A lot of us have been so busy running and/or walking mileage in honor of our heroes. So busy, in fact, that we haven't been very good about contributing to the blog. We hope that some of you will add your heroes to our blog and help to keep the site new and interesting each day.
In the meantime, please take a few minutes to watch our newest video that honors some of our heroes. To watch the video, go to www.militarymissionsonline.com/videos.htm.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Lexington KY STEPS to HONOR Walk - July 4th
Join us as we honor our heroes on July 4th. We plan to walk the two mile “downtown” portion of the Bluegrass 10k as a group. We will wear our STEPS to HONOR t-shirts as well as the STEPS to HONOR running bibs which will display the names of our heroes. (You do NOT need to register for the race to participate with our group.)
If you are participating in the full Bluegrass 10k and would be willing to wear a STEPS to HONOR t-shirt to help us promote our program and honor our heroes, please contact us as soon as possible to purchase a shirt and a running bib. (Shirts are $10, running bibs are free with the purchase of the t-shirt.)
If you are planning to walk with our group on Saturday, July 4th, here are the details you will need to know:
1. Please contact us with your intent to participate by Friday, July 3rd.
2. Plan to purchase your shirt and running bib by Friday, July 3rd.
3. Meet at Thoroughbred Park by the horse statues on Saturday morning by 7:10.
4. The race starts at 7:30 and we will NOT be able to wait for late arrivals.
5. Parking is limited as many streets are closed so allow plenty of time for finding a parking spot.
The route we are walking will start and end at Thoroughbred Park and be 2 to 2.5 miles in length.
Contact us at militarymissions@insightbb.com if you plan to walk with us or if you need to purchase a t-shirt and/or running bib.
IF YOU LIVE IN ANOTHER PART OF THE GREAT USA, PLEASE CONSIDER FORMING A STEPS to HONOR WALK IN YOUR AREA. BE SURE TO TAKE PICS AND TELL US ALL ABOUT IT!
If you are participating in the full Bluegrass 10k and would be willing to wear a STEPS to HONOR t-shirt to help us promote our program and honor our heroes, please contact us as soon as possible to purchase a shirt and a running bib. (Shirts are $10, running bibs are free with the purchase of the t-shirt.)
If you are planning to walk with our group on Saturday, July 4th, here are the details you will need to know:
1. Please contact us with your intent to participate by Friday, July 3rd.
2. Plan to purchase your shirt and running bib by Friday, July 3rd.
3. Meet at Thoroughbred Park by the horse statues on Saturday morning by 7:10.
4. The race starts at 7:30 and we will NOT be able to wait for late arrivals.
5. Parking is limited as many streets are closed so allow plenty of time for finding a parking spot.
The route we are walking will start and end at Thoroughbred Park and be 2 to 2.5 miles in length.
Contact us at militarymissions@insightbb.com if you plan to walk with us or if you need to purchase a t-shirt and/or running bib.
IF YOU LIVE IN ANOTHER PART OF THE GREAT USA, PLEASE CONSIDER FORMING A STEPS to HONOR WALK IN YOUR AREA. BE SURE TO TAKE PICS AND TELL US ALL ABOUT IT!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Jeff Jones is an officer for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Police. Jeff received the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association’s Officer of the Month in May 2009. This award is given by the CPAAA, but the officers in each unit vote for the recipient of the award. Officer Jones is currently with the CLEAR unit, and has previously been in patrol
and training, and served with the Emergency Response Unit. CLEAR - Community Law Enforcement Action Response Program concentrates officers’ efforts in specific neighborhoods by providing both a permanent day time presence and night patrols. Officer Jones has also served in the US Military. Our family knows Officer Jones as “Mr. Jeff”. He was our youngest son’s Sunday School teacher years ago when our son was about 5 years old. Mr. Jeff has always been one of our favorites. His life is one of service, whether it be on foreign soil with our military, right here in Lexington in law enforcement, or in the church teaching children about Christ. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to serve, Mr. Jeff. We are blessed to know you! It was an honor to run a few miles in honor of someone who gives to the rest of us on a daily basis.
and training, and served with the Emergency Response Unit. CLEAR - Community Law Enforcement Action Response Program concentrates officers’ efforts in specific neighborhoods by providing both a permanent day time presence and night patrols. Officer Jones has also served in the US Military. Our family knows Officer Jones as “Mr. Jeff”. He was our youngest son’s Sunday School teacher years ago when our son was about 5 years old. Mr. Jeff has always been one of our favorites. His life is one of service, whether it be on foreign soil with our military, right here in Lexington in law enforcement, or in the church teaching children about Christ. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to serve, Mr. Jeff. We are blessed to know you! It was an honor to run a few miles in honor of someone who gives to the rest of us on a daily basis.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
How's it going with your walking group?
We want you to share what is going on with your walking group. Send us an update and a few pictures. Share your ideas and get others involved. Here in Lexington, we have a group that is planning to walk together in the Bluegrass 10k
. The event is held every year on July 4th. We plan to walk together as a group wearing our STEPS to HONOR t-shirts. Each week we gather together at a different location in town and walk to prepare for the Bluegrass 10k. It's funny to watch people drive by and stare at us. I guess it looks a bit odd to have a group of people all wearing the same shirt walking on 
the side of the road! What's the point of all these shirts? People ask questions and then we get to share about our heroes and remind everyone that we all need to be thankful for what these men and women do for us. We'd love to hear what you are doing to honor the heroes in your community. Join our blog or send us an email! By the way, if you are out walking with your family, you need to honor a hero at the same time.
The Unsung Heroes
Serving in Special Forces is one job that we all consider fascinating. The main reason we feel this way is because we don’t really know a lot about what these people do. Very few are selected to train for these elite jobs. Even fewer complete the training successfully. Once placed on a Special Forces team, individuals continue to train in highly specialized areas, often for years. If these people are not deployed, they are training. High expectations are placed upon them at all times. Most of what they do is highly classified and they are not allowed to divulge what they are doing or where they are doing it. Even their family members don’t know what they are doing or where they are serving. It is stressful enough to have a loved one deployed, but imagine not even knowing where they are or what they are doing. Did you know that most of these heroes won’t receive awards they’ve earned? Because of the highly classified nature of their work, they can’t divulge any information about their work. Recognition for awards earned can’t be given because in doing so, classified information would be revealed. One of the most difficult things for me to do is keep a secret. I can’t imagine doing something really challenging and patriotic and then having to keep it to myself....forever! It takes a person with a lot of integrity and a lot of self-control to keep our nation’s secrets safe. I ran in honor of all those that serve in all branches of our Special Forces during this past week. Thank you for all you do. You are the true unsung heroes. We don’t know what you do, but we are sure glad you do it. Thanks for defending our freedom and keeping us safe from harm.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
LCpl Jonathan LeRoy
Our family is always looking for ways to stay connected, we are spread across the country from NY to KS. As a family we decided to walk 2,500 miles to honor my deployed son. LCpl Jonathan LeRoy. There are 18 of us walking ages 7-61. Last week we walked 149 miles. We walk in honor of others too. Sunday night my husband and I walked around the VA, we walked in honor of all those living there who gave of themselves for our freedom. Yesterday we walked the river front in Louisville. As we walked my husbands blackberry rang over and over giving him details of a Retired National Guard General who died over the weekend. We walked in honor of him and his family and the sacrafices they have made.
Today Is really hot, and I was thinking that I really didn't want to walk, then I got a phone call from Jon saying that it is 102 degrees there today, and he just finished running 5 miles. I will walk today in honor of Jon and all the others in his unit.
Monday, June 1, 2009
34 Years of Service Can Touch a Lot of Lives
From my high school friend, Karen O’Meara, I share her words of honor and remembrance for her father, Patrick B. O'Meara (Col. USA. Artillery Ret.)
I am missing my father for ten years now. Today, as we have done on this same day for the last ten years, I picked up my mother for our Sunday trek to Section 59, Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Day is the only day you will see flags placed by the grave markers. The symmetry is awe inspiring as you glance at the thousands in your line of sight. As you may know, for the last twenty odd years, the Sunday before Memorial Day serves as the day Rolling Thunder
comes to Washington bringing their message "Bring our Soldiers Home". It cracks me up to see my mom whooping and hollering at half a million leather clad bikers as they que up in the Pentagon lot for their trip. It gives me a thrill to see the recognition that was never given to the men and women who served this country during the Vietnam War.
I was born in Ft. Hood, Texas. Elvis Presley was there when my father was a young 2nd Lieutenant. I was born in Ft. Hood because the Army decided sending a woman 9 months pregnant on a troop ship to Alaska might not be a smart idea. Two weeks later, the O'Meara's arrived in Alaska on the USNS Frederick E. Funston. Dad was a young Battery Commander and personally fired a 21 gun salute to President Eisenhower when he visited. One of the shells serves as an ash tray on my patio. My father served in Vietnam as an early advisor to the South Vietnamese Government. The year he returned we moved six times. No sooner had my parents purchased their first home, and my father was shipped off to Korea.
In Germany in the early 70's it was the height of the anti-war movement. Drugs were rampant and my dad once donned a wig to meet a young drug informant. When I was eleven years old, my dad one day at came home and slammed what I knew much later to be a brick of hash. At the top of his lungs he screamed at each of us "Do you know what that is???" My sister still in a high chair blinked, as my father continued his tirade of how he just threw an 18 year old kid in the brig for selling a block of 99% camel dung and 1 percent hash. Needless to say, drugs never tempted me in school and even in college. Kids called me a narc.
My father was a man of small stature, but he had an outsized attitude that won him many admirers and maybe got him in trouble once or twice in his career. I never saw him ask his soldiers to do something he, himself would not do. He retired with 34 years in the service; one of the oldest active duty Colonel's. He would boast that his greatest assignment was as Commander, Division Artillery for the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One). His final role was as the Chief of Staff for the Presidential Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution. It was an odd job for a Cannon Cocker, but one for which he was specifically requested to serve by the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Warren Berger. A role he continued even after the Chief Justice's death.
My father died of a condition from exposure to Agent Orange on April 10, 1999. Four years ago, he was recognized at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial for his sacrifice. My father's final place of rest is on the east side of McClellan Drive, near the McClellan Arch. Col. Patrick B. O'Meara was never one to pull rank in a town that does so with such vigor. During his twenty years at the Pentagon, I am aware he only asked for one favor: that his final resting place in Arlington be under a cherry tree and nowhere near sight of the Pentagon. Today, I honored my father, visiting him in Section 59 under a Cherry Tree and the Pentagon, nowhere in sight. ~Karen O’Meara
I was so glad to get just a glimpse of Col. Patrick B. O’Meara’s life of service. It is incredible to think that each one that serves can be such a important part of our nation’s history. Back when I was young and running around with his daughter in high school, I didn’t understand the significance of the man or his service. I’m glad I finally get it. It would be a crying shame to live and never know the beauty of the lives of those that made this life possible for all of us. Running miles in honor of Col. O’Meara is the least I can do to say thanks.
I am missing my father for ten years now. Today, as we have done on this same day for the last ten years, I picked up my mother for our Sunday trek to Section 59, Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Day is the only day you will see flags placed by the grave markers. The symmetry is awe inspiring as you glance at the thousands in your line of sight. As you may know, for the last twenty odd years, the Sunday before Memorial Day serves as the day Rolling Thunder
comes to Washington bringing their message "Bring our Soldiers Home". It cracks me up to see my mom whooping and hollering at half a million leather clad bikers as they que up in the Pentagon lot for their trip. It gives me a thrill to see the recognition that was never given to the men and women who served this country during the Vietnam War.
I was born in Ft. Hood, Texas. Elvis Presley was there when my father was a young 2nd Lieutenant. I was born in Ft. Hood because the Army decided sending a woman 9 months pregnant on a troop ship to Alaska might not be a smart idea. Two weeks later, the O'Meara's arrived in Alaska on the USNS Frederick E. Funston. Dad was a young Battery Commander and personally fired a 21 gun salute to President Eisenhower when he visited. One of the shells serves as an ash tray on my patio. My father served in Vietnam as an early advisor to the South Vietnamese Government. The year he returned we moved six times. No sooner had my parents purchased their first home, and my father was shipped off to Korea.
In Germany in the early 70's it was the height of the anti-war movement. Drugs were rampant and my dad once donned a wig to meet a young drug informant. When I was eleven years old, my dad one day at came home and slammed what I knew much later to be a brick of hash. At the top of his lungs he screamed at each of us "Do you know what that is???" My sister still in a high chair blinked, as my father continued his tirade of how he just threw an 18 year old kid in the brig for selling a block of 99% camel dung and 1 percent hash. Needless to say, drugs never tempted me in school and even in college. Kids called me a narc.
My father was a man of small stature, but he had an outsized attitude that won him many admirers and maybe got him in trouble once or twice in his career. I never saw him ask his soldiers to do something he, himself would not do. He retired with 34 years in the service; one of the oldest active duty Colonel's. He would boast that his greatest assignment was as Commander, Division Artillery for the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One). His final role was as the Chief of Staff for the Presidential Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution. It was an odd job for a Cannon Cocker, but one for which he was specifically requested to serve by the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Warren Berger. A role he continued even after the Chief Justice's death.
My father died of a condition from exposure to Agent Orange on April 10, 1999. Four years ago, he was recognized at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial for his sacrifice. My father's final place of rest is on the east side of McClellan Drive, near the McClellan Arch. Col. Patrick B. O'Meara was never one to pull rank in a town that does so with such vigor. During his twenty years at the Pentagon, I am aware he only asked for one favor: that his final resting place in Arlington be under a cherry tree and nowhere near sight of the Pentagon. Today, I honored my father, visiting him in Section 59 under a Cherry Tree and the Pentagon, nowhere in sight. ~Karen O’MearaI was so glad to get just a glimpse of Col. Patrick B. O’Meara’s life of service. It is incredible to think that each one that serves can be such a important part of our nation’s history. Back when I was young and running around with his daughter in high school, I didn’t understand the significance of the man or his service. I’m glad I finally get it. It would be a crying shame to live and never know the beauty of the lives of those that made this life possible for all of us. Running miles in honor of Col. O’Meara is the least I can do to say thanks.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Fiebelkorn Brothers Were All Called to Serve
Growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, I was surrounded by military families. Most of my friends from high school were military kids. They either lived on Ft. Belvoir or their parents worked at the Pentagon and they lived in the neighborhoods that fed into my high school. Today, the internet allows us to keep in touch, and I was privileged to have an old high school friend share about those in his family that served our great nation. Today I walked 5k in honor of the Fiebelkorn heroes. I give you the words of my friend, Karl Fiebelkorn.
The veterans I remember most are my father, and his 2 brothers. My father, John A. Fiebelkorn, enlisted into the Army Air Corps in the last few months of World War II following his brothers Roger and Ernest (Red) into the service.
Roger Fiebelkorn’s job was to restore communication lines. He was killed in action in the south of France while trying to restore communication lines in late 1944. The Germans would cut the lines, and then lay snipers out to take out whoever tried to repair them. Roger did get the line repaired, but was shot. He was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.
Red Fiebelkorn was the leading ace of his squadron with either 10 1/2 or 11 1/2
kills depending on which reference you want to read. This
included the downing of a Me262 jet piloted by Maj Novotny, one of the
leading German aces. Red has the dubious distinction of being one of the
very first United States Air Force pilots killed in action. With the
formation of the USAF in 1948, Korea was the first battle for this
organization. In the very early days of that action, Red lead a flight of
F-86s into North Korea. He did not return. When allied forces moved north
a couple years later, they found the crash site and a shallow grave. Red
was brought home and buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
My dad (John Fiebelkorn) did not see any battle action. He left the service after his enlistment was up and used the GI bill to get his engineering degree. He reentered the service as an officer in 1952. He flew as a navigator in a series of bombers in service throughout the 50s and into the 60s. Utilizing his degree he moved in to the Air Force Systems Command, supporting projects such as the rocket sled tests in New Mexico which led into the initial manned space program. He was stationed in the Los Angeles area when I was born, assigned to get his Masters at the University of Michigan through the Air Force Institute of Technology and then to his last station in 1966 at the Pentagon. My dad retired in 1974, but stuck around Northern Virginia until 1977 so that I could finish school there. My folks moved to a small town in Michigan, and he ran the small town airport for 15 years. My dad died almost exactly a year ago after a long slow decline into Alzheimers. I miss him greatly. ~ Karl Fiebelkorn
Karl was quite humble as he described the service of his father and his uncles. In case you’re interested, I did a Google search on the Fiebelkorns. Here is one of many links about Red Fiebelkorn www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/URG/fiebelkorn.html He was quite the pilot and you could spend all day reading about his accomplishments and his bravery.
In my search, I found that Private Roger Fiebelkorn, HQ Company/3d Battalion, 397th Infantry, 100th Division, (Bertrichamps, France) (Missing in Action) was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. http://www.100thww2.org/honrol/ss397.html
I also found that among the many accomplishments made by John A. Fielbelkorn, his work on the Agena rocket earned him two Air Force Commendation Medals.
What an incredible family and what an incredible contribution to the USA!
The veterans I remember most are my father, and his 2 brothers. My father, John A. Fiebelkorn, enlisted into the Army Air Corps in the last few months of World War II following his brothers Roger and Ernest (Red) into the service.
Roger Fiebelkorn’s job was to restore communication lines. He was killed in action in the south of France while trying to restore communication lines in late 1944. The Germans would cut the lines, and then lay snipers out to take out whoever tried to repair them. Roger did get the line repaired, but was shot. He was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.
Red Fiebelkorn was the leading ace of his squadron with either 10 1/2 or 11 1/2
kills depending on which reference you want to read. This
included the downing of a Me262 jet piloted by Maj Novotny, one of the
leading German aces. Red has the dubious distinction of being one of the
very first United States Air Force pilots killed in action. With the
formation of the USAF in 1948, Korea was the first battle for this
organization. In the very early days of that action, Red lead a flight of
F-86s into North Korea. He did not return. When allied forces moved north
a couple years later, they found the crash site and a shallow grave. Red
was brought home and buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
My dad (John Fiebelkorn) did not see any battle action. He left the service after his enlistment was up and used the GI bill to get his engineering degree. He reentered the service as an officer in 1952. He flew as a navigator in a series of bombers in service throughout the 50s and into the 60s. Utilizing his degree he moved in to the Air Force Systems Command, supporting projects such as the rocket sled tests in New Mexico which led into the initial manned space program. He was stationed in the Los Angeles area when I was born, assigned to get his Masters at the University of Michigan through the Air Force Institute of Technology and then to his last station in 1966 at the Pentagon. My dad retired in 1974, but stuck around Northern Virginia until 1977 so that I could finish school there. My folks moved to a small town in Michigan, and he ran the small town airport for 15 years. My dad died almost exactly a year ago after a long slow decline into Alzheimers. I miss him greatly. ~ Karl Fiebelkorn
Karl was quite humble as he described the service of his father and his uncles. In case you’re interested, I did a Google search on the Fiebelkorns. Here is one of many links about Red Fiebelkorn www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/URG/fiebelkorn.html He was quite the pilot and you could spend all day reading about his accomplishments and his bravery.
In my search, I found that Private Roger Fiebelkorn, HQ Company/3d Battalion, 397th Infantry, 100th Division, (Bertrichamps, France) (Missing in Action) was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. http://www.100thww2.org/honrol/ss397.html
I also found that among the many accomplishments made by John A. Fielbelkorn, his work on the Agena rocket earned him two Air Force Commendation Medals.
What an incredible family and what an incredible contribution to the USA!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thanks to all the officers serving in the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government - Division of Police
I have a couple of friends who are police officers here in Lexington, Kentucky. I’ve heard a few stories and I’ve seen enough news coverage to know that I really appreciate the job that these men and women do for us. I am sure I don’t know very much at all about what they do when I really think about it. I don’t know many of them personally, so for today, I ran four miles to honor all of those that serve in the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government - Division of Police.
For starters, these men and women show up for work everyday not knowing what the day will bring. Most days they probably have the typical issues to deal with like car accidents or traffic violations, but they never know when they will get the call to respond to a violent situation. They have to be ready. Their families have to be ready. I’m not sure I could deal with the stress of letting my husband or children go out the door on a daily basis knowing that someone with a gun just might lose it and they would have to respond to the situation. I’m pretty sure that these officers deal with plenty of stress. I’m also pretty sure that they get a lot of complaints and deal with a lot of unhappy people. Most of us are angry when they stop us because we are speeding. We accuse them of filling their quotas or trying to make our insurance rates go up. We don’t think about the fact that our speeding could be dangerous and these officers are trying to prevent us from causing an accident. I know I have a lead foot. When I finally get pulled over, I am just going to be thankful that it hasn’t happened more often, that I haven’t caused a wreck, and remind myself that the officer is actually trying to help me out.
Another side of the coin is the fact that our police officers have to do all sorts of mundane tasks such as directing traffic. When the lights go out, the police have to stand in the intersection and keep us from running into each other. Do you honestly think that these people wanted to be police officers so they could direct traffic? Maybe a couple of them aspired to do that for a living, but my guess is that most of them have other jobs in mind when they join the force. My police buddy says that most people blow past him and he is lucky he isn’t run down. I’ve heard that some people actually spit on our police officers! I hope I never see anyone do that. Why are we in such a hurry and why are we so ungrateful? If I wouldn’t cause a traffic jam, I’d stop my car, roll down my window and thank the officer for keeping us from ourselves. No matter what these officers are doing, whether it is mundane or dangerous, we owe them our thanks. There is a lot going on out there that we will never know about because our police officers are always on the job keeping situations from escalating into something big, bad, and ugly. Thank you to all our officers. If I knew you by name, I’d thank each and every one of you!
For starters, these men and women show up for work everyday not knowing what the day will bring. Most days they probably have the typical issues to deal with like car accidents or traffic violations, but they never know when they will get the call to respond to a violent situation. They have to be ready. Their families have to be ready. I’m not sure I could deal with the stress of letting my husband or children go out the door on a daily basis knowing that someone with a gun just might lose it and they would have to respond to the situation. I’m pretty sure that these officers deal with plenty of stress. I’m also pretty sure that they get a lot of complaints and deal with a lot of unhappy people. Most of us are angry when they stop us because we are speeding. We accuse them of filling their quotas or trying to make our insurance rates go up. We don’t think about the fact that our speeding could be dangerous and these officers are trying to prevent us from causing an accident. I know I have a lead foot. When I finally get pulled over, I am just going to be thankful that it hasn’t happened more often, that I haven’t caused a wreck, and remind myself that the officer is actually trying to help me out.Another side of the coin is the fact that our police officers have to do all sorts of mundane tasks such as directing traffic. When the lights go out, the police have to stand in the intersection and keep us from running into each other. Do you honestly think that these people wanted to be police officers so they could direct traffic? Maybe a couple of them aspired to do that for a living, but my guess is that most of them have other jobs in mind when they join the force. My police buddy says that most people blow past him and he is lucky he isn’t run down. I’ve heard that some people actually spit on our police officers! I hope I never see anyone do that. Why are we in such a hurry and why are we so ungrateful? If I wouldn’t cause a traffic jam, I’d stop my car, roll down my window and thank the officer for keeping us from ourselves. No matter what these officers are doing, whether it is mundane or dangerous, we owe them our thanks. There is a lot going on out there that we will never know about because our police officers are always on the job keeping situations from escalating into something big, bad, and ugly. Thank you to all our officers. If I knew you by name, I’d thank each and every one of you!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Honoring all those at Boot Camp
Today I thought I’d dedicate my four miles to all those that are currently at Boot Camp. Most of us would never have the courage to even consider going to Boot Camp. We’ve all heard the rumors. We know it is difficult and we know there is a lot of yelling. Most of us don’t need to know anything else. Each branch likes to think that they have the toughest boot camp. Personally, I think any of 
them would be too much for me. I can tell you a little something about being the parent of one that goes to Marine Corps Boot Camp. It is THE longest 13 weeks of one’s life. There is absolutely no contact between your Marine recruit and the outside world unless he can find a way to write a letter. There are no phone calls home and the best way to know what your recruit is doing is to get online and check the website calendars. I know the lack of contact is for the recruit’s benefit, but I can tell you that there is some sort of training going on at home too. You are forced to learn to trust the Corps and trust the Lord. There is no way “Mom” can call the Corps and ask about her darling recruit. I’ve heard of a few moms that have tried to do that....and I’ve heard what happens to their recruits. So boot camp is a growing experience for everyone involved. It is tough because the training may mean the difference between life and death for that recruit when he/she is ready to serve.
I have a friend that is former USMC Senior Drill Instructor from MCRD San Dieg
o. While SSGT Michael W. Nichols was serving, a documentary was made about the reality of USMC Boot Camp. If you watch the documentary, you may find this hard to believe, but he is actually a really nice guy. He took his responsibility to train our Marines seriously. He had to be tough and he had high expectations. He had no choice. He was training men that would face danger and death and he had to make sure they were prepared to survive any situation that they might face.
I’d like to thank SSGT Nichols for his service as well as all those that have the guts to enlist and go through boot camp. I’d like to thank the Drill Instructors for their willingness to be tough and train our military to be the best fighting force in the world. To check out the documentary "Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click", go to www.myspace.com/SDISSgtNichols.
them would be too much for me. I can tell you a little something about being the parent of one that goes to Marine Corps Boot Camp. It is THE longest 13 weeks of one’s life. There is absolutely no contact between your Marine recruit and the outside world unless he can find a way to write a letter. There are no phone calls home and the best way to know what your recruit is doing is to get online and check the website calendars. I know the lack of contact is for the recruit’s benefit, but I can tell you that there is some sort of training going on at home too. You are forced to learn to trust the Corps and trust the Lord. There is no way “Mom” can call the Corps and ask about her darling recruit. I’ve heard of a few moms that have tried to do that....and I’ve heard what happens to their recruits. So boot camp is a growing experience for everyone involved. It is tough because the training may mean the difference between life and death for that recruit when he/she is ready to serve.I have a friend that is former USMC Senior Drill Instructor from MCRD San Dieg
o. While SSGT Michael W. Nichols was serving, a documentary was made about the reality of USMC Boot Camp. If you watch the documentary, you may find this hard to believe, but he is actually a really nice guy. He took his responsibility to train our Marines seriously. He had to be tough and he had high expectations. He had no choice. He was training men that would face danger and death and he had to make sure they were prepared to survive any situation that they might face.I’d like to thank SSGT Nichols for his service as well as all those that have the guts to enlist and go through boot camp. I’d like to thank the Drill Instructors for their willingness to be tough and train our military to be the best fighting force in the world. To check out the documentary "Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click", go to www.myspace.com/SDISSgtNichols.
A Memorial Day to Remember
It was a rainy day in the Bluegrass, but the rain stopped at 11:00 am for the Memorial Day Ceremony at Lexington Cemetery. The 30 minute ceremony was a touching tribute to all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for each of us. There should be a ceremony i
n your local area each year. If you have never done it before, you need to be sure to attend one next year. You will be glad you took the time to honor those that have given you your freedom.The rain poured down as soon as the ceremony was over, but the skies cleared again for our STEPS to HONOR walk at 1:00 pm. Several of us got together and walked through “ca
r-free downtown” Lexington yesterday for a couple of hours and wrapped things up at 3:00 pm as we gathered together for prayer during the National Moment of Remembrance, a nationwide moment established by an act of Congress in December, 2000, to honor those who died in service to our country. I know there is no way to repay those that gave their lives for our country, but I’m going to be sure to make Memorial Day about our heroes every year. It’s the least I can do to say thanks.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Soccer Coach Gives All
SPC Michael Hayes was the girl’s soccer coach for Butler County High School in Morgantown, Kentucky. While he was home on leave in June, 2005, he was asked by his principal if it was worth it to be over in Iraq. Hayes said, “You should see the kids going to school over there. It’s worth it.” Ha
yes loved his job as coach and emailed the girls on his soccer team twice a week while deployed. He was serving with the Kentucky National Guard, 617th MP Company. He was killed in Iraq on June 14, 2005, just a week after returning from his two week R&R in Kentucky. Hayes’ commander said that “Hayes was a consummate soldier, always in the right place doing the right thing.” All who knew Michael Hayes would agree. We had the privilege of sending SPC Hayes care packages while he was deployed. His brother and his sister were also deployed with the same unit at the same time. Fortunately, his siblings were not with him at the time of the incident that took his life. We are truly grateful for the sacrifice of SPC Hayes and the service of his brother, James Hayes and his sister Melissa Stewart. It was a privilege to walk two miles in their honor on this Memorial Day.
yes loved his job as coach and emailed the girls on his soccer team twice a week while deployed. He was serving with the Kentucky National Guard, 617th MP Company. He was killed in Iraq on June 14, 2005, just a week after returning from his two week R&R in Kentucky. Hayes’ commander said that “Hayes was a consummate soldier, always in the right place doing the right thing.” All who knew Michael Hayes would agree. We had the privilege of sending SPC Hayes care packages while he was deployed. His brother and his sister were also deployed with the same unit at the same time. Fortunately, his siblings were not with him at the time of the incident that took his life. We are truly grateful for the sacrifice of SPC Hayes and the service of his brother, James Hayes and his sister Melissa Stewart. It was a privilege to walk two miles in their honor on this Memorial Day.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
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 com
bat 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.
I am thankful that Beth has come up with another way for me to honor our fallen heroes. I know Steps To Honor is for more than just our Fallen Heroes but they hold a very special place in my heart that my miles will be devoted to show the thanks that I have for them. I've never been a runner and haven't even been exercising lately, I just put exercise on the back burner. Now will not only be able to start getting in shape but I will be honoring the Marines that served with the 1/6 Marines, the same that my nephew has served on 2 deployments with. There are Fallen Heroes that I will be "stepping" for also and as I go along I'll fill you in on each one of them.
Since I am not in great shape I had to start of slow and only able to do a couple miles today before having some pretty bad shortness of breath, that is only temporary and before you know it my stamina and my lungs will be able to go much further. Even though I was only able to do 2 miles today, my heart and my thanks were in both of them. When my nephew joined the 1/6 I joined a group of friends and families of the 1/6 Marines. The deployment to Iraq was really bad and they (we) lost 12 of our own, 11 Marines, 1 "Doc". They will be the first 12 that I will honor, though in my heart I honor every fallen hero this country has lost. It was during that deployment that my eyes were opened, I saw and felt wat a military family goes through. That is when I began making condolence books that Beth has mentioned, I felt I had to do something to honor the heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The first 2 Marines that I am honoring, are 2 of the first 3 that the 1/6 lost.
Sgt. Arechaga was on his third tour in battle and his second mission in Iraq when his Humvee came in contact with an improvised explosive device.
Arechaga wanted to enlist a fter 9/11. He made his way up through the ranks to infantry sergeant in the 1st Battalion Sixth Marine Charlie Company, and was in charge of a platoon.
Acting as a parent as much as a sister, Sheyla had intervened in her brother's life early on. Their father, Julian Arechaga Sr., had been separated for many years from their mother, Mirna Martinez, who died the previous June of cancer.Sheyla took her brother out of Baldwin Senior High School before his junior year, hoping he would fare better at a different school, and made sure that he graduated from Oceanside High School in the summer 2002. Andy Randazzo said that Sheyla and Russ's interventions like these turned Julian's life around.Arechaga, always athletic and thus a good fit for the Marines, according to Sheyla, made a tremendous improvement at Oceanside, where he joined the wrestling team and won medals. Mike Janosko, head football coach at the high school, was Arechaga¹s varsity wrestling coach. Janosko described him as a model student. "He was one of those good, hard-working kids," Janosko said. "He came to school every day. He really cared a lot about wrestling and always went to practice. And he held a job and helped out his family. He was a kid with high character. It's really devastating what happened to him."Arechaga also began to do well academically in school, and Sheyla smiled with pride as she recalled his making the honor roll at Oceanside.
Arechaga married 19-year-old Felicia on June 17. The two Marines had met while both were stationed in North Carolina. "He just fell in love with her," Sheyla said, adding that the two had known each other for a few months when Arechaga told his sister he was going to propose. The newlyweds bought a home in North Carolina in July, but planned to move in with the Randazzos and their daughters when Arechaga's tour was finished in March.Randazzo said that both of her children, Alexandra, 5, and Ava, 17 months, were close to their uncle. Alexandra would say Arechaga was in "kayak" when asked about his location, because "Iraq" was not yet in her vocabulary.
Sgt. Julian Arechaga will be missed, is sacrifice has not gone unnoticed, I honor his memory.
The Second Marine I honor is LCpl Jon Eric Bowman, 1/6 Marines KIA 10/9/06
First of all I have to say that I met Jon Eric's mother Jill at the last homecoming for the 1/6. She was there to welcome home the Marines that served with her son on their previous deployment when Jon Eric was killed. She is such a strong woman and does everything she can to honor her son. I am proud to be able to call Jill a friend of mine. We spent quite a bit of time together at Camp LeJeune. She reached out to the other Gold Star families that lost their son during this deployment. I had made the condolence books for those families also and found out Jill had never received one, so I made her one when I got back, then my brother and his wife delivered the book to her. She has shared many stories with me about her son and so it is like I know him more than a lot of the others, this is one of the ones that has become very personal to me. Lance Corporal Jon Eric was about one month into his second deployment to Iraq and was conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the Anbar Province in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
Two fellow Marines from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina were with him. Pfc. Shelby J. Feniello, 25, of Pennsylvania and Sgt. Julian M. Arechaga, 23, of New York were with Jon Eric, who was on top, manning a .50 caliber machine gun, when their Humvee was hit by two IED’s (improvised explosive devices), killing all three.
Two fellow Marines from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina were with him. Pfc. Shelby J. Feniello, 25, of Pennsylvania and Sgt. Julian M. Arechaga, 23, of New York were with Jon Eric, who was on top, manning a .50 caliber machine gun, when their Humvee was hit by two IED’s (improvised explosive devices), killing all three.
I know Jon Eric is looking down on his mom and grinning ear to ear with the pride he has for her, and Jill is looking up to the gates of Heaven so proud of her son.
There is so much behind every one of our fallen heroes, I just hope to share a little about these heroes. I will never forget! They will always have a place in my heart.
Memorial Day Group Walk! Join us to honor our heroes!
STEPS to HONOR Group Walk
Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2009 1:00 PM (Weather Permitting)
Lexington is hosting a “car-free downtown” for Bike Lexington on Monday. The streets will be open from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and available for everyone to bike, walk, run, or skate.
Meet us downtown at Phoenix Park (right in front of the Lexington Public Library, 140 E. Main Street) at 1:00 pm. Wear your STEPS to HONOR t-shirt so we can remind everyone to honor their heroes...after all, isn’t that the purpose of Memorial Day?
This event is FREE, but the cost of your freedom wasn't free so come on out and honor someone that made the ultimate sacrifice for YOU!
Need a STEPS to HONOR t-shirt? Contact us at steps2honor@gmail.com.
T-shirt cost: $10
Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2009 1:00 PM (Weather Permitting)
Lexington is hosting a “car-free downtown” for Bike Lexington on Monday. The streets will be open from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and available for everyone to bike, walk, run, or skate.
Meet us downtown at Phoenix Park (right in front of the Lexington Public Library, 140 E. Main Street) at 1:00 pm. Wear your STEPS to HONOR t-shirt so we can remind everyone to honor their heroes...after all, isn’t that the purpose of Memorial Day?
This event is FREE, but the cost of your freedom wasn't free so come on out and honor someone that made the ultimate sacrifice for YOU!
Need a STEPS to HONOR t-shirt? Contact us at steps2honor@gmail.com.
T-shirt cost: $10
Friday, May 22, 2009
LEXINGTON STEPS to HONOR WALKING GROUP MEETS TOMORROW!
Join us at the UK Arboretum on Alumni Drive this Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 9:00 AM for a two mile walk to honor our heroes. Meet us in the parking lot at the top of the hill. Be sure to wear your STEPS to HONOR t-shirt so we can get the word out about the program. Let's get everyone to think more about those that serve and sacrifice on our behalf. Questions? Contact us at steps2honor@gmail.com or militarymissions@insightbb.com.
If you are planning a group walk in your area, please let us know and we will post it on the website to help you get the word out in your area!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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, list
ened 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 fam
ily 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 1
0, 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 Quantic
o 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.
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, list
ened 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 fam
ily 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 1
0, 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 Quantic
o 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.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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 recru
iting 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!
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 recru
iting 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!
Thank You
I wanted to write and thank you for this blog.
I am Joan, mom to LCpl Garrett, 3/8 Battalion, Weapons Co., CAAT Platoon, currently deployed to Afghanistan. I have been following Kenny Bowen's progress as much as possible. I was looking for an update today and found your blog during my search.
Our son called us the Monday after the IED explosion that injured Kenny and Kevin, and killed Julian. Garrett called home when he could to let us know what happened and to ask us to pray for the men and their families. We have been praying ever since.
Please tell the Bowens as a group, and Kenny in particular, that we remember him and are still praying for him. We also pray for Kevin Preach's family, and Julian Brennan's. Both died during or following that IED explosion and our hearts are heavy for their loss. I keep their names in a notebook in my purse and pray for them regularly. We will not forget them, nor their ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
Please tell your son, also that we thank him for his service from the bottom of our hearts. Ours is also a military family, with several generations of service members from five branches. One uncle lies at Normandy; he was in the 101st Airborne, a Screaming Eagle of the 501st Parachute Regiment, kia 6/8/1944. There are no words to express the honor and appreciation we have for brave heroes like these men and women. Also, like you, 3/8 is very near and dear to my heart. Garrett has a year left with 3/8, so we're still on that rollercoaster. :-)
I will definitely share this blog link with other friends and 3/8 family. Thank you, and blessings,
Joan
http://www.encouragingcaregivers.blogspot.com/
I am Joan, mom to LCpl Garrett, 3/8 Battalion, Weapons Co., CAAT Platoon, currently deployed to Afghanistan. I have been following Kenny Bowen's progress as much as possible. I was looking for an update today and found your blog during my search.
Our son called us the Monday after the IED explosion that injured Kenny and Kevin, and killed Julian. Garrett called home when he could to let us know what happened and to ask us to pray for the men and their families. We have been praying ever since.
Please tell the Bowens as a group, and Kenny in particular, that we remember him and are still praying for him. We also pray for Kevin Preach's family, and Julian Brennan's. Both died during or following that IED explosion and our hearts are heavy for their loss. I keep their names in a notebook in my purse and pray for them regularly. We will not forget them, nor their ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
Please tell your son, also that we thank him for his service from the bottom of our hearts. Ours is also a military family, with several generations of service members from five branches. One uncle lies at Normandy; he was in the 101st Airborne, a Screaming Eagle of the 501st Parachute Regiment, kia 6/8/1944. There are no words to express the honor and appreciation we have for brave heroes like these men and women. Also, like you, 3/8 is very near and dear to my heart. Garrett has a year left with 3/8, so we're still on that rollercoaster. :-)
I will definitely share this blog link with other friends and 3/8 family. Thank you, and blessings,
Joan
http://www.encouragingcaregivers.blogspot.com/
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