ARLINGTON – Kari Cook of Arlington lost her husband, Army SPC Ryan Cook, in Afghanistan in 2011.

She attended a presentation last week in Everett that honored her husband.

U.S. Army (Ret.) Col. David Dodd from an Atlanta-based global nonprofit Point 27 honored Cook, along with deputies of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Dodd said: “I met Cook’s widow and two of their three children at the national Snowball Express for children of fallen soldiers in Dallas in December. They told me about their experience after the head of their household died, including losing their home.

“They mentioned when they were forced to move, a neighbor and his family were so kind to them and continue to be kind and supportive.”

That neighbor is a deputy in the Snohomish Sheriff’s Office, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Dodd added that he appreciates how Sheriff Ty Trenary and his staff have taken care of one of the Army Gold Star Families.

“So many people in Snohomish County continue to love and support the Cook family: opening their homes to them for holidays and special occasions, coaching the boys in sports…. “Nothing can replace Kari’s husband or Maddy, Taylor and Jacob’s father, but it is evident they are not alone. God is with them and He is working through a community of loving, caring and compassionate people who love and support SPC Cook’s family.”

Dodd presented Trenary with Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength scripture-inscribed dog tag necklaces for county deputies to honor Cook.

This month, Point 27 has also honored Pierce County, Las Vegas and Baltimore officers with Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength and Folded Flag Necklaces for families of fallen officers and soldiers. These departments lost officers in the line of duty recently.

Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength dog tags show an engraved silver American flag face designed with one flag stripe of blue. The back of the dog tags are inscribed with Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Folded Flag Pendant Necklaces for family members of fallen officers are inscribed with John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”