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.
Remembering Dr. Frank Boston
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 Corps. He trained in Fort Des Moines, Iowa where all African-American officers for WWI were sent for training. During his service, Dr. Boston battled racism at home and within the military, he battled the enemy and the Spanish Flu during WWI and he returned home to continue his life of service. Upon returning to the US, he resumed his duties at Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia and started an ambulance corps, pioneering the EMS field.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Building on a Family Tradition of Service
“My dad was a cop in Montgomery County. He actually went on the department in Montgomery County on the day I was born,” said Bonnie Kraut. “So, I guess it was predestined that I was...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
“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...
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...
“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...