepare for his senior prom etc.  His mother and my wife still stay in touch (matter of fact, she will be here for two weeks in Jan) and my son visited him a couple of years ago, and at almost 50 years old now, he still told my son he thinks more of me being a father to him than anyone and credited me for him being the successful business man he is today.

So, if someone in the area will put forth the effort to make contact and offer the spend time with him doing things his father would have done, it can make a world of difference on what kind of man he might grow up to be.  Take him fishing, hunting etc, have him come over and help do things with them will mean a lot.