Do you have one of these tokens? Click here to tell its’ journey and don’t forget to pay his good deed forward!
Read Ross' All Star Token - February 23, 2010
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Diane Griest - VA. - May 27, 2010I passed a SPC Ross A. McGinnis token along to my neighbor and her husband. They have been having a bit of a hard time making ends meet. He got injured and could not work and their car was breaking down. I bought them groceries one week. I hope it helped a little.
SFC Herbert Gill - Knoxville, TN - May 20, 2010I received this token from Ross's mom at the Mountain Man Memorial March, April 2010. I am an ROTC Instructor at the University of TN, Knoxville where the Mountain Man Memorial March started to honor a fallen ROTC Alumni, Lt. Walkup. I got in touch with Mrs. McGinnis to inform her of the Memorial March and this is the first time she had come to this event. I hope to see her at future events so we can continue to honor SPC McGinnis for his selfless act of sacrifice that so many have freely given for our country.
Nadine - Lamartine, PA - April 10, 2010It’s Nadine again. On Sunday, November 15, 2009, Tom and Romayne, along with family and close friends, shared with the community keepsakes they have received in honor of Ross. Posters, citations, pictures, challenge coins, plaques, quilts, a table, a hand carved walking stick, magazines, and personal letters were on display at our local high school. Videos of the Medal of Honor ceremonies were played along with some family videos. The support from all over the country has been overwhelming and we wanted our small community to know that Ross’s story touched people every where. About 400 people visited with our families throughout the day.
I gave 4 regular tokens to these people who helped make the day a success.
Jonathan, who saved the day when we panicked and needed more programs and other papers copied and kept us calm.
John, who tried to help us find what we needed even when we didn’t know what we were looking for. We truly needed a handyman available. It took us 7 hours to arrange the displays and only 1 hour to put everything away. Thank you John.
Fran has always given of himself way beyond what is normal. The 2010 Keystone Senior class departed that morning for the Washington DC Trip. The displays were available for the seniors to view before boarding the buses. They watched the video of the ceremony of the unveiling of the new MOH head stone at Arlington. The seniors would be visiting Arlington on their trip. Thanks so much Fran for your help with the sound systems and just being around.
And to Tom, Commander of the Knox American Legion. Tom provided an Honor Guard for the Medal of Honor during the day as well as the American Flag and POW/MIA flag. We wanted to share the story of the POW/MIA Remembrance Table with the community and Tom brought the Legion’s table in to display. If you are not aware of this tribute, be sure to research it. It’s special.
Thank you for all your help in making our special day honoring Ross a very pleasant tribute.
Tony Wilkes - Collegeville, PA - April 9, 2010Found this token at the St. Peter's Cemetary Cache in Warwick, Pa. Dropped it off at the Cache-At-Work 2 cache in Malvern, Pa
Planker - - March 29, 2010
Nadine - Lamartine, PA - March 29, 2010Hi everyone, I am Nadine, one of Ross’s aunts. We live in Lamartine, PA near Romayne and Tom. Among the first generic tokens I paid forward went to the son of my husband’s cousin, Mickey, in the spring of 2009. Mickey joined the Army National Guard in April 2008 at the age of 37. He earned an Army Achievement medal at the an RSP event "The Expert Warrior Cerification" in miami August of that same year. He did his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri from
January thru June 2009. He Earned the Company High PT award during AIT (A great for an Old Man). Ross was often mentioned during Mickey’s training. This was relayed to us via email thru Mickey’s Mom. I gave Mickey one token to keep and one to pay forward. Mickey is now back in Florida and attached to the 806th MP Company in Fort Pierce, Florida as part of the 254th Transportation Battalion. Where in December of 2009 he earned the attention of the Battalion, LtC and was award a commendation coin for performing his duties above the standard. Mickey most recently earned a Silver medal in the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Competition at Camp Blanding's National Guard Joint Training Facility in February of 2010.
And now Mickey has to pay it forward .
Someone - Bealton, VA - February 25, 2010Original Post Date July 27, 2009
Hi there! I am so greatful for one very kind lady that helped me out at the blooms grocery store. I had my checkbook stolen and my bank gave me starter checks, before I went and did my shopping of what I needed to pick up for me and my daughter (which is 7 1/2 months old) they told me that they would accept my check. Well, low and behold that I found out different. I was so embarressed! I was ready to walk out and leave my groceries there until this VERY KIND HEARTED lady behind me offered to pay for them. I was so greatful and embarressed at the same time, I did not know what to do. Outside in the parking lot she gave me a token and I was very happy to receive it! I would like to re-pay her back. But I will pass this token on. I am going to post this website on my facebook account to let others know to support this and to keep passing this on. Our troops need to come home!! They do not need to keep dying in vaine!!! Again, I thank you VERY MUCH!! From the bottom of my heart!!!!
Chris - PA - February 25, 2010Original Post Date July 7, 2009
In March Jim and I visited my cousin in the hospital. She had undergone a complete hysterectomy due to ovarian cancer. I offered to help her in any way I could; treatments, follow-up appointments; whatever she needed. I imagine that the offer of help is often more of a comforting statement, but I wanted my offer to be more than an empty promise.
One evening Joyce did call and asked if I could take her to an appointment the following week. I drove I drove her to that appointment and a couple others since. Spurred by your recent letter, it dawned on me that this was my “pass it forward”good deed.
Since Joyce is still recovering I was unsure about passing the token on to her. Then I thought “why not”. Joyce is a good person and I know she will pass on a good deed whenever she is able.
I explained to her how we had come to know you thought Doug and why you started the foundation. Joyce was smiling as I told her the story because she already knew who Ross was, having read about about him in the newspaper. She seemed happy to receive the token and I was happy that I decided to give it to her.
And that is my “pay it forward” story.
Sincerely,
Chris Slovak
Michelle - Severna Park, MD - February 25, 2010Original Poste Date July 1, 2009
My name is Michelle Connolly (Severna Park, Maryland) and I am honored to have the privilege to work with Village to Village Foundation. I serve on the Board of Directors as the graphic designer and printer for most of the informational materials used by V2V. When I heard the story of Ross McGinnis I immediately took Diane and Galynn up on their offer to join them in working with V2V. Ross’s heroic act is a tribute to his country, his comrades, and his family and friends; but more than anything, it is the ultimate example of how each of us can affect lives positively by taking time to consider others first. I encourage everyone to take time to do a good deed for someone. It doesn’t have to be monumental, just a kind word to someone who is feeling down, take a visit to Walter Reed and sit and talk with our veterans – many who have no family nearby to visit with them, send a care package to Afghanistan, or just share your umbrella with someone on a rainy day. It only takes one act of kindness to lift up someone’s spirit and put a smile on a face full of stress and worry. Please take a moment out of your day to do a good deed for someone today…you may change a life. Together…we may change the world.
In remembrance of Ross McGinnis and his Good Deed,
Michelle Connolly
Diane - Warrenton, VA - February 25, 2010Original Post Date June 11, 2009
I just wanted to say what a great experience it has been to be part of Village to Village and work on the Ross McGinnis initiative. Being part of the small group that has worked so hard to honor this young soldier is something I and all of us can be proud of. It has been difficult, frustrating, tiring, but mostly rewarding. I have learned so much and done things I never would've thought possible. He gave his life for us, I only give some of my time for him. I thank you Ross McGinnis for in your heroic death you have made me grow. I hope we can honor you as you have honored us. I have my Pay a Good Deed Forward in honor of Ross McGinnis ready to pass on. I keep thinking of things to do that are large enough to be worthy but I think in reality we never know how a small act of kindness may be large to someone else. So good deeds be done large or small in honor of 19 year old SPC Ross A. McGinnis for in reality they are all large.
Sincerely Diane Griest
Chris - Knox, PA - February 24, 2010Chris Carroll - Knox PA - January 26, 2010 (original posting date)
I received this token at the Keystone school during a memorial service for Ross. I am going to place this token inside a Geo cache for authors to find and pass along. In hopes of spreeding the good deed on.
Galynn - Washington, DC - February 24, 2010Originally Posted May 25, 2009
Hi Everyone, this is Galynn
I had such an incredible day this Saturday, while volunteering for Village to Village Foundation and sharing Ross's story. Meeting so many people for the first time and who genuinely cared and want to help pay Ross' good deed forward was so uplifting. The event was a great success! Not only were we able to tell Ross' story, but we received generous donations, which will help veterans struggling with PTSD. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and shared their time. Hope to see you again! Keep watch on our website for upcoming events and updates to the journeys of Ross' tokens.
Shawn - East Berne - February 24, 2010Shawn - East Berne, NY - November 22, 2009 (original posting date)
Hello:
I just wanted to go on record to say how proud I am of my sister and her friends for the effort they are making to honor those soldiers and thier families who have lost thier lives fighting for our freedom in this horrendous war in Iraq. I live in my cozy little world of going to work, coming home and picking up the channel changer and wasting time doing nothing for no one. Well wish me luck cause I'm getting off my butt and I' going to find a fallen solder in my area to bring to light the sacrafice they and thier families have made for me and my family. I hope to have a token made for someone here in the Albany NY area to recognize and remember their life and the ultimate gift they have given up for us. Again I want to thank my sister and her commrads for the time and unselfish effort they put into this foundation every day. For God's sake they went to the White House and to the president not long after they started this project. It's only uphill from here. So Thank you Galynn & Diane and friends for your time and caring to remember those who who gave up their lives for us. And thank you to the families that go on everyday without those loved ones in their life. I appriciate you...
Sincerely;
Shawn Marie
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Read Ross' Token 1 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 1 - Thank you for accepting our sincere efforts Mr and Mrs McGinnis.
When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
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Read Ross' Token 2 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 2 - Thank you for accepting our sincere efforts Mr and Mrs McGinnis.
When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
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Read Ross' Token 3 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Adam & Rebecca Gorman - Baltimore, MD - June 28, 2008
Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 3 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
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Read Ross' Token 4 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 4 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
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Read Ross' Token 5 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Renee Bishop - Ellicott City, Maryland - March 24, 2010Romayne and Tom McGinnis received Token #5 from the Village to Village Foundation on June 2, 2008 – the day that President George W. Bush presented them with the Medal of Honor for the heroic actions of their son, SPC Ross McGinnis at the White House.
From that time on, the token “traveled” all around the country with Romayne and Tom as they were invited many places in Ross’ honor. Some of these included:
•The Pentagon Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony, Washington, DC – June 3, 2008
•Headstone Unveiling at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC – June 4, 2008
•Memorial Honor Ride – June 14, 2008
•Military Family Appreciation Service – June 21, 2008
•U.S. Army Field Band Concert, Latrobe, PA – July 5, 2008
•Medal of Honor Society Convention, Denver, CO
•Partners in Leadership Awards, Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania – October 28, 2008
•Northrop Grumman Scholarship, Baltimore, MD – November 13, 2008
•Keystone “SMILES” SPC Ross McGinnis “Service” Scholarship Award, Knox, PA – December 4, 2008
•Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, OH
•Spirit of America, Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
•SPC Ross A. McGinnis VFW Annual Awards Dinner, Clarion, PA – March 14, 2009
•Soldiers and Sailors Museum Hall of Valor, Pittsburgh, PA – March 15, 2009
•Medal of Honor Society trip to New York City (Ground Zero, NYPD Headquarters, New York Harbor) New York, NY – March 23-25, 2009
•“Wal-Mart Heart” program, Clarion, PA – March 27, 2009
In April 2009, Romayne passed the token to me, her sister, Renee Bishop, of Ellicott City, Maryland, with the intent that it would be passed along to an Army soldier. (Romayne and Tom continue to travel.) There were some delays, but now the token has been mailed to 1st Lt. Mark Adams. He is currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army, C Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Mark was at West Point when Ross was killed and has since graduated and completed more training before being deployed.
We chose to give this token to Mark because of his position of leadership among young men just like Ross. Before Ross’ death, Mark had already decided to serve his country and was pursuing that goal at West Point. Now he leads other young men with compassion, discipline, honor, and great courage. We are certain that he’ll have many opportunities to “pay this token forward” and be able to tell Ross’ story of sacrifice. We look forward to seeing where in the world the token will travel now.
Romayne McGinnis - Shippenville, PA - March 15, 2010My name is Romayne McGinnis and I am the mother of SPC Ross McGinnis. On Dec. 4, 2006 our lives (husband Tom and myself) were changed forever. Our son was killed by a grenade blast in Iraq. It has been a difficult four years with much sorrow over losing our son, and yet much joy.
We have gotten to travel – such wonderful places like Germany, Illinois, Colorado, Georgia, New York, Maryland, Kansas, and Washington, D.C. All of these trips were in memory and honor of our son Ross. We have also met some terrific people. President George W. Bush, Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, General Richard Cody, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England. We have met living Medal of Honor recipients. They all have such incredible stories to tell. We have met many of the soldiers who served with Ross and have gotten to know his commanders. Such terrific guys. We are so proud of them all.
We also consider it a great honor to have met Galynn and Diane from the Village to Village Foundation. Tom and I are so humbled that they have chosen to honor our son’s sacrifice thru the Pay a Good Deed Forward tokens. It is something we support entirely with proceeds directed to soldiers with PTSD.
When we were given tokens, it was hard to decide who to give them to. I could have given mine away 20 or more times. But I always thought – WAIT- there might be someone more deserving. But looking back, those thoughts were silly. Who is to say that one deed is more worthy than another? The giver or recipient may have needed this action far more than we realize.
With that being said, I decided to give my token to someone close to me – my sister Renee. Renee and her family have been with us on many of our trips. She has been our “official” photographer. It is great to have photos of places, events, and people we have met. These mementos will be always treasured.
In closing, if you are looking at this website then you are learning about Ross and his deed and the Village to Village Foundation. I wish the greatest of luck to this terrific organization and the goodness it can do. We miss our son terribly but we also know that his life and death have touched so many people and continues to do so. Thank you Village to Village.
Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 5 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
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Read Ross' Token 6 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 6 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
You have friends for life. Thank you for accepting his torch and passing it on.
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Read Ross' Token 7 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 7 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
You have friends for life. Thank you for accepting his torch and passing it on.
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Read Ross' Token 8 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 8 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
You have friends for life. Thank you for accepting his torch and passing it on.
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Read Ross' Token 9 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 9 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
You have friends for life. Thank you for accepting his torch and passing it on.
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Read Ross' Token 0 Journey - May 22, 2008
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Galynn Wilkins - Midland, VA - June 1, 2008Token 0 - When I heard the news of how Ross instinctively saved the lives of four comrades, I was transformed. I spoke with some of my friends about my frustration of not being part of a solution to show people we need each other. We are connected. If I lift you up, I lift myself up. My friends listened as I explained my need to find a way to be a positive influence. Three friends decided it was time for them as well and we formed this organization, Village to Village Foundation.
It is not about politics, religion, or race. It is about humanity. We all live in this great big world and as we grow we are overlapping each other's space. How do we respect each other? We find common ground and go from there. We all need to eat, breathe fresh air, and be safe from harm. We can do it cooperatively or independently. Doing it cooperatively can generate a more positive outcome. Doing it independently can take a long time and more risk of error doing more harm then good. Ross understood this concept. Whether he formed it over his short life or instinctively reacted to the circumstances confronting him, he got it. When I heard his story, I got it. He made a difference, I can make a difference.
My goal with paying his good deed forward is to have Ross live forever and inspire humanity to lift each other up. Even when there are easier choices to make. Even if the other choices when taken, no one would have thought poorly of your action. By paying the token forward, I am telling Ross' story, helping someone understand they are not alone, someone cares, and asking them to do the same for someone else.
Ross not only saved four comrades, he saved me, a total stranger. Thank you Ross.
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Read Ross' Journey Token G - July 14, 2009
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Galynn - Midland, VA - October 8, 2009I paid my token forward to my cousin Kelley who lives in Clarence Center, NY. However, it all started when she paid a good deed forward to me, which in turn I paid a good deed back to her and back and forth over the years it goes between us. It all started many many years ago when we were children. I came to live at her home. She was so excited to have a big "sister" and graciously shared her bedroom with me. I was glad to be there and found it interesting going from the youngest in my family to the oldest in her's. I admired Kelley's common sense and good grades. Fast forward many years; she asked if she could come visit to my home in VA this past summer. She needed someone to talk with and a place where she could contemplate. Even though she thought I was the one doing her favor, she was actually paying me a hugh compliment, by coming to me with her questions. We completely enjoyed our visit together and I felt so blessed to be able to be there for her.
I wanted to do something for her. She is a school teacher in West Seneca, NY. Needless to say, teachers provide some of their own resources to ensure they can effectively do their jobs. I decided to give her some money to help defray costs I know she assumes herself. I know she must inspire her students like she inspires me with her calm rational thinking. Kelley, hopefully my PADF will help you help your students.
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Read Ross' Journey Token D - July 14, 2009
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Read Ross' Journey Token L - July 14, 2009
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Read Ross' Journey Token M - June 2, 2009
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Michelle Connolly - Severna Park, Maryland - July 21, 2009Village to Village has 4 board members. Each of has been holding a unique numbered token with the intention of passing it along when we did a good deed. Then, in turn, the person we passed it to would do a good deed for someone else and pass the token to that person, and token train continues, hopefully through out the state, the country, the world. As the passing of these unique tokens are handed from person to person, they can be tracked here, on this website, along with the stories of the good deeds performed. So here is the story of my good deed token.
I was enjoying a beautiful day off from work and decided to treat myself to lunch at Subway. In walked a woman with two children, a toddler girl, and a little boy. The young toddler was sobbing hysterically and crying out that she wanted her mommy. I instantly grew a tad suspicious because I had assumed the woman was her mommy. The woman took the distraught little girl by the hand and led her to a nearby table. The little boy quietly followed and all 3 sat down. The woman was talking calmly to the child, trying to console her, but to no avail.
In the meantime, I got my sandwich and decided to sit near them. I was getting very curious about the situation. I took a few bites and made eye contact with the woman. She halfway smiled as if to say "I'm really trying". I took that as an open door and asked if there was anything I could do to help...get the child a drink or some chips?
She, Linda, began to explain that their mother was across the street with a flat tire waiting for assistance. Linda had been working at the library across the street and was taking her lunch break to the Subway. On her walk, she observed the flat tire situation and the hot upset children. She told me that their mother was trying to talk on the phone to call for assistance but the little girl would not have it. She wanted to go home and she wanted her mother off the phone now! In Linda's words...she was pitching the typical toddler fit.
Linda said she approached the woman and asked if she could help. She offered to distract the children for a moment while the mother returned to the phone, but then she had a better idea. The mother agreed to let Linda take the children into the Subway (which was in view from the car) for a drink and to cool down a bit. As Linda and I talked, our voices seemed to calm the little girl and she eventually stopped crying. She and her brother were no longer paying any attention to us as they sipped their drinks and played with their straws.
So that explained everything! What a nice thing to do for someone! Linda had gone the extra mile to take time out of her day, to do a good deed. Then it struck me that this was my opportunity to tell the story of Ross McGinnis and to pass my good deed token along. Luckily, I always keep tokens, including my own unique one, in my car just for this purpose. I expressed to Linda what a great thing she had done to help out this family and I told her about Village to Village and the Pay A Good Deed Forward program. I told her about Ross and his ultimate sacrifice, of course using discretion, as children have big ears :). She was intrigued by the story and the Good Deed idea. Then I excused myself for a moment and I retrieved two tokens from my car, my unique numbered one, and one that was not numbered. I gave them both to Linda and thanked her for the good deed she had done. She was pleased as she examined them, and said she was honored to recieve them for doing such a minor good deed herself. I told her the unnumbered one was hers to keep if she liked, and I asked her to pass along the numbered one should the opportunity arise. I had already explained about the website and how to log in to tell her story. She was genuinely touched and said she would look for her chance to pass the token and tell the story of Ross.
The children's mother walked in and smiled to see her children safe and calm. Linda had to get back to work, and the mother needed to get the kids home. And I needed to reflect on this perfect timing, this extraordinary opportunity, and the ironic way things happen when you least expect it.
I will wait now, to hopefully read Linda's story of how she passed the token along. I hope my token travels long distances, and maybe someday even returns to me. I know it won't return in the shiney unmarked condition that I sent it out in, but battered, bruised, chipped, and worn...those will be the signs that my token passed hands across these great lands, and that many good deeds were performed, remembered, and appreciated. Thank you Ross McGinnis, for your ultimate Good Deed. It will not be forgotten.
Michelle Connolly
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