NAMPA RETIREES EARN CRAPO'S SPIRIT OF IDAHO AWARD

Nampa - Residents of a Nampa retirement community will be honored tomorrow for their ongoing contributions to Idaho military members serving overseas. Retirees at Silver Crest Estates II Retirement Center have been making donations of clothing, food, toys, quilts, and other items to Air Force members and their families through the military's Operation Warmheart program.

Crapo recently learned of the group's ongoing generosity during the holiday season from retired Air Force Colonel Bruce Wong and decided to honor their service with his Spirit of Idaho Award. Crapo's Southwest Regional Director Ryan White will present the award to residents at Silver Crest during a ceremony Saturday morning at the retirement center. Nampa Mayor Tom Dale and Colonel James Brown, Commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, will join other military leaders participating during the awards ceremony. Many local businesses and religious groups are also sponsors in the Operation Warmheart effort benefiting the Air Force families stationed overseas.

"We know many members of the Idaho military and their families serving overseas are separated from their loved ones at Christmas," Crapo said. "It is important to recognize their service, and also the dedication of Idahoans like those at the Silver Crest Estates Retirement Center that work all year long to help those families at Christmas. They are most worthy of the Spirit of Idaho Award."

Crapo started the Spirit of Idaho Award in 2000 as a way to honor Idahoans who unselfishly go out of their way to help others, embodying the spirit of Idaho residents. Operation Warmheart is a tax-exempt charity funded by local donations and does not receive financial support from the Air Force.
The program at Silver Crest begins at 10:00 a.m. at the center located at 1100 Burnett (off Middleton Road south of Karcher Road).