Stories of Service
They protect and save us.
We admire them and aspire to be like them. In uniform, in Our Communities, in every branch of the military, Our Heroes give their all —and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.
These are their stories. On the eleventh of every month, we celebrate these selfless men and women with profiles of their service. Reflecting on their accomplishments and respecting each challenge overcome. Take note. Take pride. Please join us in honoring them here.
Celebrating 100 Years of Bethesda FD
During its 100 years of service, the Bethesda Fire Department has been an organization the residents of Bethesda and Montgomery County Maryland could count on through growth and change. “We carry on the traditions and experience and the service that had been provided by everyone who is in those portraits and pictures behind us. They laid the foundation for the organization and we’re continuing to carry that torch on 100 years later. We’re hoping that the legacy that we’re setting today in 2026 contributes to the well being and history of the organization. We’d love to see this organization continue another 100 years,” said Fire Chief Dan Blanfeld.
Service After Trauma
Anthony D’Amico credits the love and support of his family with bringing him back from the trauma he experienced during his time serving in Iraq. “I finished my time in the Marine Corps in 2012...
The Probie
Joe Chornock has found himself in the unique position of being a Probationary Firefighter at the age of 71-years-old. He is starting over with a new fire department after 48 years in the fire service...
Remembering Michael
Kelly Manzolillo finds comfort in sharing her brother’s story. “The pain and the loss, it definitely comes in waves. At first it’s very dark days and sadness. Then it starts to get better. The loss...
The Crossroads
Amir Edwards experienced a life changing event a few years into his law enforcement career with the Detroit Police Department. He had become a police officer as a way to have a positive impact on...
Heroism Through Hardship
During World War II, Ed DiProsoero served with the Army’s 36th Infantry Division, a unit known for its fierce combat in Italy, France and Germany. Despite a bout with Malaria and later a shrapnel injury,...
Providing Care Under Fire
Army Spc. Shannon Chihuahua was serving as a Combat Medic in Afghanistan during Operation Bulldog Bite to push back Taliban Fighters. He provided immediate emergency care to his fellow soldiers when they were injured during...
The Combat Medic
Jake Ruser was drafted in March of 1943. When he arrived at training, he was told that he wouldn’t be carrying a gun because he would be training as a Combat Medic. He saved countless...
Behind the Lines
In June 1943, Ben Berry had just completed high school when he was drafted into the US Army. He travelled to Europe to join the 863rd Quartermaster Fumigation & Bath Company, providing the important support...
Service Inspiring Generations
Joe McElhenny served in the US Army and in the FBI, leading him to teach his six kids about the importance of service. “I think that prompted the three of us to go into the...
A Sponsor Mom
“I’m not married. I don’t have any children. But, I’ve raised over 150,” said Judy Buddensick. Since 1998, Judy has volunteered as a Sponsor Mom for the Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. She...
Telling His Own Story
When Jones “Jonesy” Stanley went to Vietnam as a US Navy pilot, he decided to take along a Super 8 movie camera because he thought there was a good chance he wouldn’t return home. “I...
The Beginning to Heal
“He always wanted to be a Green Beret, that was the ultimate goal. He wanted to protect others,” said Chris Flatley about her husband, Pat. He is very proud that while serving in the military...
The Mentor
Aaron “AJ” Johnson was a United State Naval Academy graduate, a US Navy veteran and a beloved member of the American Legion Post 226 in Edgewater, Maryland. He was dedicated to his fellow veterans and...
All In a Day’s Flying
Marion Sligh spent his life serving his country and his community. In the Army, he logged 800 combat hours in a gunship in Vietnam protecting troops and earning 14 decorations. After leaving the military, he...
He was Meant to Have It
Luke Fickell received a unique and highly sentimental item from his father, a scapular that Pat Fickell had carried with him throughout his time serving in Vietnam with the Marine Corps. Luke was crushed when...