Michael, 12, and Dane, 7, Barker

Why nominated

In early November after the shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Michael and Dane wanted to show encouragement to the troops at the Texas Army post. Mike and Lori Barker said their grandsons asked whether they could set up a table at the Phil Long Expo Holiday and Gift Show.

“They had read about the tragedy at Fort Hood and wanted to do something to let the Fort Hood community know they care,” said a letter from the Barkers, of Colorado Springs. “Their goal was to get 1,000 people to sign yellow ribbons of encouragement to the Fort Hood community from the Colorado Springs community. By 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, Michael and Dane had surpassed their goal and ended up with over 1,000 yellow ribbons. These ribbons of encouragement were then shipped to Fort Hood. We are so proud of our grandsons for caring so much about the Fort Hood community and doing something to make them feel better.”

When the soldiers at Fort Hood received the Barker boys’ ribbons, the 1st Cavalry Division sent back a photo and a thank-you note.

The ribbon drive wasn't the first volunteer project the boys have taken part in. Michael, aka Mike or Mikey, spearheaded a fundraiser to buy a handicap-accessible van for a disabled veteran's quadriplegic wife, Beatriz Mendoza, last year. He presented a check to the Mendoza family, and he and Dane decorated the van with yellow ribbons. Mike has also collected 1,900 pounds of food for Silver Key, his grandparents said.

Michael is a seventh-grader at Harrison School in Cañon City. His brother, Dane, is a first-grader at McKinley Elementary School in Cañon City. Dane said his favorite subject in school is math, and he wants to be a veterinarian when he grows up.

Q&A with Michael

Why did you want to do a project for Fort Hood?

“I saw it on the news a couple days before, and I thought that it was a bad thing that happened and (wondered) if I could do anything to help.”

Is anyone in your family in the military?

“My grandpa is retired Air Force.”

How many people did you get to sign the yellow ribbons?

“We got about 1,044, I think.”

Why was this important to you?

“Well I think it was just because they’re willing to risk their lives.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“Undecided.”

Favorite subject

Language arts

What do you do for fun?

Although his least favorite subject is science: “I like to do like science experiments. I like to play baseball, basketball, stuff like that.”

Do you have any other projects to support the troops coming up?

“I have nothing planned, but if something comes up ...”