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Shoe tree honors military sisters
STOCKVILLE -- The communities of Stockville and McCook came together to build a gift for Cassie and Brittany Raine.
The two Stockville sisters, Cassie, 23, and Brittany Raine, 24, put their lives on the line for this country two years ago and are close to the end of their final tour in Iraq.
Cassie and Brittany Raine enlisted in the U.S. Army two years ago, first stop Afghanistan.
Cassie Raine enlisted as a Medic and Brittany Raine entered the Military Transportation Division, Brittany is serving in Iraq. Cassie is on her way home after successfully completing her final tour in Iraq. Brittany is serving her in her second tour in the Middle East. Both have reached the rank of sergeant.
A landmark gift was prepared and presented by the entire community of Stockville, McCook City Building Inspector Fred Baugher, and assisted by a generous donation from Swanson Sign Co. of McCook.
The community of Stockville came together to show their support and felt compelled to do send a lasting message from the heart while the two girls were off, fighting for others freedom.
Two years in the making and finally finished is what is called a "shoe-tree," with a sign next to the tree that reads, "Shoe Tree: Two Sisters stepped out of their comfy shoes and into combat boots. Brittany and Cassie, you are our heroes."
And heroes they are, serving two tours between Afghanistan and Iraq. Their mother Jan Raines said "I am so proud of my daughters. Their brave service to the United States and to the people of the Middle East has grown them into strong and sure young women."
Many American shoe trees last for generations, starting with grandparents and years later having grandchildren adding to the same tree. A shoe tree is an age-old American tradition that involves placing unused shoes in a tree, with messages inscribed on them.
So far, residents far and wide have added to this tree of memories , accomplishments, and hopes.
"I just wanted to do something for the girls and their mother. To let them know that there are people who care. And that we won't forget the sacrifice that they made to keep us safe," Baugher said. "I knew the two girls two to three years before they were deployed. The whole family became good friends over the years and I was proud to see them serve their country like I did back in Korea.
"It's not easy, some hate you, some love you. We wanted the girls to know that we love them and they have our support," Baugher said.