My 8-year-old son and I escaped with only minor injuries, owing in large part to his bravery. We lost virtually everything, including pets. We did not have renter's insurance -- we had moved just three weeks before.

Within hours and during the next three weeks, we experienced a coming together of friends, family and strangers like I hadn't before witnessed. For example, the young woman who works with my fiance vacated her home and offered it to us to stay in until we could get back on our feet.

I work for the state, and my fiance works for the county, and both agencies immediately rallied the troops and have organized bake sales, coordinated donations and kept us company during the bleak hours. Strangers have come forth and provided us with many necessities.

It is overwhelming -- from Nintendo, Atari, The Bank of America, The Olive Garden, Van Dorm, etc. -- these are just a few of the companies that have offered to help.

This community and colleagues from other areas of the state have been truly incredible. Our family would like to thank them and share the demonstration of humanity and compassion for others to share. These people and groups need to be recognized beyond what I can do with a mere thank-you card.

Jael M. La Salle, Tumwater

-I would like to tell all of the people and the community that the 81st Brigade troops thank them dearly for all the items that we have received during the holiday season.

It makes our day to get a letter from a person or child thanking us for what we are doing here.

I would like to say we are only doing what the people would do themselves given the opportunity. It is our pleasure representing our communities and the state of Washington. Thank you!

SSG Scott Woinarowicz, Kuwait

Reader salute letters are subject to editing and must include a name, city and phone number for verification. Reader salutes submitted to The Olympian may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms. Send items of 100 words or fewer to Reader Salute, c/o The Olympian, P.O. Box 1219, Olympia, WA 98507. Fax letters to 360-357-0202.