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Trees stand to honour fallen soldiers decades later by Chris Clay Metroland Media South 13 | Friday, December 11, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Janice Nikkel isn't exactly sure what emotions she will be feeling when she heads to the American military base, Fort Campbell, in Kentucky this weekend. Nikkel, who lived in Streetsville until she was six (her dad Burt Johnston owned and operated the local grocery store) before the family moved to Oakville, has a special connection to the base. In 1985, when she was 15, Nikkel was a teenager when Arrow Airline flight 1285 went down near Gander, Nfld., on Dec. 12. That crash killed 248 American soldiers serving with the 101st Airborne Division, who were returning home after a six-month peacekeeping mission in Egypt. Also killed were eight crewmembers. Having a conversation with her mom helped put the tragedy in perspective and it moved the young Nikkel to do something to remember those who had died in the crash. She wrote a letter to the Toronto Star in which she pledged to donate money she had made babysitting to plant trees in the victims' memory. Trees clearly hold a special significance for Nikkel's family as they planted one in honour of her grandfather after his death and also gave her dad a maple tree for Father's Day one year. Former Oakville resident Janice Nikkel is heading to Kentucky this weekend to take part in a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the plane crash that killed 248 American soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division. | Toronto Star file photo She said that still stands in her family home's front yard in Oakville to this day. In 1985, after her letter appeared in the paper, her story was quickly picked up by a number of wire services and news agencies. Mississauga's Sheridan Nurseries, moved by her idea, stepped up and donated 256 Canadian sugar maples and the trees were planted at the military base. Nikkel, who got the ball rolling three decades ago, will head to the base this weekend to take part in 30th anniversary ceremonies marking the tragedy and honouring the victims. Sheridan Nurseries is once again helping out as Nikkel said the company is paying for flights and accommodation for her and her husband, Peter, so they can attend the ceremony. "I just wanted to let (Americans) know that Canadians care and that we still remember," said Nikkel, who now lives in Langley, B.C. "I think it will be a bit surreal and very emotional with all the families (of the victims) there." Five years ago, she visited the base with her husband and four children. She remembered how tiny the saplings were when they were first planted and was awed at how they had grown into an impressive forest on an acre of land on the base. She still vividly recalls how a very gruff solider became teary-eyed when she learned who Nikkel was. The soldier had lost a cousin in the crash and was so thankful to Nikkel for her efforts to remember the victims. The whole experience 30 years ago fundamentally changed her, Nikkel said. "I like to think it gave me a global perspective on life at a young age and a boldness to want to make a difference," said Nikkel. She has blogged about her experiences with the trees and the tragedy at janicenikkel. blogspot.ca. Inspiration? Home of the Oltoriks DirectBuy Members Need a Little With over 1 million products from more than 500 top br rands, DirectBuy y offers a selection to fuel y your dreams. Call now to learn how you can get unparalleled savings for virtually everything for your home. visit our Gallery corner of Bronte & Dundas weekdays 10-5 / Sat 10-3 Look no further. $ YOUR FIRST PURCHASE AS A NEW MEMBER!* *Present this ad when you attend a scheduled Open House at DirectBuy of Mississauga and receive a certificate for $600 off your first purchase when you become a DirectBuy of Mississauga member. Offer good at DirectBuy of Mississauga only. New members only. Offer expires December 12, 2015. 600OFF 905-827-3331 fasada.ca MISSISSAUGA Call (905) 608 9244 Visit mississauga.directbuy.com