Every year at this time I start to reflect. I think about the men and women who have given the last best gift to us as a Nation. Their gift is one of Sacrifice and True Patriotism. One of blood and their last breath.
I am fortunate to be able to support our Troops through a wonderful Troop Support group. Over the past 10 years I have had an opportunity to adopt 62 + Service members off our group list. I've packed their boxes and written letters to Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors. What a wonderful Blessing.
One of the boxes I packed for one of my "Special" Soldiers...
I have also attended the heartwarming Homecomings for several of our Troops.
A big escort and welcome home for Nathan from the Patriot Guard Riders of Michigan
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Homecoming for Cpl. Andrew. Andrew was injured.
He returned and walked off the plane.
The greatest most wonderful Homecoming I've had the honor of attending..
I've also attended the funerals for a few of our Troops who made that last and greatest Sacrifice.
Over 100 flags lined the street and the entrance to the Funeral of
Marine - L/CPL Brandon J. Webb June 20, 2006
I, like many, look forward to Memorial Day.. The official beginning of summer, family vacations, boating, fishing, beach parties, warm weather, Sun, and a myriad of things we all love about those few precious months of summer.
I made a promise to myself when my cousin Tommy, Lance Cpl. Thomas Robert Tormanen, died during Operation Dessert Storm in Kuwait in March of 1991. That Promise was to never forget. To say his name and remember the Sacrifice he made not only for me, but for millions of Americans. I will continue to keep that promise to speak their names.. To remember those whose names I know and those I never knew. The sacrifice was the same.
Lance Cpl. Thomas "Tommy" Tormanen
I choose on this Memorial Day weekend..
to do what this holiday was intended for.
To pause, to remember, to honor.
Please take a moment and honor some Heroes
that have given all for Freedom...
Say their names and remember....
Forever in our Hearts. Never to be
Forgotten
Lance Cpl. Thomas Robert Tormanen Gulf war... Love you Tommy, miss you.
Aaron Ullumm "Doc" 2011 Afghanistan
Benjamin P. Castigilone "Doc Stiggy" 2009 Afghanistan
Joseph M. Lilly 2012 Afghanistan
1st Sgt. Trenton Rhea May 2013 Afghanistan
In Memory of Our Heroes From Genesee
County, Michigan.
Who gave their last full measure of love for
America in Iraq and Afghanistan .
Army - Sgt Michael F. Pedersen
April
2, 2003
Army - PFC Jason M. Meyer
April 8,
2003
Air Force - Ssgt Scott D. Sather
April 8, 2003
Army
- Ssgt Brett J. Petriken
May 26, 2003
Army - SPC Artimus D.
Brassfield
October 24, 2003
Army - SPC Richard Kennedy
Trevithick
April 14, 2004
Army - SPC Randy Stevens
April
16, 2005
Army - Capt. Lowell Thomas Miller 11
August 31,
2005
Army - MSG Anthony Yost
November 19, 2005
Army
- PFC Allan A. Morr
February 22, 2006
Army - Sgt Joshua
Youmans
March 1, 2006
Marine - L/CPL Brandon J. Webb
June
20, 2006
Marine - SSgt Raymond Plouhar
June 26, 2006
From
Lake Orion Michigan
Genesee County Recruiter for 3 years
Army
- Sgt Robert Paul Kassin
July 19, 2006
Flint Native Son
Army
– SGT Jeremy DePottey
September 11, 2006
Flint Native
Son
Army - Sgt Thomas G. Wright
May 14, 2007
Navy -
PO1 Ross L. Toles III
June 18, 2008
Navy - SCPO John W.
Marcum
September 12, 2008
Navy - HM3 Ben Castiglione ("Doc
Stiggy")
September 3, 2009
Army - Spc Joseph D.
Johnson
June 16, 2010
Marine - SSgt Nicholas A.
Sprovtsoff
October 28, 2011
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