LCPL Sean M. Langley made the ultimate sacrifice for us on November 7, 2004. He was assigned to the 2nd BN, 5th Mar Regiment, 1st Mar Div, I MEF, Camp Pendleton, CA. Sean was killed in Iraq’s Anbar Province. He was only 20 years old at the time of his death. I remember well the day I heard of Sean’s death. My own son was just about to finish his SOI (School of Infantry) training and this news scared me to death. Sean came from a family of service. His parents are both police officers and Sean planned to follow in their footsteps. He enlisted in the USMC on the Saturday after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read about Sean and get to know the hero that stood in the gap for you and me. Two miles were walked in honor of LCPL Sean M. Langley today.

Two more miles were run in honor of Sgt. Joshua J. Frazier, who was killed by a sniper on Feb. 6, 2007, just a few days after being promoted to Sergeant. Josh was serving his third combat tour. He was so sure about what he was doing that he changed units so he could go back soon after his first deployment, and extended his stay in the USMC so he could help fellow Marines by allowing other service members to come back home. He felt like the guys that were married with kids needed to be home with their families. I had the privilege of making a condolence book for Josh. Making these books is a journey. As I read the letters written for the book, found pictures to include, and read articles about Josh’s heroism, I felt as if I had gotten to know him through the words of others. Nothing said it better than the video Josh made for his family about 6 months before his death. Josh was a true hero who put everyone else before himself. I've since had the privilege of corresponding with his step-mother and it's obvious that Josh was an amazing man who has an amazing family.

Five miles are logged in today for five heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

Cpl Nicholas Dieruf, USMC, made the ultimate sacrifice on April 8, 2004 while serving in Iraq. He would have been 27 years old yesterday (May 20, 2009). I had the privilege of being invited by a friend to attend a memorial service for Nich yesterday. The service was held by a flagpole that has been erected in Nich’s honor. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, listened to patriotic songs sung in Nich’s honor and prayed for the family members that must continue to go on without Nich. The sun was shining and Nich would have been proud to see his family standing strong as they honored him with yesterday’s service. Though Nich only lived 21 years, he touched many lives and made a huge difference in this world for each of us. Thank you for your service, Nich. This world is a better place because of your efforts.

LCPL Thomas P. Echols was serving with the 1st BN, 6th Marine Regiment when he was killed in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on December 4, 2006. Tom was 21, married and had a baby on the way. His sweet wife, Allyson was pregnant at the time of his death. I had the privilege of delivering a condolence book to Allyson. As a member of Marine Families Online, we create condolence books that include letters of appreciation written by people all over the country. The letters are displayed throughout the book and delivered to the family members of the fallen hero. My dear friend, Terri made the condolence book but she lived in Florida, so she asked me to deliver the book to Allyson. Because I had never met Allyson, I was very nervous as I drove to Shepherdsville, but she put me right at ease the minute she opened the door. It was wonderful to watch her look through the book and read the many letters written by people that knew Tom and the letters written by those of us that did not have the privilege of meeting him but appreciated his sacrifice. A few months after Tom was killed, Allyson gave birth to their baby girl. Tom would be proud of his beautiful daughter. I am sure that when she grows up she will know all about her daddy, the American hero.

LCPL Robert A. Lynch was assigned to the 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Mar Division, III MEF, Okinawa, Japan. He was deployed to Rishidiyah, Iraq when he was killed during combat operations. He was only 20 years old at the time of his death. LCPL Lynch was a graduate of Seneca High School in Louisville. He was a valued member of the school’s ROTC program. I attended the funeral and presented the Gold Star Banner to LCPL Lynch’s family. It was the first time I had ever presented the banner, and it was extremely difficult. I’ll never forget his mom’s tears and sobs as I presented the banner to her. Many people spoke about LCPL Lynch during the funeral. It was inspiring to hear about his life and his walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. He touched many lives while he was living, and he continues to do so after making the ultimate sacrifice. I look forward to meeting LCPL Lynch when I get to heaven.

PFC Sammie Phillips was only 19 when he made the ultimate sacrifice. He was killed on September 10, 2007, while serving in Iraq with Battery B, 2nd BN, 138th Field Artillery, KY National Guard. His commander said that Sammie was an excellent soldier with unlimited potential. He was one of the best gunners in his unit and always ready to go. Capt. Mattingly also said that he never met a person that didn’t like Sammie Phillips. That was evident at his funeral. I attended the funeral and presented the Gold Star Banners to his wife and his parents. The church was filled with people that knew and loved Sammie. I was glad that I got a glimpse of this hero and what his life meant to so many others. He served his country well and I am grateful for his sacrifice.

Capt. Eric D. Terhune was a devoted Marine and a devoted Christian. He was killed on June 19, 2008, in Afghanistan’s Farah Province at the age of 34. Eric was born in the Quantico Naval Hospital in Virginia, while his father was stationed at the Marine base there. He was the son of a Marine and the grandson of a Marine. He was raised in Lexington, KY, and had a very interesting career in the USMC. I would suggest that you read some of the local articles written about him at the time of his death. This man really wanted to serve his country. I met Eric’s extended family at the visitation prior to his funeral. If you don’t have the assurance of knowing Christ, and you have never been to a funeral where everyone there has that assurance, you couldn’t begin to understand the peace that surrounded this family. Everyone was sad that Eric had made the ultimate sacrifice, but they all knew without any doubts that they WOULD see him again in heaven. There is true joy in having that assurance. Eric’s grandparents, in particular, made an impression on me that I will not forget. I wish I had known Eric. I know he was an amazing man.

As Memorial Day approaches, our Fallen come to mind

If you have been reading this blog, you know that STEPS to HONOR is not just about our fallen heroes. We are honoring those that are currently serving as well as our veterans. We are honoring our military, as well as our law enforcement officers and our firefighters. Because Memorial Day arrives in just a few days, I do plan to honor our Fallen Heroes through the rest of this week.

SSGT Richard T. Pummill of Cincinnati, Ohio, was killed by an IED while conducting combat operations near Nasser Wa Salaam, Iraq on October 20, 2005. SSGT Pummill was a husband and a father, as well as a son and a friend. Before he was assigned to a Weapons Unit and deployed to Iraq, SSGT Pummill was a recruiter in the Lexington, Kentucky recruiting station. He just happened to be stationed there at the same time that my son worked there as part of his high school co-op. David entered the USMC in the Delayed Entry Program at the age of 17....yes, I had to sign the papers.......and yes, I had a LOT of questions for SSGT Pummill and the other recruiters! Anyway, David worked in the office daily from noon to 5 pm assisting the recruiters and preparing for boot camp for 11 months before he graduated from high school and headed to Parris Island.

David deployed to Fallujah in March of 2005, and returned to the US in late October 2005. Just a couple of days before SSGT Pummill was killed, David ran into him over in Iraq. He called me to tell me he had run into Pummill and was really excited that he had run into his old recruiting buddy. Due to the fact that David's unit was soon to be heading back to the states, he did not realize that SSGT Pummill was killed until he returned to the states about 10 days later. Needless to say it was quite a shock and a huge loss. It's hard to picture that friendly face that greeted us at the door of the recruiting center and realize that he has made the ultimate sacrifice at such a young age. I'm glad I had the opportunity to know SSGT Pummill and I'm glad he had a chance to be an influence on my son. The next time you see a recruiter, take a second and say thanks. Chances are they have already seen a few deployments, and will probably see a few more. They are also the ones that can pick out a "hero in the making". We need people to recognize them and send them along the path of service. Running for SSGT Pummill, who made the ultimate sacrifice for me, was a true honor!

A couple of days ago I received a registration from a Marine Mom who wanted to participate in STEPS to HONOR. Colleen Johnson will be honoring her son, Sgt. Trevor J. Johnson who was killed in Afghanistan on January 27, 2009. In “meeting” Colleen via email, I had the opportunity to learn a little bit about Trevor. Now knowing about Trevor and his sacrifice for all of us, I decided to learn more about him. I did a google search before I ran in his honor today.

Trevor was raised on a ranch in Montana. He knew he wanted to serve in the military by the time he was 8 years old. He enlisted in the USMC at the age of 17 in the Delayed Entry Program. (Eligibility to enlist begins at age 17 if a parent signs and gives permission. Individuals can enlist on their own at the age of 18.) One news article described Trevor as a prankster and a bit of a renegade. I am already fond of Trevor as I read more about him. One could be describing my own son! Trevor was also described as athletic, handsome, and bright. Trevor served his commitment of 4 years and made the decision to reenlist. He knew he was not finished serving his country. Trevor was serving on his third deployment with the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, when he was killed by a roadside bomb. From what I have read, Trevor was a son, husband, father, friend, and dedicated Marine. I wish I had known him because I’d like to thank him for his service and sacrifice face to face.

I feel privileged to have met Trevor’s mom, Colleen through email. She and Trevor’s dad, Tom are amazing people. It has only been a few months since Trevor’s death, but they are opening their ranch to Marines that are suffering from PTSD and TBI. They also have extended an open invitation to the Marines that served with Trevor. Colleen has even extended an invitation to my son, a Marine Sergeant. That blows my mind! The Johnsons have every reason to be in mourning right now....and I am sure that they are mourning Trevor’s death, but they are remembering their son in a positive way and they are going to make a difference in the lives of our Marines that do make it back home safely. Trevor is not the only member of the Johnson family serving! He obviously learned something about service from his parents. Today’s three miles were all run in honor of Sgt. Trevor J. Johnson and his amazing family!

On January 24, 2009, three Marines from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force were struck by a roadside bomb blast during a combat mission in Afghanistan's Farah Province, a growing hotbed of Taliban activity. LCPL Julian T. Brennan (left), 25, of Brooklyn, New York was killed in the explosion. LCPL Kevin T. Preach (right), 21, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, was severely burned and lost both legs and a hand. LCPL Preach died from his wounds on Feb. 7, 2009. To read more about these two men, you can do a google search and you will find several articles that can give you an idea of who these two men were and you will be glad you took a few minutes to get to know them. After all, they made the ultimate sacrifice for you, so spending five minutes learning a little something about them is worth your time.

The third Marine in the truck that day was CPL Kenneth Charles Bowen. Kenny was also severely injured in this IED explosion. Kenny was the squad leader riding in the passenger seat when the armored vehicle was hit by the roadside bomb. He has been recovering at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, since he was brought back to the states four months ago. Kenny is going home to Ann Arbor, Michigan for a visit this weekend. It will be the first time he has left Brooke Army Medical Center and the first time he has been home since the explosion.

If you have been reading this blog, by now you have probably noticed that everyone I’ve honored so far has a personal connection to me in some way. (Once I finish running in honor of everyone I can possibly think of, I will start honoring people that I haven't had the privilege to know, but served for me anyway.) I didn’t know of LCPL Brennan, LCPL Preach, or CPL Kenny Bowen until Saturday evening. I received an email from my good friend, Val. Her son, Chas served with my son during two deployments to Fallujah. I had just sent her our new Military Missions t-shirt. I figured she would want one since the logo features her son....he’s the Marine on the far right if you check out the back side of the shirt! Val loved her new t-shirt and wore it over to her friend, Wendy’s house. Wendy just happens to be mom to Cpl Kenny Bowen. Chas and Kenny grew up together and both ended up serving in the USMC. (By the way, Kenny even called Val to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day yesterday because the two families are just that close!) Wendy is really excited about Kenny coming home and she wanted to order a bunch of our t-shirts....so everyone could wear one when Kenny comes home. (In case you’re wondering why these t-shirts are so appealing, it might be because the front of the shirt says “Freedom Isn’t Free” and the back is pretty awesome too!). Val sent me an email to see if she could get some shirts and told me the story behind her request.

It turns out that Kenny was in the TOW Platoon, which was in the Weapons Company of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. It just so happens that we (Military Missions) has been sending packages to 3 different guys in 3/8 Weapons Co. since they deployed before Christmas in 2008. We were sending unit boxes to these guys because we heard they were in a pretty remote place in Afghanistan and didn’t receive much mail. Now, I have no idea if any of our mail ever reached Brennan, Preach, or Bowen, but I do know that I have been praying for 3/8 daily since I first found out they deployed. Honestly, I’ve been praying for 3/8 for years. My son was attached to 3/8 during part of his first deployment and one of my dearest friends’ son was in 3/8 for two deployments back in 2005-2006. After learning of the connection that Kenny has to Chas (the guy on the right in our logo), and the fact that 3/8 holds a special place in my heart, this situation just became personal too. I actually felt myself overcome with emotion and unable to speak for several minutes. Most anyone that lives in the extended military family can tell you the same type of stories over and over. We love everyone single one of these men and women that are willing to serve and sacrifice for us.

So, even though I didn’t make a long story short today, I did run three miles in honor of three Marines that served for me and for you. If you can find a few minutes, please read up on these heroes and their families. Keep the families of the fallen in your prayers, and keep Kenny and his family in your prayers as he goes through a lot more recovery and healing. My deepest gratitude goes out to families of LCPL Brennan, LCPL Preach, and CPL Bowen. Thank you for raising men willing to stand in the gap for all of us.

Retired Major General Donald C. Storm was appointed as the Adjutant General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky by Governor Ernie Fletcher on Dec. 9 2003 and served in that position until Dec. 11 2007. I ran my first mile in his honor today.

If you read about all of Gen. Storm’s accomplishments, one would think that it would be an intimidating experience to meet such a man. I had the privilege of meeting Gen. Storm in May of 2007. Upon entering his office, I was nervous for about 2 seconds before I realized that Gen. Storm was warm and friendly. He immediately put me at ease. Not only is the man brilliant, but he is full of interesting stories about his experiences in life. He has a huge heart for all that serve and has a strong interest and concern for the family members of our military. Gen. Storm shared the story of his feelings of concern for his parents during his first deployment many years ago. He told me of their reunion when he returned from deployment and the fact that he would never forget seeing their relieved faces when they were reunited. He took that experience with him throughout his career and made sure to set the family of our soldiers as a priority. I can tell you that from the perspective of this “Marine Mom” I find it very comforting to know that such a leader would be truly concerned about family members of our military. We need to know that someone is looking out for our loved ones. When one joins the military, it has to come first. It is a lot easier to understand the commitment one is making to serve when the families are considered a priority. Thank you for all you have done to make this nation a better place, Gen. Storm, and thank you for showing me a side of military leadership that I would have never thought existed!

My second mile today was run in honor of CPL Josh Watkins, USMC. Josh made the ultimate sacrifice on October 21, 2006. Josh served with my son in 2nd Tank BN, Tow Platoon. Josh and a few other Marines in the Tow Platoon stepped in to work with the new replacements for one last shift. Most of the unit was packed and ready to come home to the states. That small group was met by sniper fire in the last hour of the last mission of the deployment. Josh was hit and died a few hours later. I don’t think anyone will ever understand the timing for this one. Josh served two deployments in Iraq. He was a good Marine and a special friend. He will always be fondly remembered. We are forever grateful for your sacrifice Wookie.

STEPS to HONOR officially starts on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25), however, I have been running and/or walking in honor of heroes for several months so I thought I would go ahead and start blogging about it so you would have an idea of what this is all about. First of all, you don’t have to wait until May 30 to get started. Right now is a perfect time. The starting date is set only because most programs have a beginning and an end.

Today I really had to motivate myself to get moving. I had some sort of virus and didn’t darken the door of the YMCA for ten days. That is the longest I have been away from daily exercise in over 20 months. Typically, I might miss two days in a row over a weekend, but never ten! I actually handled it much better than I would have thought, but I may feel it when I get up tomorrow!

I think I have mentioned previously that I really don’t like to run. I know it is good for me so I do it, but I absolutely have to listen to my iPod. I make playlists with favorite songs and try to change the music up about once a week. Today I ran with a great mix of music by The Wrecking and Remedy Drive. By the way, both of these bands are going to be at the Ichthus Festival. We (Military Missions) will have an exhibition booth at the festival and I am hoping to get the band members to write a couple of cards to our troops!

I ran three miles today and ran in honor of the following heroes:
Retired Lexington Police Officer, Tommy Puckett
PFC Adam Puckett, USMC
ENS Jeff Milward, US Navy


Tommy Puckett happens to be Lexington's longest serving patrolman. He retired in January, after 36 years on the force. It is an honor and privilege to be able to call Tommy a friend. He would probably be embarrassed if he knew I ran in his honor and then posted it on the internet....but that is because he is a humble guy who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He helps out a lot at Military Missions. Last December he helped me load 605 care packages into a borrowed police van. (Yes, it was just the two of us loading the boxes in the van!) On the way to the post office, Tommy came up with some help and we had a big crew helping to unload the packages.

Adam Puckett just happens to be the son of Officer Tommy Puckett. I guess service runs in the family! Adam is a US Marine. He just returned from a deployment in Iraq and is now training for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. I had the privilege of sending Adam and his unit some packages while they were deployed and the blessing of meeting him at the airport when he returned home to Lexington for R&R after deployment.

Jeff Milward, an officer in the US Navy, is currently serving in Afghanistan. I haven’t met Jeff yet, but I know his parents and his uncle. If Jeff is anything like the rest of the family, he has to be one amazing guy. I’m looking forward to meeting him when he gets back to Lexington!

Journal Entry - Wed 9/3/08

Each day as I am running, my mind is racing with ideas. I am wondering about all the other people that walk or run on a regular basis. I am thinking that most of these people would enjoy the idea of honoring someone while they exercise. Basically it is all about awareness. We aren’t really aware of what others do for us because it doesn’t seem personal. Let’s say I live in the USA my entire life and never personally know one individual that serves in the military or law enforcement. I could very possibly go through my entire life never once considering that these people serve for me. The wars are usually fought on foreign soil. The crimes happen in someone else’s neighborhood and the fires strike someone else’s homes. Does this mean that none of this service stuff relates to me? I think that is how many people see it. I’ll step out on a limb here and say that many people may think police officers work just so they can catch us speeding and give us a ticket! Have you ever had that type of thought?

Why does something have to be up close and personal in our own lives before we realize it exists? Why do most of us have to benefit from something or have it sneak into our lives through someone else before we actually consider its value? I can recognize this indifference because I am guilty of it myself. I grew up in Northern Virginia. Most of my friends were military kids. Their parents worked at the Pentagon or Ft. Belvoir and they came home from work everyday wearing a uniform. Most of them moved away every three years at which point someone else would move in, enter my circle of friends, and another three year cycle would begin. During these years we were at peace at war against no one. Perhaps that is why it never struck me that military service was any type of sacrifice, or perhaps it was because I was so young and couldn’t see past my own self.

Reality hit me on the head when my oldest son made it clear that he was enlisting in the USMC. He had no interest in my plans for his college education. He has always dreamed of serving in the military and it was assumed that he would attend college first. He was 15 years old when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were hit. It was on that day that his world changed and his plans to join the military took a shorter path. He researched every branch and finally decided that he was best suited to be a US Marine. He spent his 16th year begging us to sign the forms so he could enter the Delayed Entry Program at the age of 17. After much thought, lots of arguing, and even more prayer, the papers were signed and our son was enlisted before his senior year in high school had even begun. He spent his senior year working at the USMC recruiting office. He learned as much as possible to help him be ready for boot camp. He was on the bus to Parris Island, SC one short week after high school graduation. He turned 18 at boot camp, and celebrated his 19th and 20th birthdays while deployed in Fallujah, Iraq. The service and sacrifice of our military was no longer something for “other people”. It was real and it was rocking my world! The day my son got on the bus with his infantry platoon and headed to Iraq for his first deployment was the day that my world was forever changed.

Journal Entry - Wed 8/27/08 - Run for the Fallen

Last weekend I was invited to participate in Run for the Fallen. I have been working out a lot lately, and while I am no runner, I figured I could run a mile for a good cause. The concept was simple. Join others across the nation and run in honor of a fallen hero. A group of people actually ran from Ft. Irwin, California to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. They began their journey on June 14 and finished on August 24.

I don’t recall the actual temperature on the day we ran, but I do know that it was HOT! Not only was it hot, it was humid! My goal was to run the entire mile, but as we headed out, I wondered if I was being realistic. The only time I run is inside the YMCA where there is a nice padded track and a working air conditioner. I typically run distances less than a mile, so I was definitely taking on a challenge.

As I continued, I started thinking about the list of fallen heroes I had pinned to my shirt. I was wearing the names of six fallen Marines…..all who had some sort of tie to my own son, a USMC Sergeant who happens to be deployed.

I became more and more tired, and more and more hot, but as I pondered the lives of these heroes, I realized that my efforts on this hot August day were really not much of a sacrifice. I think about our military everyday. I think about them 24/7. My son is on his third deployment as I run this mile in honor of his friends. I can read through the list of fallen heroes and I can say that I have met a number of their family members….but do I honestly stop and really consider what these did for me in more than just a passing thought? Do I think about how difficult it must be for the family members that must go on without their fallen hero? On most days, the honest answer is no. Most days, I am busy living the American Dream just like everybody else. As I run, I realize that every single man listed on my bib not only endured heat and fatigue far worse than what I was experiencing in this moment, but these men had also made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives! Each one sacrificed for people like me, unknown to them. Each one sacrificed for the good of our nation. Each one had a life here in the USA that they did not have to give up to serve others. Each one was loved and cherished by family and friends....each a brother, sister, son, daughter, wife, husband, parent, friend, and neighbor.

As I continued running, with each step, the thoughts of fatigue were replaced with the excitement of knowing that I was pushing myself beyond my comfort zone to make people more aware of our heroes and their sacrifice. Not only was this effort making others more aware of their sacrifice. It was making ME more aware of their sacrifice!