STEPS TO HONOR

SSG Delmar White was loved by everyone. He was a great daddy, an awesome husband, a good friend, and a good listener. He had quite a sense of humor from all reports. SSG White was killed by a roadside bomb while escorting a convoy in Iraq on Sept. 2, 2007. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, Kentucky Army National Guard at the time of his death. SSG White joined the KY National Guard in 1998 and was also a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War. SSG White’s death hit our town of Lexington hard. Though I didn’t know him personally, it seems like everyone else did. I can’t count the number of people that knew this man, loved him, and was torn up by his passing. I attended his visitation and was overwhelmed at the outpouring of love for this soldier. I met his wife, Michelle at the visitation. She and I have some mutual friends so we know of one another, but I had the chance to meet her again just a few days ago. She saw me wearing a STEPS to HONOR shirt and asked me where I got it. As I started to explain, she quickly interrupted me saying she knew all about the program and all about Military Missions. You shouldn’t be surprised to know that she is now busy helping to get the word out about Military Missions and STEPS to HONOR. I know that Del would be so proud to see Michelle carrying on as a Patriot for her country. Del’s ultimate sacrifice has forever changed her life and the lives of their children, but she is going to honor his memory by continuing to support our troops and their willingness to serve. My three miles today were in honor of SSG White. Remember to honor him for his ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day next week. It’s the least we can do after what he did for all of us.