Mantua – You may recall that Mantua residents Scott Snyder and his wife Trish founded the Hero’s Rock organization in 2011 after learning of the death of Christopher Thibodeau, a local soldier serving in Afghanistan, just one week after learning he was to be a father. “These tragic stories are so hard,” Trish shared. Perhaps since Christopher was the same age as the couple’s son, “this one tugged at our heart and never let go,” she explained. “Within months, Hero’s Rock was formed.”
Since then, through public donations, the pair has built countless custom tribute rockers for the children of fallen heroes across the country. Those worthy families have lost loved ones in each branch of the military as well as law enforcement and firefighters. The two work with each family in order to incorporate small things of importance to each hero. In addition, each piece incorporates an etched portrait of the hero that is part of the rocking toy or special chest to hold keepsakes. “Our hope is to give a child some joy now, but leave a legacy of what their hero stood for,” Trish explained. “and show that people across our nation appreciated their loved ones service and sacrifice,” added Scott.
“It’s almost time to hit the road again,” shared Scott, “and donations have been down.” This year, the team will be loading up some new gifts and heading west to present them to the children of fallen heroes in California and Utah. They’ll be presenting Cal Fire helicopters to the families of fallen California Firefighter Cory Iverson of San Diego and Matthew Burchett of Salt Lake City, Utah who lost their lives battling blazes in 2017 and 2018. In addition, the couple will present a handcrafted treasure chest to the family of fallen Air Force Major Adrianna Vorderbruggen of Santa Rosa California, who lost her life in Afghanistan in 2015.
In addition to themselves, their dogs, and the tribute items, the couple plans to fill the rest of the trailer with care packages for the firefighters fighting this season’s unrelenting wildfires. At the time of print, 21 fires were still burning, and only five were contained. Firefighters from across the country have been battling fires since the summer months. “Together we can send love and support to these exhausted heroes that are saving others’ homes as their own homes sit in harm’s way,” shared Scott Snider.
Individually-wrapped, personal sized items would be greatly appreciated — including granola bars, trail mix, jerky, hard candy and other non-perishable snacks, as well as single-serving Gatorade and powdered drink mixes that firefighters can easily consume in the field. They would also appreciate personal care items like baby wipes and hand sanitizer. While the donation boxes are no longer in local fire stations, donations can still be made through this week. Just contact Hero’s Rock via Facebook or by calling 650-ROCKERS.
While many would agree that the 6,000-mile, cross-country road trip hauling gifts for families of fallen heroes and care packages to hard-working firefighters is priceless, Scott Snyder estimates the cost of fuel and travel expenses to exceed $5,000. He notes that Hero’s Rock is a 501© 3 charity that runs entirely on donations, and this trip will be funded in the same manner. For those who agree with the Snider’s mission to show our nation’s gratitude to the families and children of fallen heroes and would like to help support those who serve and protect the freedoms we all enjoy, visit Hero’s Rock online or on Facebook to donate today.
