Texas Missing Persons Foundation Forming

New Non Profit To Aid In Finding Missing Family Members

HOUSTON, TX - 2/24/2016 -- Ralph Baird, a philanthropist from Texas, has founded a new, non-profit organization, with the primary goal of helping families find their missing loved ones.  

The new organization, founded under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Laws as non profit organization, is named the Texas Missing Persons Foundation (TXMP).

Baird says the organization has a goal of providing "Another Pair of Eyes" for authorities searching for missing people.  TXMP will manage and direct all funds received to expedite the search for missing persons by experienced volunteer 501(c)(3) organizations, such as Texas EquuSearch.  The volunteers always work in collaboration and in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

At first blush, one would wonder why law enforcement needs volunteers.  However, agencies are strapped for funds as it is.  Many are not set up for the kind of large scale and labor intensive searches or high tech searches which the fund and organizations like Texas EquuSearch can provide.

The TXMP Foundation will be run by three (3) advocates who will serve as the Board of Directors and Officers of the Foundation.  The Board will have full discretion for disbursement of the funds it generates. To start things off, the founder/director has named two (2) Texans to serve on the initial Board of Directors. Those two people are Maureen Callaghan and Jack Hall.

The Texas Missing Persons Foundation is dedicated to improving the technology and expediting the search for missing loved ones by a collaboration of public and private agencies. The Foundation will complement and support the interests of the families and friends of missing persons. It will provide financial support to qualified search teams and other 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.

The TXMP Foundation is in the process of establishing a charitable endowment to acquire and build a national training center.  The purpose of the center is the teaching and exchanging of past experiences of private and public agencies in a "hands-on" workshop format.  The idea is to use modern technology and teaching tactics to train a new generation of search coordinators.  Past search volunteers will pass their knowledge to the next generation of private searchers, public agencies and law enforcement.

It is not known exactly how many people go missing every year.  Not all missing people are reported.  Children and minorities are disproportionately represented, though any family from any walk of life could experience the trauma of a missing person at any time.  The estimated number of children alone is over 400,000 per year.  Families from all socio-economic groups are affected.  All families share one thing in common: The pain and angst caused by a missing loved one.

For more information contact Ralph Baird, TXMP Foundation.  Phone: (713) 461-1784

Email: ralph@txmp.org
Website: http://www.txmp.org

#beablackburnranger2016 Tim Paynter

Hi, all, I am trying out for #beablackburnranger2016. This is a brand ambassador for the bicycle accessories company, Blackburn Design. Each year, as a way of giving a little back to the community, Blackburn Design selects 6 people to represent them as brand ambassadors.

 I think I would be a great brand ambassador because I am a fanatic about bicycle riding and bicycle touring. In fact, this year, I took a long distance trip over Vail Pass to the hot spring city of Glenwood Springs. 

 Colorado has been a great leader in creating safe spaces for bicycle riders. I would like to advocate for all bike riders in creating a national system of routes and trails made just for the wheels of the non-motorized community. That includes skateboarders, kayakers, fishermen, and of course, all forms of two and three-wheel transportation. 

Whether or not Blackburn chooses me, I will do the same things. I will be "out there" in the land I love, living life. To me, that is a lot more important than using my right hand to click a mouse, while the rest of my body withers.  However, as a journalist, getting the nod from Blackburn Design will help me gain a bigger voice in advocating for the community.

While I am on the topic of advocating, I got a nice note from the Warm Showers community.  They are a non-profit organization which encourages members to offer their homes to touring cyclist.  The word is touring, this is not Motel 6.  Instead, Warm Showers is a chance for touring cyclist to meet advocates for the sport.  It is not just riding a bike through spectacular country that counts, it is the people you meet along the way.  Everyone has a story.  I would like to tell many of yours.

Please let Blackburn Design know you think I will make a good ranger candidate.  Through my years I have advocated for many causes, but I am the worst at advocating for myself.  I need your help to do that!  Please help me share the attached photograph.

Please share!  Thanks!

My best wishes to all the people who apply to be Rangers.  Each deserves this great chance.  Each of us wants to be "out there", going farther, doing more and being prepared for anything.  Each of us seeks to advance the sport of bicycle touring!

My Blackburn Ranger 2016 video is Here.

You can check out the Warm Showers program Here.

You can check out the Adventure Cycling Association Here.

You can APPLY to #beablackburnranger2016 Here.

Person Down, Dark Vehicle Stopped, Suspect Sought

A police scene is unfolding in front of the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in San Bernardino, California.

Authorities stopped a dark (black) SUV.  Multiple shots have been fired into the vehicle.  A person is down in the street.  A suspect is reported to be fleeing on foot, moving South of the church.  It appears as if authorities may have been checking out the church prior to the altercation, although this is not known for sure.

Police say two suspects are dead.  A third person may be on foot.

Inland Regional Center, San Bernardino, CA.  The building
attacked is behind the tree

It is not known how this event is related to the mass shooting at the IRC in San Bernardino in which 14 persons were killed and an additional 14 persons have been injured.  The shooting has the hallmarks of expert planning with potential multiple shooters.

Already, hate messages have been posted on the church facebook website.  No one knows whether the church had anything to do with the event or not.  Attempts to contact the church have been unsuccessful.

This article has been updated, including the addition of photos, the number of suspects dead, and the fact expert planning appears to be involved.

Obama Equates Plannned Parenthood Shooting To Terrorist

Robert Lewis Dear, of Hartel, murdered 3 and injured
9 others during a shooting spree in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Paris, France, December 01, 2015 - "We have the power to do more to prevent gun homicides," President Obama said at a press conference in France during the conference on global climate change.

 "In the end of the day...Congress, states, local government will have to act to prevent persons who are deranged from getting weapons," the President said.

President Obama noted, Planned Parenthood, in some cases is the only organization which provides care to women.

"We can have a debate about abortion," the President said.  "I think it is fair to have a legitimate, honest debate about abortion.  How we talk about it, making sure we talk about it honestly, not demonize it," the President noted, will have an important impact on the result of this national debate.
"It is important in how we talk about organizations like planned parenthood, not demonize it," the President said.

The President's remarks may be hinting at the role right-wing rhetoric played in inciting the Colorado Springs shooter, Robert Lewis Dear.  NBC reported Dear as saying "No more baby parts", shortly after the shooting.

The President indicated shootings like the Planned Parenthood shootings don't happen in other countries.  The U.S. must take steps to ensure proper gun control comes to pass.

Family Of Fallen Officer Makes Statement

Words from the family of fallen officer Garrett Swasey

Officer Garrett Swasey was shot and killed as he responded
to police calls relating to a shooter at the Colorado Springs
Planned Parenthood.

Statement of Rachel Swasey, wife of Garrett Swasey:

The family of Officer Garrett Swasey sincerely thanks everyone for their support during this very difficult time. Our loss cannot be expressed in words. 

While the nation now knows Garrett as a hero who gave his life for others, he was also a devoted husband of 17 years and a wonderful father to his two children. His greatest joys were his family, his church, and his profession. 

We will cherish his memory, especially those times he spent tossing the football to his son and snuggling with his daughter on the couch.

Garrett was born in Melrose, Massachusetts. After a successful career in ice skating, Garrett found his calling as a police officer. Helping others brought him deep satisfaction and being a police officer was a part of him.

Garrett Swasey was a professional skater before he became a police officer.

In the end, his last act was for the safety and wellbeing of others and was a tribute to his life. What we need most today, and in the coming weeks, is your prayers for our family and for others who were impacted by this tragedy. 

We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love that has come from the community and across the nation.

We understand this is a public tragedy felt by many and we also appreciate your support for us to grieve privately.

Donations to help the family can be made to Youcaring.com.

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Robert Dear Accused of shooting:

Robert Lewis Dear, a recent resident of Hartsel, Colorado, is being held as the primary suspect in the shooting that killed 3 people, including Officer Swasey.  Dear was reported to have said "No more baby parts" after the shooting.  Some right wing web posters applauded the man who others say committed domestic terrorism.

Dear was reported to be mostly anti-social as he made few friends in his new home in the ranching community of Hartsel, Colorado.  Dear bought a 4.72 acre property in October of 2014.  The parcel had no water, sewer or electricity.  Dear moved an RV onto the property anyways.

Dear mobile home near Swannanoa, N.C.

Dear was reportedly "starting over" after being charged as a "peeping tom" and with animal abuse in North Carolina.  Neighbors kept clear of the man who seemed to make little sense and who rarely appeared to be friendly.

President Obama has renewed his call for gun control after Dear entered a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood clinic and opened fire with a "long rifle", more recently identified as an assault rifle.

Robert Lewis Dear Held In Colorado Springs Shooting

Another tragic day has been registered in the history of Colorado.  A lone gunman attacked the offices of Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Three people are dead.

The authorities have been tight-lipped about motives for the shooting.  Robert Lewis Dear, aged 59, from South Carolina, is being held as the primary suspect in the shooting.

One of the persons Dear allegedly murdered was Garrett Swasey, a University of Colorado Police officer who responded to back up Colorado Springs Police at the Planned Parenthood clinic, located at 3480 Centennial Boulevard.

"The #PlannedParenthood shooter is peacefully detained after shooting 5 officers. We've been killed for far less. pic.twitter.com/kGoaKZc55o

— deray mckesson (@deray) November 28, 2015"

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Little appears to be known about the alleged shooter, though speculation on social media is, Robert Lewis Dear has a criminal record and may be a member of a right-wing group opposed to abortions.

A Message From The Government About Terrorism and the Holiday...

WASHINGTON – Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are advising shoppers this holiday season to be aware of online scams that would have consumers purchase counterfeit goods instead of genuine products.

Counterfeit electronics that overheat due to improper manufacture, fake bicycle helmets that break upon impact and phony cosmetics that lead to skin ailments are just a few examples of knock-off items sold online that present a serious health and safety risk. Seasonal items like holiday lights can also be counterfeit, poorly wired and ignite fires.

“Tablets, sporting goods and beauty products are popular holiday gift items, but they’re also commonly counterfeited and sold to unsuspecting consumers,” said National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) Director Bruce Foucart. “It’s important that the American public is aware of these online schemes so they can shop smartly, protect their finances and stay safe.”

Shoppers can protect themselves year-round by knowing how to identify copyright infringing websites, by exercising due diligence when purchasing items from independent sellers on e-commerce sites and by using caution when buying merchandise through social media platforms. Consumers should also avoid clicking on suspicious advertisements either emailed directly or found while searching the Internet. Key signs that a website may be peddling counterfeit goods include:

• All the products listed are on sale or offered at extremely low prices.
• The website does not have proper contact information.
• The product is not shipping from within the United States.
• The buyer is redirected to an external online payment system during checkout.

Shoppers who purchased products online that were unusually packaged, missing approval stickers from independent safety organizations or stitched poorly with faded colors and misspelled words may have inadvertently bought counterfeit goods. They are advised to review return policies, and contact the website for more information. If returning the item is not an option, then contact your bank to see if they offer any type of fraud protection, and report the crime through the ICE Tip Line 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

"CBP is working diligently to stop the flow of counterfeit and pirated goods,” said Michael Walsh, the Director of Customs and Border Protection's IPR Policy and Programs Division. “We ask that shoppers be wary and do their homework. Counterfeit and pirated goods are poor quality, harm legitimate businesses, and can pose health and safety risks to U.S. consumers."

The IPR Center is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. Working in close coordination with the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the IPR Center uses the expertise of its 23 member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public's health and safety and the U.S. economy.

Editor's note:  We can't have a great America if we don't protect the businesses which have been the cornerstone to our way of life.  Everyone likes a great deal, but someone always comes out on the short end when things are fake.  In fact, if the deal is too good to be true, it is probably not such a great deal at all!  

At Un Dia Sin Fronteras, we work hard to advocate for fair treatment of all people.  That shoe has to fit on both feet.  We ask for fair treatment of immigrants, for example.  But we also advocate that the treatment is fair in both directions.

We wish each of you a safe and happy holiday!