Central Florida Lost a Hero to Heroes

UPDATE

The Legacy Tribute Event to honor the Founder of Operation Safety 91, Edward Ganster, will be held at Henry Chapel on the Campus of 1st Baptist Orlando on Friday, July 18th, 2014, at 1:00PM. There is an open invitation to the Responders of Central Florida who have been touched by his life and work to attend this Memorial, to pay him the tribute he always paid them.

There will be no Reception following the Event. In lieu of flowers, Operation Safety 91 would gratefully receive donations for Psalm 91 cards  to expand and continue our mission, and to continue Ed's Legacy . If you wish to donate, click here.

A hero to heroes passed away in Central Florida. Ed Ganster died on July 3th, a day before we celebrate average men and women rising above average and giving this nation everything they had to give.

If you are a veteran, in the military, police officer, firefighter or EMT, Ed Ganster is a name you know all too well. Ed and his wife Mary became heroes to the heroes honoring the men and women putting their lives on the line everyday. Each year they honored all of Florida's finest with a fabulous luncheon but that was not all.

OPERATION SAFETY 91's Founder, Edward Ganster, is celebrating his 4th of July in Heaven! Ed passed to the next life yesterday 7/3/2014 after a 34 day hospitalization in which he proved his faith in Jesus and his courage. God touched the lives of literally countless men and women Responders across America and beyond through the life and efforts of this one man.

Ed founded OPERATION SAFETY 91, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, more than six years ago, and planned and hosted six outstanding Annual Tribute Events in Orlando to honor Central Florida Responders: Firefighters, EMS, Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Military. Under his leadership and thanks to the generosity of the friends of OS91, to date approximately 673,000 Psalm 91 cards have been made and shipped to Responders in 44 States and 8 foreign countries free of charge.

Operation Safety 91 4th Annual Tribute to First Responders from Avalon Productions 2 years ago

This is a highlight reel of an event held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 911 attacks.

Operation Safety 91 4th Annual Tribute to First Responders from Avalon Productions on Vimeo.

Operation Safety 91 tribute to military

Operation Safety 91 held their 6th tribute to first responders at the Rosen Hotel in Orlando today. This year members of the military took the spotlight. Ed and Mary Ganster did a fabulous job as always putting this together.

The emcee was Tony Mainolfi, WESH2 News Chief Meteorologist. Col. Danny McKnight, Black Hawk Down Ground Commander and Major Jeff Struecker gave really moving speeches about what happened.

Members of law enforcement, firefighters and emergency responders were also honored.

2nd Annual Tribute to First Responders in Orlando

Last night there was a fantastic tribute to First Responders at First Baptist Orlando Church. Ed and Mary Ganster, founders if OperationSafety91, pulled in a wonderful group of speakers and performers. Moving songs by Lt. Connie Baldwin of the Orlando Police Department, who sang God Bless America. She has such a beautiful voice, she should be on America's Got Talent. Gina Marie Incandela, the little girl with autism famous for her singing at the Magic game, once again sang The Star Spangled Banner. She left all of us speechless with her beautiful voice, especially knowing her story. Eric Horner sang Footsteps of a Hero and Proud to be an American.

Police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, veterans, active military, you name it. If they serve this country, they were represented last night.

I was asked to do a video for this event and was so humbled to be sitting next to true heroes. Below is the video I did, Honor Them.

That's something we just don't seem to do enough. We see them everyday, count on them all the time when we are in need. After then emergency is over, after the fire is out, after we send them off to war and after they come home, we never really think about them again until we need them again. The rest of us just get on with our lives. Tributes like this need to happen more often so they know how much we really do appreciate what they do for all of us. They risk their lives for us everyday willingly and to have an event like this for them was something we all did joyfully.

I wanted to make sure you knew about this event because the media, well, they didn't cover it and they missed a great opportunity to shine a light on our heroes.

Honor Them - watch more videos

Camp 9/11 helps kids live with memories and loss

Everyone in this country remembers where they were the day our sense of security was lost. We watched it happen on TV sets from coast to coast. Some had to watch it happen right in front of their eyes in New York and Washington DC. We were horrified knowing that in one horrific moment lives could be so violently changed. People just going to work in a normal day, were suddenly gone.

We think about the people on the planes,in the Towers and working in the Pentagon. They all got ready for one more normal day, drinking coffee, eating breakfast, dressing and driving off, away from their families thinking what they would do after they returned from work that night. Some never returned. Others returned with the same body, but not the same inside.

Police officers and firefighters rushed into the burning buildings while everyone else was running away. While citizens were able to return home to cope with what they just survived, the police and firefighters were still trying to save lives. They stayed after the Towers fell to try to find people trapped and to find their own friends.

For months after 9-11, we were all Americans. We bought flags. Some for the first time in their lives. We bought them for our homes and for our cars. We bought them in honor of the lives lost in unity. People were a lot nicer to each other back then. The sense that their own lives could end in an instant as well, made them appreciate family and friends more. Some were transformed for the better that day, but sooner or later, all that was good and patriotic faded away and people started to scream at each other again. Flags came down. Concerts for the families stopped. While we remembered those horrible events, we forgot about the families left behind.

The heartbreak of families remained long after the funerals but they got on with their lives as best as they could. Firefighters and police officers returned to work in New York City dealing with the average traumatic events of normal fires and accidents, crimes and domestic disputes. They had a job to do no matter how much they were hurting, but we never really noticed them. After all, we never really do think of any of them unless we need them.

What is really telling is that while we may from time to time remember the firefighters and police officers of New York City, we never seem to remember that police and firefighters rushed in from other states to help. We don't think about the construction workers coming in from New Jersey and other states. After all is said and done, what they did, the images of all of them working together, side by side, never really took hold of our hearts. We forgot that police and firefighters risk their lives for all of us but long after we need them, the events they respond to can take hold of their minds just as much as the men and women in the military.

Now this article shows that the children left behind still come together with their own common bond. They find friendship and support being understood by their own as only others can understand. Somehow where they live, what incomes their families have, how they vote, what divides them, is all ignored as it was that day in America. What matters most is that they are there to support each other as humans, as Americans, and as survivors of a great loss.

Camp 9/11
Where teenagers who lost a parent in the terrorist attacks now counsel the youngest victims

By Bella English
Globe Staff

PERU, Mass. - Julia Coombs clears the lunch tables of stray cups and napkins, then rushes over to join her friends in a line dance. The dining room is a blur of sweaty bodies and a cacophony of voices dancing and singing to “The Music Man.’’ Julia is 15, a confident, chatty counselor-in-training at America’s Camp.

Six years ago, she was a shy 9-year-old who had never been away from home. And she didn’t want to talk about her father, Jeff, who was killed on 9/11 when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Today she’s fine with the topic, and even helps younger kids talk, if they need to, about the parent they lost that same day. “There’s like nobody else who knows what you’ve been through, but here, everybody’s on the same page,’’ says Coombs, who’s from Abington.

That page, or day, is Sept. 11, 2001, and the kids at this camp in the Berkshires lost a parent in the terrorist attacks. America’s Camp opened in 2002 and hosted 78 kids shellshocked from their loss. This year it plateaued at 260, the same as last year. That’s because many of the original campers are in their 20s now. Taking their place are the youngest campers, 7 and 8 years old, who were infants - or even in utero - when their parent died.

The idea, back in those chaotic early days, was to give the “9/11 kids’’ a place where they could hide out and hang out, an escape from the grief and curiosity that shadowed them. There are also a handful of children of police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty.
read more here
Camp 911

Maybe it will make you remember what this country was like after 9-11 but God willing, it will also make you remember the number 911 when we call for help in emergencies and remember the men and women risking their lives for our sake every day of the year.

If you live in the Orlando area, there is an event at 1st Baptist Church on September 8th at 6:00 p.m.. It is to honor the first responders. OperationSafety91 is honoring the men and women willing to lay down their lives for the rest of us with a 6,000 flag tribute, much like after 9-11 when the entire nation was covered with flags. For more information go here.

http://www.operationsafety91.com/home.php

If you are one of our everyday heroes, please stop by to see me so that I can shake your hand and thank you. If you or anyone else you know is having a hard time coping with PTSD, please feel free to talk to me.


Memories of 9-11 linger on and so do a lot of other memories that sometimes you need help with. These children know that what binds them together is stronger than anything else. Adults need to learn this lesson as well and find strength from others who do understand.

Honor Them tribute to the men and women always there when we need them

The rest of us count on them everyday. Police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, National Guards and Reservists. We count on the members of the military just as much to stand in our place, to rush to help us in times of great need and to risk their lives for our sake.
On September 8th 2009, OperationSafety91 will honor these heroes for all they do at 1st Baptist Church in Orlando Florida with a program including 6,000 waving flags.

Honor Them - watch more videos

We spend our days never really thinking about any of them. We hear a siren as police and firefighters rush to help someone in need. We may get out of their way and never give them more than a quick, passing thought instead of offering a prayer that God watches over them.

When storms hit, floods come, wind blows down trees, accidents leave us in danger or a health emergency causes panic, they come.

When the leaders of this nation decide to go to war, we wave our flags and send them on their way. We don't spend time finding out what is happening to them while they are gone.

When they come home, few show up to welcome them home because the others are too busy with their own lives.

When they are in trouble, need someone to help them, few will answer that call.

They risk their lives everyday for the sake of the rest of us and ask nothing in return. Call any of them a hero and they will say "I was just doing my job." and then they humbly walk away or change the conversation.

Most of us never think of them again until the next war, the next emergency here at home, the next time we need them to say they will go in our place.

Each soul on this earth has within them all they need to do what they were intended to do by God's hand. Each one called for whatever small or huge job they have been given. They have the compassion in their souls to care enough to want to help and the courage required to do more than just care. The courage required to risk their lives for the sake of others.

This same compassion can cause turmoil within them when they misunderstand the horrors they see, the evil man is capable of and wonder where God was during those times. They cannot see that God was there within them in every second of their lives. He was there because He sent them to answer the prayers of others in His place.

When the responders suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a wound to their soul, they know that what was in their hearts calling them to act came from God, but after, they face turmoil when it all gets to be too much to bear. When they are able to reach their hand out to God, believe He is there, believe He still loves them, they begin to heal and become stronger in their faith, feel blessed with compassion and recognized the courage they had all along.

The ability to feel pain abundantly for others is also what enables them to feel the wonders and love more deeply as well. Their service comes with a price they pay all the time. God knows their pain and He knows their fears. He also knows that when we called out for help, they came in His place, but when they needed us, we were just too busy to notice.

Please, honor them for what they do for the rest of us everyday and take time to say thank you at the very least.


And now this from Papa Roy, arrived this morning as the daily reminder,,,,,

He has called us to participate

How often do we miss the big picture of what God is doing? We’re so busy running around with the daily grind, sometimes even within our ministries, that we forget the amazing plan that we’re a part of! There is so much work to be done. We must make sure that we are daily getting focused on what God would have us do! Otherwise we labor in vain! Let’s take a break for a moment, rejoice in the fact that God has an awesome plan in which He has called us to participate, and ask Him for wisdom concerning what He would have us do today.

Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1)


When He watches a city

To understand this verse, first understand the word vain. It means empty. Why? Why is the labor in vain? Why is the watching in vain? because it is pointless. The only one who can build eternal things is God himself. When He builds a house, it lasts forever, when He watches a city, it is an eternal city, take up your citizenship there.

In God we trust: I will remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11)

Papa Roy

With God as the Architect and His Word the blueprint, your life will be built on a sure foundation.

Gina Marie Incandela to sing for OperationSafety91 event to honor first responders

This is Gina’s story.
Gina Marie Incandela is seven years old. She attends second grade at a private school in Kissimmee, Florida. On the average day she can be found running, jumping, playing, talking with her many friends at school and learning as much as she can. She loves to learn new things. She also sings and plays the piano.

When Gina was about 2 years old she was diagnosed with PDD NOS (an autistic spectrum disorder). The pervasive development disorder diagnosis was a result of evaluations sought because Gina could not speak at age 2. In fact, Gina did not really start speaking words until after age 3. In addition to a speech and language delay, she had many other developmental delays. She did not have age appropriate social skills. She had poor eye contact, sensory issues, and feeding issues among others. She had difficulty transitioning and did not adapt well to new environments. She was often afraid in public and could not tolerate noisy places such as theme parks or carnivals. She had odd behaviors such as scratching the floors and walls and stacking her toys instead of playing with them. She had no imaginary play skills. When she went to a playground, she showed no interest in other children. She would simply pick up sticks and rocks.

The doctors that diagnosed her were unable to state whether her condition would improve or worsen. They were unable to tell us whether she would ever be able to speak. Their advice was to enroll her in a specialized program as quickly as possible to give her the best chance to overcome her disabilities. She attended the UCP Charter School in Osceola County in a full time day program starting at around age 2.

Unfortunately many families are sharing the experience of such a diagnosis more frequently every day. Gina received various therapies including, occupation, speech and language and behavioral. She is now in a “regular” class at a private school. She still receives therapy at school and at home but, continues to thrive and advance.

Gina has worked very hard over the past few years to reach every goal set for her. Now, this beautiful child that once could not speak, has established herself as an up and coming vocal star. She has performed the National Anthem at major events around the Country including the 2008 US Open, NBA, MLB and NHL season games. She is also no stranger to a recording studio. At the age of 6, Gina released her first CD single entitled “I Dare To Dream”. Written just for Gina by songwriter/producer Thomas Michael Dale, “I Dare To Dream” is an inspirational ballad that sends a message of hope.

read more here
http://www.ginachildperformer.com/id1.html


Go here for more information on OperationSafety91
http://www.operationsafety91.com/home.php

Operation Safety 91 was founded to honor America's 1st Responders in Orlando

Last weekend I went to Specialist Alexander Miller funeral mass and did a post about it. Please click on link to find out more about this day.

While I was there, and whinnying as usual about the heat down here in Florida, a man came up to a group of us seeking relief in the shade. He handed me his card as he invited all of us to the event honoring First Responders. His name is Edward Ganster. He's the founder of OperationSafety91, as in Psalm 91. (See below for this Psalm)

While we were talking he saw the Chaplain patch and the cross on my vest. Yes, I wear a leather vest when I travel with the Nam Knights. He asked me what I do and when I told him, his eyes glistened. At first I wounded why an important person would be spending so much time talking to me. I'm the type that likes to sit at the back of the room feeling comfortable in obscurity. Then he made me an offer that almost made me cry. He wanted to know if I needed any books. Right away I thought about the homeless veterans at the Dom in Winter Park at the Veteran's clinic.

Ed's wife Mary called me the next day and we sent emails back and forth. Great people and very caring. Yesterday I was invited to their home to pick up all the books I wanted for the Dom. While we were sharing stories, they were telling me more about this event. They want more than anything to say thank you to the men and women we count on the most when we are in need.

Then came the honor of honors. I was asked to participate in this event so I'm doing a video for it. I don't know if I'll come close enough to expressing what I feel and what I believe in such a short form since I can go on forever about them, but I'll do my best.

Later there will be a post about what came to me when we were talking yesterday but for now, let's stick with this event. Please read the following and if you fit into the category of the men and women to be honored, please make sure to contact OperationSafety91 for this tribute to you.

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]

2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2091

Operation Safety 91 was founded to honor America's 1st Responders. Every year in September, on the day after Labor Day, Operation Safety 91 and its partners, holds its annual capstone event in Orlando which this year will feature a 6,000 flag salute for our 1st Responders. Operation Safety 91 proudly presents:

The Second Annual Tribute to Honor America's 1st Responders

http://www.operationsafety91.com/events.php

Our Mission
Our mission is twofold. First, to instill across America an appreciation and commitment to honor our current and retired 1st Responders: Firefighters & EMS Personnel, Police & Law Enforcement, and Military. Secondly, our mission is to provide free-of-charge through Unit chaplains, a pocket-size Psalm 91 Prayer Card - which has countless proven testimonies - to the 1st Responders and their spouses who request them.



Our Vision
Our vision is "Honoring and Protecting America's Protectors."

All Responder CHAPLAINS... We salute you! You are the emotional and spiritual strength behind these courageous Responders. They depend on you as a "shoulder to cry on", a counselor "sometime to talk to", a prayer-support. Your presence is more important to them than they may ever say. You are a "father", a "brother" who are SO important to them in their work.



Who are you Chaplains to the American public? You are seldom recognized by people in the neighborhood except where the disaster occurs. How many people realize that many of you are full-time Pastors, who offer your dedication to these special heroes?



Operation Safety 91 is a Community Service Initiative in partnership with active chaplains across America, beginning with Senior Chaplain Andrew Wade of Orlando Police Department, and Chaplain Lonnie Crawford of Orlando Fire Department. Chaplain Joshua Sauers of Ocoee/Winter Garden Florida Fire Rescue, and Chaplain Lyle Schmeiser of Chapter 16 of Central Florida Disabled American Veterans have also partnered with Operation Safety 91.



Your role in "Operation Safety 91" as intermediaries for the distribution of our free Psalm 91 Prayer Card to the Responders and their spouses is crucial to the success of OS91. As a Responder, you clearly understand the risk the Responders face every day. We need you as partners. Current chaplain groups with whom we are proudly associated are the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), the Federation of Fire Chaplains (FFC), and the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International (FCFI).



Chaplain...are you interested in joining thousands of other chaplains across America in our special work to help our 1st Responders?



Contact Us, please, so we may respond to share our vision, and invite your partnership.