2018 December Colony Magazine

e have a master wood craftsman and
a kind, thoughtful man in our midst:
David Bouillez. He is a Key Grip/Gaffer in the
film business and enjoys creative woodworking
during his downtime. What makes David’s
talent even more special is his poignant, tangible
way of expressing his appreciation and sympathy
to the families of men and women who
have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country
and fellow citizens — The Memory Box.
The gift of a Memory Box honors
a life given in service to others;
allowing parents, relatives and
friends to treasure the memory
of those they’ve lost.
The inspiration for the Memory Box Project
followed a somber evening TV news report on
the casualties in the war in Afghanistan. David
wanted to do something for the grieving
families. Initially, he was inspired to use his
woodworking and design talent to create keepsake
boxes for the families of fallen soldiers.The
project has since expanded to include firefighters,
peace officers and first responders who have
given their lives in service to others. A Memory
Box is a special gift meant to be passed down
through the generations. To date, 275 Memory
Boxes have been shipped nationwide.
David’s childhood friend, Natalie Probert
Kurtz says, “David is one of the finest. I’m proud
of his talent. I’ve sponsored a few Memory Boxes
and I hope others can find the means to donate
By Millie Drum
to this fine cause. It brings some closure to families
as they go through the healing process.”
“When I get a call or a thank you note from
a family, it’s such a great feeling to know I’m
doing something for someone and that they
really appreciate it,” says David.
The demand is exceeding the donations,
especially as the holiday season approaches.
To sponsor a Memory Box, donations in any
amount are appreciated to cover the cost of
materials, shipping and the growing demand.
The cherry wood used is salvaged and reclaimed
whenever possible.
Every box is handcrafted with tongue and
groove solid joinery and machine engraved
with the fallen hero’s name and personal information.
The brilliant pewter handles are made
by Notting Hill Decorative Hardware in Wisconsin;
replicating the Iris flower; symbolizing
the meeting of heaven and Earth.
Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc. is a
501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation —
EIN: 46-2166640, that relies on donations from
individuals, businesses and foundations. As the
holiday season is particularly poignant for families,
join David in showing your respect and gratitude
by donating or fully sponsoring one or more
Memory Boxes.
Tax-deductible donations can be mailed
to Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc.,
179 Niblick Rd., #439, Paso Robles, CA 93446 or
online at memoryboxproject.org. Click ‘DONATE’.
To host a fundraising event or help in any way,
contact David at 805-221-5087 (Shop) or 415-
806-9064 (Cell) or Pat at 805-239-1372. Email,
contact@memoryboxproject.org.
Honoring a Fallen Soldier
THE MEMORY BOX POEM
“How does one choose what it will hold?
For future stories to be told?
A letter, a ribbon, a picture or two?
How do I choose the memory of you?
You were so brave — right to the end.
You weren’t just a soldier.
You were my best friend.
There’s so much to tell of the life you had.
Your courage and strength
— so much could be said.
To honor your memory is easy to do.
I place inside here sweet memories of you.
Your legacy lives on for others to see.
A medal, a letter? Inside it will be.
How does one choose what this box will hold
— for future stories to be told?”
Written by the proud mother of Fallen Soldier
SGT Amanda Older-Downing
May 30, 1986 – January 11, 2011
76 Gas Station.......................... 28
A Beautiful Face........................ 21
American West Tire Pros........... 11
Anna & Mom............................ 17
Arlyne’s Flowers....................... 09
Atascadero Greyhound Foundation
................................................. 25
Atascadero Pet Hospital........... 21
Awakening Ways...................... 15
Baby’s Babble........................... 09
Bella Jule Designs................... 17
Bijou......................................... 17
Bottom Line Bookkeeping....... 27
Branches of Wellness Acupuncture
................................................. 21
Brittni & Brynn Run.................. 35
CASA......................................... 28
Cassidy, Diane.......................... 05
Central Coast Medical Aesthetics
................................................. 02
DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS
Cuesta College......................... 26
Farron Elizabeth....................... 17
Five Star Rain Gutters............... 05
Foss Electric.............................. 16
Foss Farms................................ 22
Frontier Floors.......................... 29
Funky Wonderland.................. 17
Glenn’s Repair.......................... 08
Greg Malik RE Group............... 07
Healthy Inspirations................. 21
Hearing Aid Specialists of the
Central Coast............................ 03
Heather Desmond Real Estate.09
Hope Chest Emporium............ 17
John Donovan State Farm Insurance
and Financial Services..... 20
Las Tablas Animal Hospital...... 29
LivHOME.................................. 15
Lube N Go................................ 21
Luke’s Episcopal Church........... 09
Natural Alternative................... 08
Odyssey World Cafe................. 16
Reverse Mortgage Pros ........... 12
Robert Fry, M.D......................... 22
San Luis Obispo County Office of
Education................................. 23
Señor Sanchos......................... 05
Sixteen Twenty......................... 17
Solarponics.............................. 07
Spice of Life.............................. 09
Sue Hubbard - Farmers Insurance
................................................. 12
Templeton Door & Trim............ 09
The Carlton Hotel..................... 11
The Laundromat....................... 15
Triple 7 Motorsports................. 11
Triple 7 Tractor.......................... 07
Whit’s Turn Tree Service........... 15
34 | colonymagazine.com COLONY Magazine, December 2018