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 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...
“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...
“We don’t want to forget Sal and the sacrifice that he gave to his country and make sure we always take care of the mom, Ms. Corma, to make sure that she’s not forgotten and...
Just 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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...