Diary
8-9-2005 First Steps
Our first shipment to Iraq, 14 pairs of shoes, went out today. Many discussions and meetings have brought Trevor's Footsteps to this point. All of Trevor's friends who are involved are dedicated to keeping this charity alive well into the future.
The Park Bench for Trevor will be installed soon. The iron-cast plaque arrived yesterday at City Park HQ. The inscription reads:
Friend, Fallen Soldier, Beloved Son
Trevor David Aston, USMC
6 November 1972 – 22 February 2005
We will have a dedication ceremony after installation and will let everyone know the date and time as soon as it is set.
Non-Profit status and incorporation are just around the corner. Trevor's Footsteps will soon begin information campaigns and fundraising events to promote the primary goal of "providing shoes to kids who need shoes."
Thanks for everyone's help and hard work. We will make sure kids have shoes on their feet while always carrying Trevor's memory in our hearts.
8-21-2005 via email
"Reading the diary and the memories of Trevor were very touching. It is an honor to help an organization founded on the memory of a fallen comrade, a fellow soldier. The first shipment of shoes did arrive to me yesterday. I will keep you posted as to their delivery to the children of Iraq. You generosity and courage to make this happen shows great credit upon yourself. I thank you for making this happen, along with anyone else that has supported you and assisted to make this dream a reality. Thank you very much for your support."
Wally- Staff Sergeant US Army, Stationed in Iraq
8-30-2005
Confirmation from the Staff Sergeant's mom (a neighbor here in Austin) that the shoes were distributed and were a big hit. A lot of these kids are just not going to have shoes unless they are given to them by sources such as TF. Whatever we can send they can distribute. :)
9-21-2005
They poured the concrete pad upon which the bench will sit. You can see downtown from the site which sits in the shade of a 40-50 year old Elm Tree.
Located in Pease Park, on the east side of the hike/bike trail just west of where MLK meets Lamar.
The bench will be in sometime in the next month, The dedication ceremony will likely be on Sunday November 6, Trevor's 33rd birthday.
11-6-2005
Trevor would have been 33 today. His mother and twenty five or thirty of his friends gathered around his bench in Austin and remembered him well. November 6th and it's 90 degrees. That's Austin. You hear that California investor? Ninety! Yankee Carpetbagger? 90 F! You dudes melt down here. Sorry, the Texas got a hold of me there. Click on the photos for larger images.
1-22-2006
First official board meeting was held, articles of incorporation approved.
2-22-2006
One year has passed since we lost an American Hero. A group of about 10 friends met at Trevor's bench at noon. It was a dreary day, matching our moods, but it did clear up a bit while we were there. Some left notes for him, a flower, a tribute. Some went to lunch and then had a champagne toast to the memory of our friend. We started talking about what songs were #1 hits on our birthdays and Nicole asked what Trevor's was. I just looked it up; "I Can See Clearly Now." That made me cry.
The "2-22 High-and-Tight Club" 2006
5-29-2006
Memorial Day. Remembering all those who gave their lives so that we may be free. A few friends gathered at Trevor's bench, cleaned and polished it, placed some flags, and ate some smoked brisket barbecue sandwiches.
More Memorial Day photos at the bench. My kid was clowning around a bit, and it made me smile. Trevor is her Godfather.
