I just wanted to let you know that your remarkable story has helped me a lot. Thank you! I, myself, can't stand seeing all these kids die due to gang violence. I have many friends who are in a gang right now and 2 of them already died. One was just having a romantic evening with his girlfriend up on the mountains, when suddenly, a car pulled over right next to them and shot and killed both of them. What's even more sad was that my friend and his girlfriend had a 1 year old baby together. The baby still cries for his parents not knowing where they are. I am glad that you are helping out kids, going city to city, teaching them about these important information. YOU ARE the "Nationally respected gang expert!"

I have visited the site of gangwar.com and found it to be very interesting! You have done a wonderful job! The page the high schools kids did, I found it just astounding! I wish more people cared about the kids as much as you do and would only give a fraction of the time that you have given. When I worked with the gang kids in Calif. at the group home I found them to be the most talented kids and loving kids I have met. It seemed to me all they were looking for was a little love and respect. If I can make a difference in only one child's life in my own lifetime it will all have been worth it! I am a non-traditional student and my own kids are all grown. I am grateful that they did not end up like the kids of today, which could very well have happened.

Please keep up the good work! :)

I went to a presentation Steve gave in S.L.C. It was very informative. I believe it opened the eyes of many people who are still not aware of the gang problem we have been experiencing here. Thanks!!!

If you have any ideas on how to get parents more involved with their children please e-mail them to me. I work for a mother/daughter prevention program for girls 11-15 and we have a difficult time getting our mothers to attend the program with their daughters. We offer free meals, transportation, daycare, and recreational activities but still experience difficulty getting the mothers to attend.

We met in Corpus Christi. I am the Scout Executive of the Gulf Coast Council. Our Urban Outreach Project continues to grow. We started an Explorer Post in Law Enforcement last week. Looks like 50 new teens. We have a Fire Service Post coming as well as an Engineering Post. All north side units.

Lena Coleman - former NAACP chair - and BSA Council Board member .. says that since our Troop of over 35 boys started, there has been no youth violence in the area. They are too busy with good deeds and high expectations of themselves and their friends. They are out every weekend helping others and earning pride.

We don't need to reinvent the wheel. Scouting works and is prepared to help right now. People need to stop all the tough talk and get involved with kids and a program that works. Tea shirts, bumper stickers, bill boards and pins won't do it. Meeting with kids every Thursday night and on weekends will. It's hard work, but it works.