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.
“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...
After 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...
“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,”...
Laudis 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...
For 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...
World 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...
Beth 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...
“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,...
“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...
“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....
“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...
“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...
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...
“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...
“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...