By Nate Jones
Staff Writer
Not all heroes wear capes, jump from high buildings or have x-ray vision.
Eric Samuelson, coordinator for this year’s “Honor Our Heroes” event on July 19, is adamant in his mission to recognize South Portland firefighter and police officers, National Guard members, Army Reservists, Coast Guard members and all other members of the military and their families for their heroic efforts within the local community.
“I see the yellow magnets on cars and the T-shirts that say ‘Support our troops,’” said Samuelson, a former pilot and current Lt. Colonel in the Air National Guard. “This will allow the average person to say ‘Thanks’ in a really tangible way.”
Samuelson is also pastor at Rock Church in South Portland, which has joined forces with the City of South Portland, the Portland Sea Dogs and numerous local businesses to sponsor the free event.
“There has been a lot of giving, partnership and significant community organizations helping with the fundraising,” Samuelson said. “It’s not about the Rock Church, but to allow community members and business leaders to have a big impact.”
Twenty-four-year-old Army Reserve Sgt. Steve Prescott is assisting Samuelson with coordinating the all-day “Honor Our Heroes” celebration, and said he’s looking forward to taking an active role in the event.
“It’s neat to be able to get together and say ‘Thank you,’” he said. “A lot of people take freedom for granted, and this is just a little reminder to those who preserve it for us.”
Prescott has been in the Army Reserves for eight years – one of which he spent stationed in Iraq as a carpentry and masonry specialist.
“Right now I do my one weekend a month,” he said. “I’m scheduled for deployment again in 2010, but that is definitely subject to change.”
Samuelson said he has developed great respect for Prescott and all other men and women in today’s armed forces, as the tasks facing them are much greater than those he dealt with as an A-10 “warthog” ground attack jet pilot from 1991 to 2000 and during his one-month deployment to Kuwait during the “Shock and Awe” military strikes preceeding the 2003 invastion of Iraq.
 “One month wasn’t forever, but it’s still a month of your life,” he said. “I thought we had it rough but now these guys are really doing the legwork.”
After serving 17 years, Samuelson said he could understand how some “heroes” could feel awkward about receiving praise from the community.
“I don’t need people to say ‘Thank you’ to me,” he said. “But my family makes a sacrifice. At the end of this day, we want the 8-year-old sons and daughters to ask their parents ‘Why’ – and for them to realize it’s because their parents serve. On the flipside, we want heroes to look back at the service they provide, and say ‘This is why.’”
This year’s “Honor Our Heroes” day featuring pony rides, bounce palaces, rock climbing, musical performances by the National Guard Brass Quintet and an appearance by Portland Sea Dogs players and mascot, Slugger, will take place in the playing fields at Memorial Middle School in South Portland beginning at 10 a.m. July 19 and is completely free for all who attend.
“You’ve paid the price with your service,” Samuelson said.