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.
Tunnel to Towers
The morning of September 11, 2001, FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller was just off work when he received news of the attack. His heroic decision to turn around and run through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel toward danger would inspire a movement. Through their grief, his family decided to find a way to honor Stephen and his heroic action. What started as a simple project has grown far beyond what Stephen’s family initially envisioned. Today, Tunnel to Towers Foundation has numerous programs supporting first responder and military heroes and the families who stand with them.
“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...
“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...
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...
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...
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...
Robert 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...
“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,”...
“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...
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...
Stan 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...
Sean 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’...
“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...
In 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...
In 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...