A quarter-century in service to all

From an official USAF biography ... Master Sgt. John M. Mason is a traditional first sergeant for the 141st Medical Group at Fairchild AFB. In this position, he is part of a leadership triad that consists of the commander and the chief of the medical squadron. He represents the enlisted force to the commander and ensures the enlisted force understands and adheres to the commander's policies and goals. He is responsive to the needs of the airmen and their families in his unit. The first sergeant serves as an adviser to the commander on personnel, programs, discipline, recognition and training.

It's an impressive job description for sure. John served 10 years of active duty in the Air Force and 15 years in the Air National Guard. In Post Falls we call him Detective Mason, since in addition to marking 25 years with the AF and ANG in 2015, he's been protecting and serving the citizens of our city with the Post Falls Police Department for 16 years.

John's son, Phillip, recently graduated from Army Basic Training and jump school and is training at Fort Benning to become a Green Beret.

Kudos to Master Sgt/Detective Mason for such a commitment to country and community. Congratulations on your 25-year military service milestone!

Be safe, be smart and be awesome! Here's to all of the athletes in Ironman and Hoopfest this weekend. And don't forget to thank all of the volunteers who make such events possible. The unsung heroes of this record-breaking hot weather will be those staffing the medical aid stations!

"I'd much rather be walking barefoot on a hot sidewalk in a noisy crowd of thousands of people with temperatures over 100 degrees than in the comfort of my own home and backyard," said no dog ever.

I'll never understand why people bring their furry friends to huge events, putting them eye-level to small children, subjected to all of the noise and traffic or heaven forbid leaving them locked in a car. I'm a pet owner and as much as I love my dog I know she appreciates being comfortable at home during the dog days of summer, unless

of course we're heading to the lake or river to doggy paddle.

In addition to Ironman and Hoopfest there are a few other places to go and things to do outside Coeur d'Alene and Spokane: The beaches of Spirit Lake, Hayden Lake, Twin Lakes, the creek and splash pad in Rathdrum and Post Falls city parks on the river.

Little Italy's Wine Bar and The Cigar Loft at Stateline Plaza are hosting a free outdoor concert for those 21 and older on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Don E. Cash performs a tribute to Johnny Cash. On a 100-degree day, "Ring of Fire" is sure to be a hit!

Save the date ... Lakeland High School Class of 1965 is hosting a 50th reunion open house on August 15 at the current junior high school (formerly the high school) from 11 a.m. -to 1 p.m. and all past students and faculty are invited. The class will hold a potluck picnic in Rathdrum City Park following the open house. Call Sandy (208-660-9220) or Betty (208-772-5156) for info.

Happy birthday today to Jim Reynolds, Kathy Bush, Kimi Coles, Rhonda Ellis, Ian Sadler, John Phelps, Sara Wegner and Laura Lahr. Tomorrow JoAnn Hildebrant, Bill Reagan, Mikki Stevens, Patty Vogt, Addison Johnson, Jim Guy (75!), Jan Olsen, Angela Mort, Connie McGee, Kylie Gibson, Shanda Johnson, Sally Mackin and Megan Ownbey celebrate another trip around the sun.

On Friday Ben Wolfinger, Kit Hoffer, Rick Rasmussen (50!), Alecia Warren (30!), Shannon Fish, Chloe Hutter, Karen Hanson,Cathleen O'Connor, Irene Shinneman, Sheryl Snyder and Ernie Hunt put on their party hats.

Saturday birthday wishes to Todd Banducci, Lance Deacon, Terri Mercer, Janet Smith (80!), Cherry Jones, John Goodlander (50!), Terri Mercer, Scott Hamilton and Nathan Gubbe (40!). On Sunday birthdays will be celebrated by Luke Thoreson, Ashley Honnell, Jack Danelson, Connie Gridley, Sheryl Sipe and Norma Fencl.

Lyndon Harriman, Neil Conner, Kiley Archer (30!), Monty Danner, Krystal Gordillo, Kiley Nick and Carolyn Havens (75!) are blowing out their birthday candles on Monday. Tuesday, on the last day of June, birthdays will be marked by Patty McGinnis, Kyle Rutley, George Green, Katie Disney, Kimberly Carlson and Rosie Brown.

Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.