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.
Stronger Together
In December 2005 a Humvee carrying Jason Ehrhart and his fellow soldiers was hit by an explosion while heading to support election security in Iraq. In the months and years since, Jason has continued to push forward. “When the doctors told me I reached my plateau, I didn’t want to hear that, because I don’t believe I have a plateau,” Jason said. While Jason works to push himself, the whole family has become advocates for injured veterans and their families. “The best care anybody can get is at home,” said Pam Estes, Jason’s mom.
US Navy and WWII Veteran, May Brill learned an important lesson at a young age that has stayed with her throughout her remarkable 102 years. “My mother was a very strong woman. She spoke up...
“It will be 19 years this December that he’s been gone. It still feels like yesterday,” said Debi Linck about the loss of her son, Henry. Army Staff Sgt. Henry Linck died in December 2006...
Dr. Frank Boston came from a family of veterans. His father served during the Civil War. Following his graduation from medical school in 1915, Dr. Boston answered the call to serve with the Army Medical...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
“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...
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...