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.
That was the warning Nurse Mary Damon received after volunteering to land on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasions. Her bravery is what inspired granddaughter Brett Johnson, now a Captain at the largest volunteer rescue...
Marine Sgt. Donald “Woody” Woodworth was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Medal, our nation’s highest military honor bestowed in peacetime. Yet he’s just as proud to be honored alongside his grandson, Marine Captain Justin Peterson,...
Staff Sergeant Shilo Harris went through hell and back after his humvee hit an IED. 48 days in a coma, he woke to a whole new way of life and an indomitable spirit. “No matter...
The Shield 23 Foundation is based on Russell Constantino’s badge. In her husband’s honor, Shenan Constantino raises funds and awareness about the increased risk of cancer for firefighters. “Everything that I think we’re doing now...
When war broke out in the Middle East, Stephen Deguire transferred immediately from the Navy Reserve to Air Force Reserve so he could serve as a Navigator. Yet on one mission as his jet spiraled...
Colonel Dawn Lancaster, Commander of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, believes every fallen Hero deserves dignity, honor and respect. And so do their families who’ve given us the greatest sacrifice. “Part of my honoring them...
Her sister, LCDR Jennette Greene, proudly followed in Commander Molly Water’s footsteps serving in U.S. Coast Guard. She was there to say good-bye during Molly’s final moments after a tragic accident. She was on the...
As a Korean War POW, Tom Caroland went 13 months without a bath or change of clothes. He ate “stuff you feed your cattle… sorghum tops, millet, anything like that, cracked corn, you were hungry.”...
Russell Scott is 99, a WWII Army Air Corps Veteran and former POW. Earl Tatum is 94, and “still a Marine.” Together they’re truly inspiring, and we are honored to “tell all who enjoy freedom...
“Don’t tell me what I think you’re going to tell me,” Deanie Dempsey said to her deployed husband. Gone for a year already, his war zone tour was about to be extended. And it was...
Gina Hawkins is the first female Chief of Police in Fayetteville, NC — but the last to admit she takes any of it for granted. “I’ve had individuals pushing for me and probably didn’t know...
After 4 long years as a Vietnam POW, Gail Kerns got off the aircraft on American soil “and kissed the ground,” says Army Major Don Androsky. “He was the only one who did it.” Like...
Military spouses and families serve Our Country while their husbands, wives, dads and moms are serving too. Separated by a year-long tour of duty and thousands of miles, Veteran Danielle Rodriguez held the fort down...
Serving his country for over 30 years, retired Navy SEAL Jimmy Hintzke now runs his own business dedicated to assisting our nation’s active military and their families. His team’s handcrafted plaque at our Virginia Beach...
Fight for what you believe in. Never forget those that were killed. Give something back to society.” You’ll find these and more admirable principles of Major Doug Zembiec at our MISSION BBQ location near the...