This month I am dedicating the column to all the soldiers serving our country over in Iraq. I want them to know we appreciate all they do for us and to let them know they are not forgotten.

In our small little village, there is a couple, Jim and Nancy Roberts, who do so much for our troops. Nancy is queen of the Lilac Lavender Divas (Red Hats )of Irondequoit. Last summer, the ladies adopted a Platoon from Ft. Drum. During this time, one became two Platoons and so on.

At one time during the past year, they were mailing to three Platoons (98 men) in Iraq.

Some of the members, plus friends, neighbors, American Legion Auxiliary in Fair Haven, along with the VFW Auxiliary from Wolcott have made donations so they could mail the many things the soldiers need.

Nancy and her husband do all the mailings. Nancy packs all the boxes (53 so far ), and Jim takes them to the post office. Nancy goes to local stores to purchase what is needed to be mailed. Jim called Wal-Mart and ordered cases of Deep Woods Off bug pump spray she could purchase enough for 40 men at a time to send. That purchase, and the mailing of 40 bottles, cost $300 and change. With the soldiers funds about gone and not wanting to ask the folks that already donated for more, Nancy and Jim have been taking care of this since March.

One of the soldiers, Staff Sgt. John Queen, is from Red Creek. His girlfriend, Diana, works at Cutters Inn here in Fair Haven. When Nancy went to drop off poppy's in May for the American Legion Auxiliary, she met Diana and adopted her boyfriend's platoon.

A few month's ago Cutters Inn owner (June Smith ) mentioned to Nancy that the Bayside Bikers do fundraisers and would like to do one for the Charlie Company Platoons that they adopted. So on Sunday, Sept. 9, the Bayside Bikers, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts from Cutters Inn will hold a benefit Poker Run for our soldiers from Fort Drum serving in Iraq.

Nancy and her husband spend an average of $200 a month of their own money to ship care packages to our soldiers serving and protecting our freedom. Bayside Bikers would like to ease that burden by holding the formerly mentioned event. Entrance fee for the scheduled Poker Run will be $15 per person.

The more riders we have, the more money we raise.

Registration will begin at Cutters, and the ride will depart at noon to the Central Square American Legion Post 915. It will continue through the countryside to VFW Post 369 in Mexico. We will then be going to the Scriba VFW Post 9218 and on to the American Legion Post 1552 in Hannibal.

Upon returning to Cutters at about 5:30 p.m., the last card of the poker hand will be drawn with the announcement of the winners of the top two hands and the lowest hand. A 50/50 raffle will also be held at the end of the ride along with food and music. Some of the Red Hat Ladies will be on hand to accept donations for shipping the care packages.

Riders will need to bring small wood blocks for their kick stands so we don't damage the Posts' parking lots.

We are lucky in this area to have so many wonderful bikers. They have raised money for a number of causes and should be commended for their efforts. Come join us for a great cause and a beautiful countryside run. You do not need a cycle to join the fun; you can enter your car or truck for the same fee.

We are hoping some of the Army wives from Fort Drum will be able to join us too.

Also, any donations of school supplies would be greatly appreciated. There will also be a list at Cutters for things the soldiers need if you care to donate.

Remember: They are the reason we are free to enjoy our wonderful lives.

Nancy Webster lives and writes from the village of Fair Haven.

If you go

What: Poker Run to benefit Fort Drum soldiers

When: Registration at 11 a.m. ; ride begins at noon, Sunday, Sept. 9

Where: Cutters Inn, 559 Main St., Fair Haven

Cost: $15 per person

To learn more: Call June or Darrin at 246-1475 or visit www.cuttersinn.com