Columbia Pacific was proud to finish out the year by supporting our troops. As many of you know the fires last October did extreme damage to homes in the Scripps Ranch area. Our owners house was right in the path of the fire, but thankfully was spared. The canyon behind them is commonly referred to as "Chimney Canyon". Afterwards firefighters told homeowners that they were lucky the fire had not reached that canyon because the brush and trees were so overgrown that the fire department would not risk sending firefighters into the canyon & could only let it burn. Approximately 150 homes line that canyon & hearing this made them extremely nervous. That’s when a few homeowners decided to get together & form what is known as the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council. The council is a non-profit organization , that currently includes approximately 80 families. The primary goal was to clear out the canyon and make a defensible space to protect the homes. That’s where 169HML 3rd Marine Airwing stationed at Camp Pendelton comes into play. Jerry Mitchell, Executive Director of Chimney Canyon Fire Safe Council, made some phone calls to get some help to clear out the brush. The marines came to the rescue. Work parties were organized on different weekends & much progress was made. Towards the middle of July the 169HML 3rd Marine Airwing were ordered to Iraq. The homeowners wanted to give back to those who had graciously helped them in a time of need. The 1st week of December, Karen Herreros, Secretary of Chimney Canyon Fire Safe Council, sent out an email asking for donations to help gather items to be sent to Iraq. Over $450.00 was raised in just 2 days and the packages were shipped 3 days after the original email was sent, just in time for Christmas. Some of the items that were sent included: DVD’s, chapstick, eyedrops, books, puzzles, cards, power bars, footballs and many other items. A quick thanks to Wal-Mart for their 10% discount . Columbia Pacific also donated money and calling cards. We hope that these care packages help to make their Christmas a little more joyous.