Camo gecko reminder of service men, women overseas

BRADENTON — The past six months when Cecelia Eaton went to bed every night, she thought about her son, Evan, a specialist with the 204th Military Police company, starting his day in Iraq.

“I realized what he was doing, what he was sacrificing, and his dedication and courage,” said the Bradenton attorney. “Not just my son, but all those who serve.”

So to raise public consciousness about what’s going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, Eaton bought a six-foot gecko mold, painted it camouflage and watched Tuesday as Mayor Wayne Poston unveiled the gecko wearing a “Support Our Troops” ribbon clinging to City Hall’s north face outside his office.

Eaton’s gecko is part of GeckoFest 2010 auction and its proceeds will go toward Manatee Operation Troop Support.

“It was an opportunity to put something out in the public to make people aware of what they’re doing there,” Eaton said.

Read more in Wednesday’s Bradenton Herald.