GEOFF'S CABINET SCULPTURE
Letters and Press
Date: Tue Feb 1, 2005 8:20:40 AM US/Central
Kirk - I believe today is Geoff's birthday. Our thoughts are with you and your family on what must be a tough and emotional day.
Heather McMahan is working on the cabinet sculpture for March 1st. So that is is most meaningful for you and your family she wants to personalize it to the greatest degree possible. She would like to know what small items may have been of special importance to Geoff - Anything the family remembers him for in particular that would fit in a 3"x3" space? the piece has room for up to 8 of such items. Based on the bit I have learned about Geoff - our initial thoughts include:
Bible
Fishing gear
Something showing his love for his family
Something signifying his love of this country and its values
Something signifying his drive to help those unable to help themselves
Something signifying his drive to be part of the best of the best
Something related to the marines
Kirk - of course these ideas are just from what I have picked up from you in our brief conversations. Any direction you provide will have lasting value.
Thanks and our thoughts are with you today and always.
Dirk
Dirk Beveridge
President, The Beveridge Consulting Group
800-BBS-IDEA
"The marketing, sales, and sales management methodologies you designed, developed, and delivered were the foundation for our $33.6 million of incremental annualized growth last year."
Sun Feb 13, 2005 5:34:17 PM US/Central
Heather,
Probably aware of the death of one of Geoff's close friends LCpl Sean Maher. I couldn't even think about the cabinet items with all the happenings here in Gurnee.
I have however just compiled a few snapshots of items that would/does capture Geoff's spirit and devotions. A bible would also be very appropriate. Included 12 items Heather can chose from: (all should be in high resolution for her or others to enlarge for detail if needed):
1) "First in the Fight" Representing his devotion to our Country, eagerness to serve and willingness to make the sacrifice.
2) Band Of Brothers - His absolute favorite film of all time. An inspiration to his motives.
3) Chess set. He thoroughly enjoyed the strategy and challenge presented by this and others like it. He requested we send this one to him in Iraq.
4) Daily Walk - Geoff was also devout in his commitment to God. He read from this daily devotional.. These were the passages he shared with LCpl Justin Neumier three hours before Geoff was killed. 04 April 2004 read; "Do not be afraid; I am the First and The Last" and "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
5) "Montage of Love" The family picture taken November 2003, the special football he loved, and his booney cover, "Go Fasters", and dog tags.
6) Fishing Reel - A sport we enjoyed together
7) Helping Hands - Representing Geoff's desire to help all that he could, especially those in positions of weakness or unable to help themselves.
8) Honor the Memory - The item I keep on my person; small folded American flag, a shell casing from the 21 gun salute given at Geoff's funeral and the copper memorial bracelet many wear in Geoff's memory. (Sean Maher was wearing one when he was killed in Iraq 02 Feb 2005)
9) Hunting - Picture of Geoff's 12 ga shotgun. Boy could he shoot.
10) Music - Geoff loved his music,
11) "Pain is Weakness" - The back of one of his T-shirts, he was very proud to wear. Depicts his strength, dedication and ability to suffer. Whatever it took to accomplish the mission. Double pneumonia in boot camp, injured knee in football, etc.
12) XBox - Geoff whooped any one in this game. Didn't stop others from trying, he could spend hours emmersed in the competition.
Doesn't matter which ones are chosen, any and all represent the spirit that was my son PFC Geoffrey Morris, USMC.
Not sure what that last comment was... All that being said, if I'm to late sorry, if I need to re-do please advise on direction.
Thanks,
Kirk Morris
Date: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:02:16 PM US/Central
Subject: Geoff & Sean band info
Heather - if not too late here is the info from Kirk.
Thanks
Dirk
Band should read:
PFC GEOFFREY S. MORRIS - USMC
WPNS 2/4 04 Apr 2004 IRAQ
LCpl SEAN P. MAHER - USMC
WPNS 1/3 02 Feb 2005 IRAQ
Date: Sun Feb 13, 2005 6:10:12 PM US/Central
Heather - here are the last pics.
thanks
Dirk
Helping Hand.JPG ¨Honor the memry.JPG¨
Dirk Beveridge
President, The Beveridge Consulting Group
Date: Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:12:32 PM US/Central
Subject: Geoff's Dog Tags
Heather - Geoff's dog tags read: RRIS
G. S. O Pos
331 88 6015
USMC M
PROTESTANT
Thanks
Dirk
Dirk Beveridge
President, The Beveridge Consulting Group
Date: Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:32:06 AM US/Central
Subject: from vickie & kirk morris
Heather - I haven't had a chance to thank you so much for the moving work that you did for us. It made it home safely and has an honored spot in our "Geoff Room" which is a parlor right off our entryway.
We are going to Washington DC for the opening of an exhibit next week on the 22nd (see www.Facesofthefallen.org). Everyone there will have lost a family member to the war. I'm hoping that it will give us some comfort.
You are a beautiful, spiritual, talented woman with a sensitive and overflowing heart. It was our pleasure to meet you and to receive such a gift. Thank you.
With love,
Vickie
Date: Wed Mar 2, 2005 1:45:58 PM US/Central
Subject: My address
The piece you created for Kirk Morris in memory of PFC Geoffrey Morris was realistic, beautiful, and deeply moving. It made me think of what my family would display if I hadn’t returned.
It was a real pleasure meeting you and I look forward to us working together in the future!
Here is the website I used when I was mobilized: http://www.supportusamilitary.org/Morgenthaler.html
You can read some of my thoughts. I especially like the photo of me and kittyLibertywho I helped rescue out of a column in the palace.
Colonel Jill E. Morgenthaler
Director, Strategic Training
84th ARRTC (Prov)
Date: Mon Mar 7, 2005 9:47:39 PM US/Central
Subject: Re: Fw: Fw: What Senator John Glenn Said
The incredible art sculpture for the Morris family was just beautiful and worthy of being a monument.
Your one wonderful American Women worthy of being praised yourself. The benefit that you bring to the families and returning military personal is just an amazing feat of compassion and love with your gentle touch in sculpture form.
Thank you for being an American Women in the greatest of tradition.
Semper Fi,
Marty Smith III
Americanism Chairman
Marine Corps League
Lake County Detachment 801
Date: Fri Feb 4, 2005 5:35:16 PM US/Central
Subject: Re: Pictures of "The Cabinet"
WOW WOW WOW
Awesome heather. Very Very meaningful! And Great work.
So let me ask - is this all a clay sculpture. the cabinet, the flag, and the items inside? Unbelievable.
Please also send you phone number - I seem to have misplace it.
Thanks and have a great weekend
Dirk
Date: Mon Mar 7, 2005 8:58:02 PM US/Central
Subject: NEW ADDITION TO E:MAIL GROUP
You all have undoubtedly received recent e:mails from Heather McMahan. I met this extremely talented person at a recent We-Do-Care meeting in Barrington. She flew in from Houston to present a sculpture to the parents of Marine Morris who gave his all for our Country. I was extremely impressed with this young lady who had no military ties what so ever and her dedication for the troops.
You probably will receive future e:mails regarding her efforts to support the military. She is one of the proud caring individuals who feel the support is necessary with politics put aside. She definitely is in the caliber of Dr. Rentner, unit KVCs and the We-Do-Care organization.
She will continue to receive the same information I forward you. If you want to be eliminated from her e:mail list, please contact her directly as I will continue to send her information. My e:mail grouping, as you all know, passes non-political, commercial or religious information. It is merely a method of providing an information source from various members of this group.
In addition, if you wish to be eliminated from my e:mail information group, please contact me directly. Thank you.
Semper Fi! God Bless America!
Mike Decker,
Commandant
MCL Lake County Detachment 801
Date: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:09:53 AM US/Central
Subject: Re: Tuesday's Introduction
Hi Heather:
My name is Karen Boccabella and I am working with Dirk on We Do Care. I am really looking forward to meeting you! I got the copy of the bio you sent Dirk and will incorporate the info into my introduction. I will introduce you and ask you to join me on stage as I do my intro and then I will invite Kirk on to the stage and do his intro. From there I will trun it over to you as you do your poem and presentation to Kirk. He's a great guy.
Does all this sound ok to you? Thanks for what you are doing - it will be a most memorable moment. After the presentation, a singer from the USO will hopefully sing Amazing Grace.
Again - look forward to meeting you! Any question, please give me a call!
Karen Boccabella
In a message dated 2/24/2005 4:47:04 PM Central Standard Time, Dirk@beveridgeinc.com writes:
Good day Kirk and Heather - My We Do Care associate Karen Boccabell and I met today to finalize our plans for Tuesday night. Karen will be introducing the two of you to the group and I know that she will want to communicate with you soon. Please look for an email from her.
Thanks to you both, we look forward to a great great evening.
Thanks
Dirk
Dirk Beveridge
President, The Beveridge Consulting Group
Date: Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:03:40 PM US/Central
Subject: re: We Do Care Website link
Hi Heather!
Hope all is well in Austin! My own personal thanks for coming out and touching the lives of the Morris family. They were truly moved and appreciative, as were we.
I'm having trouble getting on to your website and wanted to be sure I had the correct link information so I can get it on our site. Would you mind sending it to me? I know you said Art for Soldiers was still nuder construction but I thought I could at least get your personal website up. I just can't seem to find the address.
Thanks a million and send my hellos to the rest of the gang!
Best wishes,
Karen Boccabella
Date: Wed Mar 2, 2005 9:09:49 AM US/Central
Heather,
Enjoyed meeting you at the We Care meeting last night. Your creations are inspiring. Before I add you to me mailing list, please acknowledge receipt. Thank you.
Semper Fi! God Bless America!
Mike Decker,
Commandant
MCL Lake County Detachment 801
