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.
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 lives and was witness to some of the most historic and pivotal moments of World War II, including the landing at Utah Beach on D-Day, the liberation of Paris and the Battle of Hürtgen Forest.
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Behind the LinesIn 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 services the Army needed. That all changed quickly during the Battle of the Bulge. “We had rifles, we had to keep them clean the whole time we were across Europe, but we never had the ammunition. At the Battle of the Bulge they gave us the ammunition to go out there,” Ben said. -
Service Inspiring GenerationsJoe 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 service. Being in law enforcement, three of us chose that path as a direct result of the upbringing that we had under his guidance,” said Mike McElhenny. Now, Joe is inspiring the next generation of his family as some of his grandkids begin their service. “It’s actually now gone to another generation,” Joe said with pride.
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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 offers support and a home away from home during their time at the Academy. Judy has formed life long bonds with the many heroes she has sponsored. “I don’t pretend to be their mothers, but I’m their mom while they’re here.”
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Telling His Own StoryWhen 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 was hoping I might film what I did and how everything happened and everything that occurred and what I was doing so it would be a story to tell to my family,” Jonesy said. What he got was footage from an incredible career that he was able to share with his family himself. “I look at it as a blessing because I got to tell my story.”
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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 he was to get himself and his team home safely and, for Pat, that mission continues. “Before it was always about ‘go get bad guys’ but now, I think, it’s about making sure the bad guys don’t win in affecting our lives forever and using what he knows and his experiences to help others who are struggling.”
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The MentorAaron “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 his local community. AJ played baseball at the Naval Academy and continued his passion for baseball to mentor young players. “That was absolutely his passion; just to be involved with baseball and to mentor young men,” said his friend, Matt Lomba.
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All In a Day’s FlyingMarion 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 is credited with multiple rescues and stopping a dozen forest fires with his helicopter water bucket. “My father has been an example of many things. He’s been an example of determination and of service; to his country, to his family, to his community,” said his very proud daughter, Sheryl.
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He was Meant to Have ItLuke 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 he realized the scapular was lost when his bag was left behind during a weekend family trip and all that was returned was the empty bag. “I can’t imagine that I missed when I obviously turned the bag upside down and inside out and some way, somehow a couple days later the scapular ends up back in the bag.” His father’s perspective is clear. “That meant he was supposed to have it,” Pat said.
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A Chief and a VolunteerRobert Langston spent 35-years serving the Washington DC community with the Park Police rising to the rank of Chief. He had a front row seat to the history of this country during the frequent demonstrations and celebrations that happen in our nation’s capital. He helped to protect citizens and presidents. But Robert actually began his life of service at the age of 17 as a volunteer with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. “Being a Chief and a volunteer at the same time was unique, but it was the volunteer experience that gave me the experience to become a good Chief,” he said.
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A Decision to Fly“You always worry about your children leaving, not knowing what the future is going to bring, wanting her to be safe, not wanting to clip her wings and let her make her decision to fly,” said Blue Star Mother, Diane Schwaiger. Her daughter, Holli, is proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps and Diane serves the needs of her local veteran and military community with the Blue Star Mothers of America. “She chose to serve her country. That truly inspired me to choose to serve our country as well.”
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The Trailblazer“I was the first woman on the Charles County Sheriff’s Department, hired in 1974, 50 years ago,” says Sylvia Mudd with a proud smile. She was a trailblazer in her local law enforcement community. “It was frightening in that nobody really knew how it was going to work out, especially me. But I wanted to be given the chance and the chance was to prove myself and to prove to others that I could do the job and that women could do the job.”
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“You have to remember.”Lee Humiston enlisted in the Air Force at 17-years old and joined the Orientation Group where he was surrounded by POWs and the history of their brave service. Today, he collects military memorabilia from across the world and displays it in his own museum and through loans to others to keep history alive for future generations. “The one word that is key to me is ‘remember’ because when you forget, you step into the myths and you step into the abyss of not knowing what history is,” Lee said. “You have to remember.”
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A Book Filled with MemoriesStan Teller returned home from his service with the Navy during World War II and he stored his memories in a book in his attic. Those memories, and the stories of his incredible service, came flooding out when the book was found by his family. “I have a big entourage now and they’re all very interested to hear the stories. I didn’t expect anything like this. I went through it. I know what was there. I know what’s in the book. It’s just pictures. But now it means something because I will give it to my kids,” Stan said.
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Very Necessary to RememberSean McClure was a father, a friend and a special forces soldier. Most importantly he was a role model, a hero and a brother. “I wear his bracelet. It says ‘A Brother Above All Brothers’ and I happen to have six brothers and he ranks top of all. If you ask my son, to this day, who his favorite uncle is, he’ll say Sean,” said Shawn McFaden. “Although there’s no blood tie amongst us, we’ve shared blood, sweat and tears. That’s our bond.”
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Forty-Four Years“My last shift will be bittersweet,” said Jon Rigolo, who spent 44-years serving his community with the fire service. He has learned some valuable lessons which he’s passed on to the next generation of firefighters but he is now looking forward to retirement. “March 27th is going to be my last shift at the firehouse. I think it’s going to be a difficult day.”
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A Man of HistoryIn 1975, Tom Glenn was on the last helicopter out of Saigon. His evacuation was part of Operation Frequent Wind in which 7,000 Americans and refugees were evacuated over 18 hours before the North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam took over the city. He had remained late into the operation while he continued to send information to the National Security Agency as the North Vietnamese were approaching Saigon.
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A Precious CommodityIn challenging circumstances, always do the right thing. Sometimes the right thing is the hardest thing to do, but always do the right thing,” said Ralph Galati who spent over a year as a POW after his jet was shot down and he was captured by the North Vietnam military. Today, he works to remember and share the lessons he learned during that difficult time. “This is not meant as a joke, I’m happy to be alive. Enjoy your freedom. It is a very, very precious commodity. I’m not sure that we all know how valuable it is and how rare it is.”
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“I just was there to help however I could”Greg Masi spent 40 years serving his community and his fellow hometown heroes in the city of Philadelphia. It was the realization of a childhood dream to become a public servant. “I remember as a young boy chasing fire trucks. When I would see the police cars in the neighborhood, I’d want to know what are they doing,” he said. “I just was there to help however I could. I’m extremely grateful to live my life the way I did as a public servant for the city of Philadelphia.”
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It was an honor and a privilege.Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Veterans of World War II proudly served throughout Europe and the Pacific to protect the country they love. They captured territory, liberated concentration camps and risked their own lives in service and protection of the United States leaving a legacy of honor and service. “I was proud to serve in World War II. To me, it was an honor and a privilege,” WWII Navy Veteran, Dr. Robert Stromberg.
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His Actions Saved Their Lives“It was going to be Abe’s last mission and it turned into an ambush,” said Constance Howard. Her son, Lance Cpl. Abram Howard, was a US Marine who proudly followed in the footsteps of many of his family members when he joined the Marine Corps. Each year on the anniversary of his death, Constance spends time with the Marines from his unit to remember and honor her son. “Service to country is like signing that blank check. He signed a blank check to your country to do whatever it is to keep it safe.”
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Prevention through EducationAfter 35-years of responding to 911 calls, Gilbert Monroe has a new found passion within the fire service. In his role with Albemarle County Fire Rescue’s Community Risk & Resilience department he is working within his community to try to prevent those calls. “I absolutely love the position I’m in right now. It is one that I feel honored to be in. My years of service, seeing stuff that’s happened on those calls, gives me the opportunity to hopefully prevent those from happening,” Gilbert said.
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A Passion For Training“Almost like a kid some days, if he knew it was a ropes day or he knew it was a water day he would get super excited about that. He enjoyed keeping those skills sharp,” said Celeste Flynn about her husband Nate who passed away while fighting a structure fire. His fire department has made it their mission to use the lessons learned during that night to better train other firefighters so something similar doesn’t happen again. “The ultimate goal of this is how can we keep this from happening to another firefighter and their family most importantly,” said Deputy Chief Gordon Wallace.
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A Lifetime of ServiceLaudis Turney spent three years proudly serving in the Pacific during World War II and returned home to serve his community. Today, at 100-years-old, he is the oldest living member of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department having served 75-years with the LVFD. “It’s very important. Volunteer fire service is based on that type of service, if you will, length of service. So, Laudis represents what all of us aspire to be, a life member,” said LVFD President, Vic Whipple.
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A Tradition and a CelebrationFor 111-years, the Scottsville Volunteer Fire Department has planned and executed the town’s Independence Day Parade. “We continue this tradition for the community,” said organizer, Tim Karr. “It’s about the fire department and service to the community. It takes the entire fire department. I’m just one of 54 members and I get tasked with organizing it. These are the guys that come out today and execute the plan that I put together.”
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The Strength of Our NationWorld War II Veteran John Noto is surrounded by a loving family that honors the time he spent serving this country. “Family is the strength of our nation and don’t forget that. Family. Love your family, your children. I want to love one another and care for one another and to be there when they need help,” he said “I thank them for recognizing, not just me, but my generation. We hope that we left them a better life.”
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Always ThereBeth Mulloy learned early on in her time as a military spouse about the importance of supporting the whole family. “I learned this a long time ago when our first child was born with a heart condition and passed away. I remember the admiral’s wife, I had never met her before, showed up at our door to pay her condolences. I remember thinking at the time how difficult that was for her to come to our house and she didn’t even know us. I learned a lot from that.” Beth said. She became a leader in her own right by keeping her focus on supporting the whole family of those who serve this country.
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Brotherhood on the Football Field and the Battlefield“The night I was wounded, Will willed himself to the CSH, Combat Support Hospital, where I was being operated on. He flew with me all the way from Baghdad to Germany, just talking to me, willing me to live. That’s brotherhood,” said Greg Gadson of his friend, fellow soldier and former Army Football Teammate, Will Huff. The valuable lessons Will learned on the playing field helped him during his military service. Now, he’s using those lessons that helped him on the battlefield to show others to serve their community through coaching on the playing field.
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Letters from Vietnam“One of the best things I’ve heard about war is that there’s nothing normal about war. So, you put people into a situation and they’re expected to normalize it when there’s nothing normal,” said Executive Director of the National Capital District for the USO, Lisa Marie Riggins. Her father served in Vietnam and stayed connected to his family through the many letters he sent home. “To be that person in those letters, and deal with what was happening, that’s not normal,” she added.
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Return with Honor“Our story is that we made it through that experience together. You use our story as an example. So, when you face life’s challenges, don’t make it difficult by thinking you can handle it yourself. You can’t,” said Everett Alvarez. He was the first American service member to become a POW in Vietnam. He credits the relationships with his fellow POWs for helping him survive captivity. “You have to have friends. You have to have a team with the same goal. In our case, our goal was to come home but we were going to come home with our honor.”
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Support in the Challenge of Post-Military Life“We focus on the transition of military service members with hopes that we can stop the suicide epidemic,” said Niki Falzone. She is the Director of Operations and Veteran Services for Platoon 22, an organization founded to help military service members during one of the most challenging aspects of their service: the transition back to civilian life. They offer support and guidance and provide veterans with a place to go where they know that everyone around them understands the complexity of this change.
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Putting Down The Weight They Carry“What we’re really all about are the things we carry home from war, the shame or the injury, the moral injury, the abandonment,” said Kevin Stacy who founded The Station to care for Active Duty and Veterans Special Operators and their families. “At the end of the day that pile of rocks, for me, represents the weight that we carry and it also represents how much we carry. It represents hope; the hope that we can put it down. The proof that we can put it down. It shows us as warriors what we can become; that the burdens that we carry, we have to put them down.”
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“I do not want to live a selfish life.”SGT Breanna Jessop knew from a young age that she wanted to live a life in service to others. “The reason I joined the Army is because, probably from the time I was younger, I always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” she said. Breanna was serving with the Army during the evacuation of the Kabul airport and was able to work with fellow service members to help them focus on the positive impact they were able to make in the chaos.
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Service to the Community that Changes Lives“I always felt the need to serve or be a part of something bigger,” said Al Siebert. He learned at a young age the value of helping the people in his community. “I found that being helpful to others really sparked something inside, in my heart. It basically was kinda being bred into me to think of others before you think of yourself.”
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Serving His Country While Focused on Family“I wasn’t any big hero. I just did my job. I’m just proud of being part of what I did,” said Herb Souder who proudly served his country during WWII and the Korean War. Even when his service took him far away, his family was never far from his mind. “I’m proud of my family and I feel proud of the service I gave.”
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A Front Row Seat to History“I think what I was most proud of at the time was being part of the president’s life,” said WWII Navy Veteran Simon Zayon of his time on the USS Savannah supporting President Roosevelt’s overseas trip. “President Roosevelt did so much for the people of the United States. I just strictly loved him.”
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A New Place of HonorJust after Christmas 2021, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act was signed into law paving the way for a new memorial to be built within the Reserve in Washington, DC. This memorial will be an inclusive, reverent, and apolitical place of honor for all who have served and sacrificed in the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, as well as the countless civilians, family members, and others who have supported them.
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A Life Changing Experience“It was one of the most positive things I’ve ever done in my life and the reason is I found an orphanage down the road from where I was stationed,” said Chester Smialowicz of his service in the Vietnam War. “The corpsman and I, we’d go every afternoon. We were taking care of about 1006 children with about 50 buddhist nuns and priests running it.”
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Continuing Her Sons Legacy of Service“Sometimes it’s really hard. Really hard. And that’s something that will never go away. But you keep moving forward.” Jackie Dixon’s son and hero, AJ Dixon, was killed during his military service in Iraq. She is continuing his service by taking care of veterans who did come home at the Anthony Joseph Dixon Resource Center. She has made it a place where veterans can find support and heal.
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Passion in the Service of Others"This deployment set the tone for pretty much the rest of my life because on this deployment I saw the true nature and strength of our armed forces,” says Michael “Rod” Rodriguez. “We’re not just hunting down bad guys. We actually do provide safety, security and hope across the world and as a young 18-year-old in Somalia that impacted me greatly and that’s when I found that my passion is truly in the service of others.”
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A Heart To Serve The Community“I serve because I come from an area where I was challenged,” said Constable Ty Anderson. “I want to encourage others like myself, who might not see the value in a career like law enforcement because of the things that they experienced growing up. I want to change that perspective.”
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A Purpose Found After Service“That night I sat down in front of my computer and Googled the words ‘I don’t want to die,’” said Veteran Eric Pimm about his own struggles following his time serving this country. He was able to find healing and growth from his trauma and is helping his fellow Veterans to do the same.
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A family man and a soldier“He was always a family man. Even when I married him I knew he would be,” says Mary Anne Mitchell of her husband Colonel Mark Mitchell (Ret.) and his decision to prioritize his family when making decisions about his military career. “To the Army, I was replaceable. To my wife and my children, I am irreplaceable,” added Mark.
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A Healing Bond Forged in Shared Tragedy“Chief Wells has been an absolute blessing to our family. The way he has handled the situation. He’s been there for us and we really appreciate everything he’s done in her honor. Allowing her to continue to live,” said Kevin Grant, father to Officer Kaia Grant who was tragically lost in the line of duty. Their shared tragedy has forged a bond that is helping create healing for Kaia’s entire family, both blood and blue.
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A Community Comes Together to Honor Those Who Serve“The parade is one of those things where you’re very thankful that the community is here to support you and honor our children and the sacrifices that they made and the family sacrifices that we have,” said Jeanette Middleton-Sudano, Gold Star Mother to Nate McDavitt. The community in Severna Park comes together on Independence Day to honor the service and sacrifice of those in their community and across the country.
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Pride Of Service And Love Of Country“I would say the day that ended hostilities in a formal way was really exciting for the people who were there.” Robert Stromberg served as a Medic with the US Army’s 14th Armoured Division during World War II. He was part of the force that liberated a concentration camp and was deep within Germany when hostilities officially ended on VE Day. He remembers his service with pride and a love of this country.
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A Family‘s Tradition Of Service And Sacrifice“The wars may end but the war and the wounds, it’s their family that feels it. So, for us, this war doesn’t end.” SPC Jay Briseno proudly served his country as a US Army Reservist. When he was wounded, his family‘s tradition of service and sacrifice was exemplified in their dedicated care of their hero.
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If He’s In Your Heart He’ll Never Be Forgotten.“I just pray and ask you to keep Eric in your heart. Because if he’s in your heart he’ll never be forgotten.” Sgt. Eric Houck lived for his family and gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Now, his family is committed to sharing his story so his bravery is forever remembered and his memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who thinks of him.
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“These are your soldiers. You take care of each other.”Fred Cherry was raised as a sharecropper's son and grew up to be a fighter pilot and military officer. After his aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam, He spent more than seven years as a POW and created a lifelong bond with his cellmate. Through it all he remained dedicated to serving his country and his fellow soldiers.
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Storytelling is What Leads to the Healing.Richard Casper is a Marine who went from protecting the President of the United States at Camp David to fighting for Our Country in Iraq. Today, he continues to serve his fellow veterans. He is helping them heal by telling their stories through art and music.
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"They Gave Themselves Totally For Our Country."Jerry Taillon is a Korean War Veteran who served 13 months in active combat. His sons planned a trip to Washington, DC so he could honor his brothers and the fallen at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This trip is something that he says he will cherish for the rest of his life.
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Privileged To Serve.As Executive Director of the Army Heritage Center Foundation, Mike Perry serves the public and the Army proudly. "It's a facility dedicated to preserve the memories of soldiers and their families, honoring their service and really educating both the public and the army on what soldiers have done across time.”
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I Don't Know How To Walk Away.The work that Patti Brady does to improve the lives of Our Veterans is "just enormous and incalculable." From housing the homeless to helping connect Our Heroes with vital services, "I was trying to be the person that could bring a bridge," she says "or be in the gap of services that fell apart to make sure that we don't lose some." We're honored to share her Story of Service.
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"You realize the size & scope of it""There's a lot more to the picture on the wall that you should know about," says Greg Lange, Captain of the Fairfax County Fire Department during 9/11. As part of the team asked to share a message of hope to America on that tragic day, he was struck by "the size and scope of it." So were we, and proud to share his Story of Service.
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"The More You Help, The Better You’ll Be"“When the battle starts and somebody gets wounded it’s my job to fix ‘em and hopefully bring ‘em back alive.” That’s Corpsman Jerry Pedrin describing his mission in Vietnam. Even after earning 5 Purple Hearts, enduring multiple shrapnel wounds, hand-to-hand combat scars and a gunshot to the chest, he’s still committed to helping. We’re proud to share his Story of Service.
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"We Don't Know If You're Going To Survive."That was the warning Nurse Mary Damon received after volunteering to land on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasions. Her bravery is what inspired granddaughter Brett Johnson, now a Captain at the largest volunteer rescue squad organization in the country. Together they share a legacy of service to Our Country and Our Communities.
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It Transforms YouStaff Sergeant Shilo Harris went through hell and back after his humvee hit an IED. 48 days in a coma, he woke to a whole new way of life and an indomitable spirit. “No matter what hell is going on in your life,” he says, “if you can get through it, and get on the other side of it, it’s going to transform you into a better person in some way.”
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"This is About Service and Sacrifice”The Shield 23 Foundation is based on Russell Constantino’s badge. In her husband’s honor, Shenan Constantino raises funds and awareness about the increased risk of cancer for firefighters. “Everything that I think we’re doing now is to create meaning out of a loss,” she says. “His dying of cancer due to the job should not be in vain. We raise funds and gift funds to firefighters who are battling cancer and to support their families who are standing beside them.”
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Still Serving OthersWhen war broke out in the Middle East, Stephen Deguire transferred immediately from the Navy Reserve to Air Force Reserve so he could serve as a Navigator. Yet on one mission as his jet spiraled over Baghdad Airport to avoid handheld missile launches, he knew something was wrong. Diagnosed with a reaction to Anthrax vaccination, he dedicated his Veteran life to protecting the rights of other Heroes in the military.
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The Final Carry, With HonorColonel Dawn Lancaster, Commander of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, believes every fallen Hero deserves dignity, honor and respect. And so do their families who’ve given us the greatest sacrifice. “Part of my honoring them and caring for them,” she adds, “is caring for their family. Part of caring for that family is honoring their service. Families serve. They all serve. Whether they are in uniform or they’re a spouse at home or kids in grade school.”
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“Molly was my Northern Star.”Her sister, LCDR Jennette Greene, proudly followed in Commander Molly Water’s footsteps serving in U.S. Coast Guard. She was there to say good-bye during Molly’s final moments after a tragic accident. She was on the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw as Our hero was laid to rest in Lake Huron. And she helped make it possible for Molly’s legacy to live on, literally, as an organ donor for the family of a fellow Coastie. This is the story of many serving all, for the greater good.
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"I Don’t Regret It For One Bit”As a Korean War POW, Tom Caroland went 13 months without a bath or change of clothes. He ate “stuff you feed your cattle… sorghum tops, millet, anything like that, cracked corn, you were hungry.” They’d lay there, day after day “picking the lice off each other and trying to stay alive.” And he’d do it all over again for the privilege of serving his country.
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Angels Serving All"Don't tell me what I think you're going to tell me,” Deanie Dempsey said to her deployed husband. Gone for a year already, his war zone tour was about to be extended. And it was Deanie’s job as wife of the U.S. Army General to tell other spouses first. Together, they serve for us all.
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Service is Sharing Your GiftsGina Hawkins is the first female Chief of Police in Fayetteville, NC — but the last to admit she takes any of it for granted. “I’ve had individuals pushing for me and probably didn’t know it. So my Service is finding the gifts in others because you never know how it will impact someone.”
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A Tribute To Their DedicationAfter 4 long years as a Vietnam POW, Gail Kerns got off the aircraft on American soil “and kissed the ground,” says Army Major Don Androsky. “He was the only one who did it.” Like so many who served together for Our Country then, they were and always will be proud Americans. Watch their “homecoming” at our Rockville, MD location.
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“They Push Through And They Persevere.”Military spouses and families serve Our Country while their husbands, wives, dads and moms are serving too. Separated by a year-long tour of duty and thousands of miles, Veteran Danielle Rodriguez held the fort down while her husband was deployed in Korea. "There's absolutely nothing I could have done without her support,” says Army Sgt. First Class Francisco Rodriguez. Watch their surprise homecoming at our Waugh Chapel, MD MISSION BBQ.
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The Deed Is All. Not The Glory.Serving his country for over 30 years, retired Navy SEAL Jimmy Hintzke now runs his own business dedicated to assisting our nation's active military and their families. His team's handcrafted plaque at our Virginia Beach MISSION BBQ includes historical artifacts from the World Trade Center, the Berlin Wall and treasured mementos from fallen Heroes. "These walls are like a museum," Hintzke says, "with each one telling us a story about service.”
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A Man of Principle.Fight for what you believe in. Never forget those that were killed. Give something back to society." You'll find these and more admirable principles of Major Doug Zembiec at our MISSION BBQ location near the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. There you'll also find the unwavering respect of all who served with him, and Americans who appreciate his selfless service.
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In Valor There Is HopeWhich is exactly what Kim Weigand tries to give other families of fallen Heroes like her son, Sgt Mike Weigand of the Latimore PA Police Department. “These were not just Police Officers we lost,” she notes. “They were husbands, wives, sons, daughters and friends who will never be forgotten.”
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From the Battlefield to the Playing FieldHe led platoons during three tours of Afghanistan, earning numerous commendations and a Bronze Star. Now he’s an offensive Lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, representing his team in last year’s Pro Bowl. Yet Alejandro Villanueva is still humbled to be featured with other heroes on the walls of MISSION BBQ.
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“Become a Firefighter or Die Trying.”“Turned down because he was injured, Trey Small never quit on his goal to become a firefighter making a difference in his community. For 11 years, he's been a vital part of America's oldest all-volunteer fire department protecting a state capital. "For me, this is something I'll never give up."
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Enlisted at 17. Still a Hero at 91.When his brother was wounded in WWII, Earl Daff was just a young teen eager to go help. At 17, he had his parents sign waivers to finally let him serve. Which he did proudly and again in Korea, where he met up with another brother also fighting for his country. You can see his tribute — and maybe meet Earl himself — at our Waugh Chapel, MD location.
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From Army Vet to Police ArtistMotivated by his will to serve after the September 11 attacks, Jonny Castro left art school to join the Army, serving a year in Iraq. Back home, he joined the Philadelphia Police Department and now works as a Forensic Composite Sketch Artist. What he paints off duty pays true tributes to heroes killed on duty.
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“A Knock on the Door”The American Gold Star Mothers in Southwest Florida connect on a level few others can know or share. Their bond was born from the tragic deaths of military sons who served Our Country proudly. Today, they’re honoring that selfless sacrifice by helping each other “get through this together.”
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"It's About Time"He was a gunner providing cover for medivac transports. His squadron was last to leave Vietnam. “You functioned as a team and you survived as a team,” he remembers. Yet when they returned to their own country, there was no homecoming. In his own way, Veteran Slick Katz is changing that every day.
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Football Was His Way Out“He was a hero, a protector, a Fayetteville son, and one who truly cared about his community.” NFL Head Coach Bill Belichick talks of his father’s humble beginnings, from the Depression and living in a closet at college, to his WWII service and lifelong commitment coaching future military leaders. “Other than family, his love was the US Naval Academy.”
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He Gave All. For All Of Us.“He was a hero, a protector, a Fayetteville son, and one who truly cared about his community.” Today there is a park in his honor plus annual tributes and candlelight vigils. Yet, there remains a hole in our hearts, especially among loved ones and colleagues left behind. Share the memory of Roy Turner’s memory with us here.
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Heroism - DefinedTwo Soldiers were killed instantly. Four others were severely wounded. With shrapnel torn through his spleen, liver and left lung, Pereira struggled to breathe. Yet with little regard to his own safety or care, he refused treatment and commandeered an all-terrain vehicle back into the crossfire to evacuate his wounded comrades.
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The Definition of Service“Being loyal to the country and finding something worthwhile to do.” That’s how retired Vice Admiral Joseph Mulloy defines it. Which is what his family has been doing since 1908, and still counting. Through every World War and foreign conflict, including 9/11, they’ve served our nation. With honor.
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Serving Gold Star Families, Just Like Hers.EMT. Paramedic. Nurse. Mom. Giving back to the community is simply what Suzanne Scheafer does. After the loss of a son in service, her efforts to help others took on a new meaning. “I get this,” she says. “I know how to hug. I know how to listen. And I know how to understand.”
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Resilience, Grace and Grit"After two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Marjorie K. Eastman wrote a compelling book about "The Frontline Generation" who served with her. “The leadership lessons learned in combat apply at home too,” she says. “Take care of the people to your left and to your right. You are the frontlines—no matter where or how you serve.”
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Building a Better Way Back.The trauma of explosions. Firefights. IEDs. Marine 2nd Lieutenant Roy Fish experienced it all while providing convoy security in Afghanistan. Yet he knows firsthand how our veterans are leaving one battle and coming home to another. Hear how he’s helping to combat PTSD in our own communities.
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Utah Beach, France: Our Hero Was There.70 years later, Retired Army Sgt. Claude Phelps received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy. Serving under General George Patton, Phelps admits he’s proud of what was done and “grateful to the almighty that I did get back.” We gratefully share his story here.
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No Ordinary LifeHerman Zeitchik was there for the bravest deeds and most climactic moments that made history in World War II. He stormed the beaches on D-Day and fought during the Battle of the Bulge. Helped to liberate Paris and was one of the first to arrive at Dachau. We’re honored to share his story.
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Over 7 Decades of Doing for Others“I’m so glad we had a chance to meet.” So said President Barack Obama to Vivian "Millie" Bailey, age 97. And so are we, after her lifetime of service in the U.S. Army as well as volunteering for veterans and local schools. Originally commissioned as an officer in 1942 and still helping others to this day, her timeless story inspires and humbles us. Watch it here now.
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Army Vs. Navy. Brothers Forever.“I want an Officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” So said General George C. Marshall during World War II and truer respect was never said. Just as “Strength and Honor: The Brotherhood" speaks truth about the Naval Academy’s preparation for battle on all fields—here at home during the traditional Army-Navy Game and around the world defending freedom.
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A Guy Who Gave His AllNavy Lt. Seal Brendan Looney always gave all, including his life for our country while bravely serving in Afghanistan. As a "great leader and teammate," he believed in service before self—on the Naval Academy lacrosse field and on the battlefield, motivating others always to be their best. We're proud to share his Story of Service and commemorate him at our Annapolis, MD MISSION BBQ.
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A Legacy Of ServiceRetired Marine and Purple Heart recipient Chip Shields, one of just a few survivors from the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, believes he was spared "to do something good." As a Tampa firefighter and EMT still braving danger and saving lives, he represents those lost in the line of duty overseas and on 9-11. As well as the best of the best serving country and community today.
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9-11, We Will Never ForgetThey were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, innocents and the bravest Americans we know. Among their ranks were heroic Firefighters, Police and First Responders who rushed in to save others and selflessly gave their own lives. Those lost on 9-11 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, PA are still with us today, remembered here reverently.
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A Courageous Tale of 2 American HeroesWhen an IED flipped a combat vehicle on top of him, Afghanistan War Veteran Justin Lansford lost a leg, but not his will to survive. With the help of a highly trained partner always at his side, “I’ve returned to a normal independent life,” he beams. Watch this uplifting story of the wounded warrior and his personal hero, Gabe.
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Iraq Veteran. Policeman. Pro boxer. Hero.Jerry Pellegrini's story will not be forgotten for his service and ultimate sacrifice. As a Corporal in the PA National Guard, legacy policeman bearing the same badge number as his Dad, and aspiring boxer who realized his dream to go pro, here is his inspiring story, shared by his sister Dana Shearon from our York, PA Mission BBQ.
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Honored Navy Lieutenant, Olympic Gold Medalist, Our HeroFrom the embattled Middle East to the top of an Olympic podium, Brad Snyder's brave outlook inspires us all. As a wounded warrior, losing his sight while rescuing others, he faced a life of darkness but soldiered on to shed light on the indomitable spirit of America. His unselfish contribution to the community can be seen on our walls and in this heroic account. Thanks For Your Service, Lieutenant Snyder.