may

May 2015 Casualties

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We remember these heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Devon J. Doyle, 21, of Alamosa, CO, died May 16, in Manama, Bahrain, of a non-combat related incident while on liberty. The incident is under investigation.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was assigned to USS Farragut (DDG 99), homeported in Mayport, FL.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan D. Burris, 24, of Lisle, IL, died May 21, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, of a non-combat related incident at Zayed Military City. The incident is under investigation.  He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.  He was temporarily assigned to the Crisis Response Element of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula, Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Central Command.

Sgt. 1st Class Pablo A. Ruiz, 37, of Melbourne, FL, died May 24, in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident.  He was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.  He was assigned to Group Support Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, NC.

Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp, 27, who was based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., is among the dead. His sister-in-law, Lora Waraksa of Port Washington, Wis., said Marines notified her and her sister, Jenna Kemp, on Wednesday that his remains had been found. Kemp was a “proud Marine, a loving husband and most wonderful father,” with a year-old child, she said. He loved taking his nephews out to hunt for seashells, Waraksa said. Born in Memphis, Tenn., Kemp met his wife, Jenna, at Port Washington High School in Wisconsin, where he was voted “best smile” by his senior class. Kemp earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.

Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol, 26, of Warren, Mich., was to be married in October to his high-school sweetheart, according to the Macomb (Mich.) Daily. Bawol was part of a U.S. Marines special operations regiment from Camp Lejeune who had completed two tours in Afghanistan. Bawol’s sister, Brandy Peek, said that military officials identified her brother from remains recovered after the crash. On Thursday, the Warren mayor ordered flags in the city, just north of Detroit, flown at half-staff. Justin Manford, who once served with Bawol, posted on Facebook: “He was a phenomenal Marine and an even better man.”

Staff Sgt. Andrew Seif,  26, of Holland, Mich., was awarded the Silver Star, the Marine Corps third highest award for valor, on March 6. Seif, a critical skills operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, was awarded the medal for his actions against the enemy in Badghis province, Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Trevor Blaylock, 29, was a husband and father of two young children who grew up in Lake Orion, Mich. In 2006, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was previously stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Anbar province. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action ribbon.

Capt. Stanford H. Shaw III, 31, of Basking Ridge, N.J., was student government president and captain of the varsity lacrosse team in high school. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006 and became a commissioned Marine officer. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. He served two tours of duty in Iraq. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon (with two stars).

Master Sgt. Thomas A. Saunders, 33, of Williamsburg, Va.,  was team chief for 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command. He earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Navy Marine Commendation Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Infantry Badge and five Good Conduct Medals. He was promoted to the rank of master sergeant in September 2013.

Staff Sgt. Liam A. Flynn, 33, of Queens, New York, was born in Reading, England. He enlisted in the Marines in 2002, and was assigned to Camp Lejeune. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals with Valor, the Bronze Star with Valor and Combat Action Ribbon.

CWO4 David Strother, of Pineville, La., a National Guardsman who was one of two pilots on the helicopter, had served overseas tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Pastor Darryl Hoychick of Trinity Baptist Church in Pineville, according to USA Today.

May 2014 Casualties

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We remember these five heroes who gave their lives for freedoms cause and the families they left behind.

Pfc. Daniela Rojas, 19, of Los Angeles, California, died May 3, in Homburg, Germany, due to a non-combat related illness.  She was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Chief Warrant Officer Deric M. Rasmussen, 33, of Oceanside, CA, died May 11, in Mazar E Sharif, Afghanistan, as the result of a non-combat incident. He was assigned to the Company C, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Fort Hood, TX.

Command Sgt. Maj. Martin R Barreras, 49, of Tucson, AZ, died May 13, in San Antonio Military Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, from wounds suffered on May 6, in Harat Province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX.

Spc Adrian M. Perkins, 19, of Pine Valley, California, died May 17, in Amman, Jordan, from a non-combat related injury.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.

Pfc. Jacob H. Wykstra, 21, of Thornton, CO, died May 28, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained as a result of an aircraft accident. The incident is under investigation.  He was assigned 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.

The Month of May is Designated “Honor and Remember Month”

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Military Fallen Heroes Recognized With Special Events and Celebrations

 Chesapeake, VA, March 2014 – Men and women who have died in military service to America will be the subject of a month of solemn ceremonies, special events and public recognition that will begin with the annual “Virginia Run for the Fallen,” a four-day, 245-mile tribute run from Fort Story in Virginia Beach to Arlington National Cemetery.

“The time has come to do more than set one day a year aside to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed services who have given their lives for America and to recognize the life-changing loss experienced by their families,” said George Lutz, founder of Honor and Remember, an organization dedicated to the establishment of a national symbol of remembrance and to presenting this special tribute to every family that has lost a loved one in military service. “Memorial Day is an important holiday,” said Lutz, “but I believe Gold Star Families, (families of the fallen) deserve more than a day that has become for many just an extra day off from work for shopping and having a barbecue.”

In addition to the Virginia Run for the Fallen, which will take place from May 1 to May 4 (see separate news release), America’s Honor and Remember Month,  Honor your Hometown Hero, will place a special emphasis on recognizing all fallen military by encouraging the families, friends and comrades, across the country to contact their local media outlets and submit information about their loved one with the hope that the media will do something each day of the month to recognize the sacrifice of that individual life. Likewise, businesses will be encouraged to create a display containing photos and information about fallen heroes from their town or neighborhood.

“I’d like to see every business, civic group, media outlet and neighborhood do something special every day of the month to pay tribute to the men and women who gave all in defense of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans,” said Lutz. “This is a real opportunity for everyone to make a positive statement about the cost of liberty.”

Honor and Remember, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to promote the Honor and Remember Flag. “America does not currently have a tangible public symbol that is specifically dedicated to express respect and gratitude for the lives lost in defense of our freedoms,” said Lutz. “The Honor and Remember Flag fills that void.”

About the Honor and Remember Flag

             The Honor and Remember Flag was unveiled at a ceremony on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, at the MacArthur Memorial Museum in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The mission of Honor and Remember is to create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that will fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. The flag honors all military lives lost from our nation’s inception, not only in action but also as a result of serving.

Personalized flags are regularly presented to individual families of fallen service members. Each personalized flag contains the name, theater of operation and date of death of the individual. The flags are presented at both private and public occasions.

Honor and Remember, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  For more information, please visit www.honorandremember.org.

May 2013 Casualties

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Twenty-Three Heroes and their families preserved our freedom this month.

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Simpson, 30, of San Antonio, Texas
Spc. Trinidad Santiago Jr., 25, of San Diego, Calif
Pfc. Charles P. McClure, 21, of Stratford, Okla.
Capt. Mark T. Voss, 27, of Colorado Springs, Colo.,
Capt. Victoria A. Pinckney, 27, of Palmdale, Calif.
Tech Sgt. Herman Mackey III, 30, of Bakersfield, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Eric D. Christian, 39, of Warwick, N.Y
Cpl. David M. Sonka, 23, of Parker, Colo
1stLt. Brandon J. Landrum, 26, of Lawton, Okla.,
Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV, 28, of Meridian, N.Y.,
Spc. Kevin Cardoza, 19, of Mercedes, Texas
Spc. Thomas P. Murach, 22, of Meridian, Idaho
Spc. Brandon J. Prescott, 24, of Bend, Ore.
Sgt. 1st Class Trenton L. Rhea, 33, of Oakley, Kan
Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey C. Baker, 29, of Hesperia, Calif.
Spc. Mitchell K. Daehling, 24, of Dalton, Mass.
Spc. William J. Gilbert, 24, of Hacienda Heights, Calif.
Pfc. Cody J. Towse, 21, of Elk Ridge, Utah
Sgt. Eugene M Aguon, 23, of Mangilao, Guam
Spc. Dwayne W. Flores, 22, of Sinajana, Guam
Spc. Christopher R. Drake, 20, of Tickfaw, La
Staff Sgt. Joe A. Nunezrodriguez, 29, of Pasadena, Texas
Staff Sgt. Mark A. Gorzik, 29, of San Diego, CA

Honor and Remember Month of May

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billboardMay31 Days in May for Memorials and Memories.

Eight years ago, my son Corporal George A. “Tony” Lutz II was patrolling the streets of Fallujah, Iraq, as part of the Psychological Operations 9th Battalion out of Fort Bragg. Tony joined the Army because he felt it was important to get involved and make a difference by serving his country. He had a wife and two children and an extended family that loved and supported him. The sniper who took his life didn’t care about any of that.

In the months that followed Tony’s funeral, I visited other families who had lost loved ones in the Iraq war. I began to sense that I had joined the ranks of a unique fellowship. These families were only the latest additions to a group that originated with the American Revolution, when the first soldiers to shed their blood for our freedom gave their lives.

On May 5, 1868, Memorial Day was officially established by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30. In 1971, Congress designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. Over the years, Memorial Day has also become synonymous with the start of the summer vacation season and a three-day weekend devoted to shopping, family gatherings, trips to the beach and fireworks.

While memorial services with wreaths, speeches and bands are typical elements of the Memorial Day weekend, the day designated to honor our fallen seems to have been swallowed by commercial and recreational pursuits. For the families who have endured the loss of a loved one to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, Memorial Day can be a hollow observance that seems to be more about cooking hot dogs than commemorating heroes.

Over the years, I have seen entire campaigns dedicated to encouraging Americans to commemorate Memorial Day for just one minute, yet I have also seen entire months dedicated to one specific cause or another. I believe the reason we dedicate an entire month to some causes is the magnitude of the number of lives affected by that cause. That’s why we should do more than set one day a year aside to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed services who have given their lives for America and to recognize the life-changing loss experienced by their families. Memorial Day is an important holiday, but the Gold Star Families (families of the fallen), deserve more recognition than a day that has become for many just an extra day off from work for shopping and having a barbecue.

I am encouraging patriots and Honor and Remember supporters in every state with the help of families, friends and neighbors to take part in a special emphasis for the month of May that we are calling Honor and Remember May (Month). Our campaign theme for the month is “Honor Your Hometown Hero.” The campaign that will call on local media to identify fallen heroes by city and state and publish stories about their military service and their families, who must cope with the loss of their loved one. Another aspect of the month-long observance will invite local businesses, organizations and schools to participate by creating a display of photos and other information about the fallen heroes from their town or neighborhood.

I’d like to see every business, civic groups, media outlet and neighborhood do something special every day of the month to pay tribute to the men and women who gave all in defense of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. This is a real opportunity for everyone to make a positive statement about the cost of liberty. Ideas for “Honor and Remember May” include:

* Asking businesses to download pictures and a bio of local heroes and posting them in the windows or on the walls of their business;

* Gold Star Families or friends can send stories about their lost loved ones to local media;

* Schools can ask students to write stories and draw pictures about their local hometown heroes.

* Notices can be posted in company newsletters, radio and community bulletin boards,

* Television and radio stations can profile a different hero each day.

* Everyone with a flagpole can fly the Honor and Remember Flag.

* Churches, sports teams, organizations and special events can all honor a hero in many specific ways.

* Arrange to have your local government read into the municipal record the names of the fallen in your area.

* Encourage public service announcements on local cable stations.

* Print out a list of fallen heroes from internet and post their names on social networking pages you may have, encourage friends and families as well
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In Virginia, the home of the organization’s headquarters, Honor and Remember Month will include “Virginia Run for the Fallen,” an annual event that will feature a team of 25 active duty military personnel from bases throughout Virginia who will complete a 236-mile journey to honor every Virginia service member who died as a result of serving during the War on Terror. Each mile of the route, which stretches from Fort Story in Virginia Beach to Arlington National Cemetery, will include a brief stop at a “hero marker” to pay individual tribute to family members, friends and comrades of the fallen. Each hero marker tribute will include a biographical description of a hero along with Honor and Remember Flags.

Individuals who wish to organize Honor and Remember May (Month) events and observances in their state should put together a profile of those heroes in their communities who have died as a result of serving in the United States Armed Forces. They can then send that information to their local newspaper, radio and television outlets along with a brief explanation of Honor and Remember Month. Likewise, they can approach local businesses with their information and ask them to create a “Display of Heroes” in support of Honor and Remember Month. Local governments, civic organizations, sports teams and other organizations can also be asked to participate.

Local news media can be asked to put out a call for Gold Star Families to contact them with their stories. Gold Star Families from many generations are all around us,. Local service organizations, such as the VFW and the American Legion, may have information about local families of the fallen. Make sure they know about Honor and Remember Month of May.

This is an important effort to give recognition to families who have given so much to America. Let’s all make a special effort to make the first annual Honor and Remember May (Month) memorable and significant. Join us in creating a tradition that leads us to remember the reason Memorial Day was established and raises the level of awareness for every fallen hero and their families.

The Month of May is Designated “Honor and Remember Month”

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Military Fallen Heroes Recognized With Special Events and Celebrations

 Chesapeake, VA. – Men and women who have died in military service to America will be the subject of a month of solemn ceremonies, special events and public recognition that will begin with the first annual “Virginia Run for the Fallen,” a four-day, 236-mile tribute run from Fort Story in Virginia Beach to Arlington National Cemetery.

“The time has come to do more than set one day a year aside to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed services who have given their lives for America and to recognize the life-changing loss experienced by their families,” said George Lutz, founder of Honor and Remember, an organization dedicated to the establishment of a national symbol of remembrance and to presenting this special tribute to every family that has lost a loved one in military service. “Memorial Day is an important holiday,” said Lutz, “but I believe Gold Star Families, (families of the fallen) deserve more than a day that has become for many just an extra day off from work for shopping and having a barbecue.”

In addition to the Virginia Run for the Fallen, which will take place from May 2 to May 5 (see separate news release), America’s Honor and Remember Month, Honor your Hometown Hero, will place a special emphasis on recognizing all fallen military heroes by encouraging the families, friends and comrades of the fallen, across the country to contact their local media outlets and submit information about their loved one with the hope that the media will do something each day of the month to recognize the sacrifice of that individual life. Likewise, businesses will be encouraged to create a display containing photos and information about fallen heroes from their town or neighborhood.

“I’d like to see every business, civic group, media outlet and neighborhood do something special every day of the month to pay tribute to the men and women who gave all in defense of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans,” said Lutz. “This is a real opportunity for everyone to make a positive statement about the cost of liberty.”

Honor and Remember, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to promote the Honor and Remember Flag. “America does not currently have a tangible national symbol that is specifically dedicated to express respect and gratitude for the lives lost in defense of our freedoms,” said Lutz. “The Honor and Remember Flag fills that void.”

About the Honor and Remember Flag

             The Honor and Remember Flag was unveiled at a ceremony on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, at the MacArthur Memorial Museum in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The mission of Honor and Remember is to create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that will fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. The flag honors all military lives lost from our nation’s inception, not only in action but also as a result of serving.

Personalized flags are regularly presented to individual families of fallen service members. Each personalized flag contains the name, theater of operation and date of death of the individual. The flags are presented at both private and public occasions.

Honor and Remember, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  For more information, please visit www.honorandremember.org.

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May 2012 Casualties

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Forty One lives given for our country this month

Capt. Bruce K. Clark, 43, Spencerport, N.Y.
Staff Sgt. Zachary H. Hargrove, 32, of Wichita, Kan
Master Sgt. Gregory L. Childs, 38, Warren, Ark
Sgt. John P. Huling, 25, of West Chester, Ohio
Staff Sgt. Thomas K. Fogarty, 30, of Alameda, Calif
2nd Lt. David E. Rylander, 23, of Stow, Ohio
Spc. Junot M. L. Cochilus, 34, of Charlotte, N.C.
Sgt. Jacob M. Schwallie, 22, of Clarksville, Tenn.
Spc. Chase S. Marta, 24, of Chico, Calif.
Pfc. Dustin D. Gross, 19, of Jeffersonville, Ky.
Petty Officer Second Class Jorge Luis Velasquez, 35, of Houston
1st Lt. Alejo R. Thompson, 30, of Yuma, Ariz
Sgt. Wade D. Wilson, 22, of Normangee, Texas
SSpc.Vilmar Galarza Hernandez, 21, of Salinas, Calif.
Spc. Alex Hernandez III, 21, of Round Rock, Texas
Sgt. Brian L. Walker, 25, of Lucerne Valley, Calif.
Pfc. Richard L. McNulty III, 22, Rolla, Mo.
Staff Sgt. Israel P. Nuanes, 38, of Las Cruces, N.M.
Sgt. Michael J. Knapp, 28, of Overland Park, Kan.
Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox, 23, of Fort Wayne, Ind.
Capt. Jesse A. Ozbat, 28, of, Prince George, Va.
2nd Lt. Tobias C. Alexander, 30, of Lawton, Okla.
Spc. Arronn D. Fields, 27, of Terre Haute, Ind
2nd Lt. Travis A. Morgado, 25, of San Jose, Calif.
Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan J. Wilson, 26, of Shasta, Calif
Pfc. Cale C. Miller, 23, of Overland Park, Kan
Cpl. Keaton G. Coffey, 22, of Boring, Ore
Hospitalman Eric D. Warren, of Shawnee, Okla.
Spc. Vilmar Galarza Hernandez, 21, of Salinas, Calif.
Spc. Tofiga J. Tautolo, 23, of Wilmington, Calif.
Capt. John R. Brainard, 26, of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Chief Warrant Officer Five John C. Pratt, 51, of Springfield, Va.
Sgt. Julian C. Chase, 22, of Edgewater, Md.
Lance Cpl. Steven G. Sutton, 24, of Leesburg, Ga
Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas, 20, of Fairfield, Ohio
Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas, of Greensboro, N.C
Staff Sgt. Roberto Loeza, 28, of El Paso, Texas
Staff Sgt. Alexander G. Povilaitis, 47, of Dawsonville, Ga
Spc. Kedith L. Jacobs, 21, of Denver, Colo
Pfc. Leroy Deronde III, 22, Jersey City, New Jersey
Lance Cpl. Joshua E. Witsman, 23, of Covington, Ind.

NATIONAL FLAG MOVEMENT MARKS SECOND ANNIVERSARY WITH CROSS COUNTRY CAMPAIGN

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NEWS RELEASE – May 17, 2010

Honor and Remember Founder Will Visit 50 State Capitals in Five Months

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Honor and Remember, Inc., an organization founded on Memorial Day 2008 to promote a new national symbol honoring all those who died in military service to America, will visit 50 state capitals on a mission to gain national awareness for the Honor and Remember Flag and to present families of the fallen in each state with personalized flags.

“Honor and Remember Across America” will take founder George Lutz from Virginia Beach, Virginia, in a special RV on a circuitous route across the country to promote the passage of U.S. House of Representatives bill HR 1034, which authorizes the Honor and Remember Flag to be made a national symbol. Stopping at each state capital, Lutz will meet with local, state and federal political leaders seeking their endorsement for both state and federal recognition of the flag. At each stop he will also spend time with families who have lost a loved one in military service and as funds allow present many with a flag emblazoned with the name, date of death and place of death of their family member.

“America needs a tangible symbol that specifically honors the sacrifice of men and women in the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives for their country,” said Lutz.  “The Honor and Remember Flag was created to fly at federal, state and municipal buildings, schools, businesses and homes as a continuous reminder of the price our nation has paid over two centuries for the freedoms we cherish as Americans.”

On Saturday, June 5th there will be a short ceremony initiating the campaign.  Two days later, the Honor and Remember RV will set out on the first leg of a 23-week journey by heading north to Dover, Delaware, where the bodies of fallen military service members enter the country. Then after a stop at the United States Navel Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the campaign will travel through the remaining Mid-Atlantic states and New England prior to heading west.

The “Honor and Remember Across America” itinerary includes a stop in Los Angeles on September 11, where a special rally will be held, featuring various celebrities including television and radio personality Dennis Miller and actress Bo Derek. The journey will culminate on Veterans Day, November 11, at Arlington National Cemetery for a final ceremony.

During his journey, Lutz will spend time sharing the vision of the Honor and the Remember Flag with Americans everywhere. His desire is to encourage them to support the effort to have the flag adopted as a national symbol by writing to their elected officials and encouraging them to support the flag initiative.

“This is a grassroots campaign to establish a new emblem with which every American can say, ‘I am grateful for and I will never forget what so many families have lost to preserve our nation,'” said Lutz. “Where the Honor and Remember Flag flies beneath the American flag, it reminds us all that freedom is never free.”

On December 29, 2005, George Anthony Lutz II (Tony) was killed by a sniper’s bullet while he was on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq. His family and friends endured the shock, emotional agony and overwhelming loss that accompanied the news of Tony’s death, just like the many families who have suffered the same tragedy. In the months that followed Tony’s funeral, his father, George, visited other families who had lost loved ones in the Iraq war. He began to sense that he had joined the ranks of a unique fellowship. These families were only the latest additions to a group that originated with the American Revolution, when the first soldiers to shed their blood for our freedom gave their lives.

George found another commonality among the families of fallen soldiers. After their grief had transitioned to numbness and finally to acceptance, many families wanted to know two things: their sacrifice was not in vain and the nation would never forget. These concerns led George on a quest to discover if there was a universally recognized symbol that specifically acknowledges the American service men and women who never made it home. To his surprise, he found nothing. Thus the Honor and Remember Flag was conceived. Honor and Remember, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

During the last two years, personalized Honor and Remember Flags have been presented to nearly two hundred families. Each personalized flag contains the name, date of death and place of death of the service member. The flags are presented to the mother of the fallen service member or another designated family member.Along with many private presentations, Lutz was honored to present flags to family members of the 17 sailors killed in the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen, who gathered for a special ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk on October 12, 2008. On July 4, 2009, Lutz presented personalized Honor and Remember Flags to the family members of the marines killed in the Battle for Fallujah in 2004, who gathered for a special remembrance ceremony in Arlington, Virginia.Understandably, each individual presentation is an emotional and meaningful moment. In addition to the families of service members who have fallen in recent conflicts, Lutz has presented flags to family members of loved ones killed in World War II and Vietnam.

The Honor and Remember Flag has been endorsed by the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., The Gold Star Wives of America, The Blue Star Mothers, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Military Officers Association of America, the Associations of the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, among many other organizations. The flag has already been adopted as an official state symbol of remembrance by Virginia and Oklahoma; legislation to adopt the flag has been written in nine other states.

Honor and Remember Dispatch – May 2009, Vol 2 Issue 5

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  Founder’s Message  – Gold Star Presentations

I am tremendously grateful for the people who write, encouraging and supporting the Honor and Remember Flag campaign. Every day I get messages expressing gratitude and respect for the effort we are making to awaken America to the need for a national symbol of remembrance for the men and women who have given their lives in military service.

This month Honor and Remember will celebrate our first anniversary. It was Memorial Day 2008 when the Honor and Remember Flag was officially unveiled at a special ceremony at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia. Since that day, we have experienced an amazing outpouring of encouragement and validation from many national organizations and individuals. We have a bill before the U.S. Congress and we have received significant media attention. And most importantly, we have presented personalized Honor and Remember Flags to dozens of families recognizing specifically the loss of their loved one. But there is so much more to do.

Here at the one-year mark the Honor and Remember Flag is still in its cocoon, waiting to burst onto the national scene. I have to keep reminding myself that there are many stories clamoring for the public’s attention: A new administration in Washington, the dire condition of our economy, the continuing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and other international hotspots. Sometimes I feel that American is so buried in bad news that it forgets to think about the good things that make us a great nation, one of which is the dedication of our military men and women around the world, who stand on the front lines, fighting for our freedom and security.

I know I’m not alone in thinking that the men and women who gave their all for America deserve special recognition by all Americans. Yet it seems that idea gets pushed aside by the weight of current events. We must not let that happen. Every day we need to be appreciative of their sacrifice. That’s why a monument or a holiday isn’t enough. We need an ever-present tribute that can be seen nationally, recognized and accessible to everyone, visibly and silently carrying the message of remembrance to everyone. The Honor and Remember Flag is meant to be a national thank you card from a grateful nation.

I have consistently stated that there are two important questions burning in the hearts of families of the fallen: Was their sacrifice in vain? Will my child be forgotten? My answer is that as long as the American flag flies freely above our land, no individual loss will ever have been in vain. And as long as the Honor and Remember Flag is publicly displayed, no sacrifice will ever be forgotten.

This month I want to focus on the mission of personalized flags.  It is our charitable goal to facilitate the gifting of specially made personalized Honor and Remember Flags, one to each family that has suffered the heart wrenching sacrifice of losing their child. We want to specifically honor each hero individually by name and not just those lost in one conflict or war, but every life lost and every living parent we can touch. This is not an easy mission, as we must emotionally connect every day with moms and dads with incredible stories of their sons and daughters. Remembrance is what we all yearn for and only good can come of pursuing it.

Here are a few amazing stories of families who were recently honored.

March 14th
Staff member Tom Leisher at a special “Remember the Fallen” rally in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, presented to Mrs. Barb Bernard an Honor and Remember Flag in tribute to her son SFC Brent A. Adams, who was killed in Iraq December 1, 2005.

March 21
At a ceremony celebrating its 90th anniversary, American Legion McKinley Post 76 in Sebring, Ohio, held a special Honor and Remember Flag presentation for Carey Meissner, the mother of Marine Lance Corporal Danny McVickers, who was killed in Iraq on Oct. 6, 2005. To read the story CLICK HERE.

March 28th
I was privileged to present flags to Mrs. Hershberger and Mrs. Bourgeois in honor of their sons at a wounded warrior 5k event in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Sgt. David Hershberger was serving in Vietnam when he lost his life January 10, 1968. US Navy Seal Matthew Bourgeois was serving in Afghanistan and was killed March 28, 2002. It was an extreme honor to present to these special mothers in the presence of more than 1000 participants.

March 31
At a local Vietnam Veterans meeting, Mrs. Claire Atherden, 89, received a personalized flag in honor of her son LCpl. Lester Atherden, who died  March 4, 1966 in Vietnam. She had three Marine Corps sons who gave years of service for our country.  Lester gave the final measure.

April 6
Gold Star father Carl Dozier was presented a personalized flag in honor of his son Jonathan K. Dozier, killed January 9th, 2008. The presentation was facilitated by the Chesapeake Mayors Commission on Military Affairs. This was a surprise presentation honoring Mr. Dozier for the enormity of his loss and for his son’s giving all he had for our ultimate freedom.

April 10
Spc. Aaron Genevie was honored with a special service in his memory and in public recognition for his mother Patty Genevie in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Aaron was killed April 16, 2007 in Iraq when the Humvee he was riding in hit an improvised explosive device. Read a newspaper account of this presentation. CLICK HERE

It is our desire and organizational goal that every family that lost a son or daughter in military service to our country should have a personalized flag. Regardless of the era, even as far back as Korea, we are working on that task. Each flag proudly represents a special life lost and complements the hundreds of thousands that will one day fly across this nation in grateful respect.

Honor and Remember has received hundreds of individual requests for personalized flags for families who have lost a loved one. However, we don’t currently have the resources to meet this need, since we do not charge for the personalized flags. Giving them in gratitude is part of our mission.

Our growing list can be daunting. That’s why we need individuals, organizations, churches and companies to partner and network with us. Identifying hurting families that should be honored with the gift of an Honor and Remember Flag and publicly recognized for the sacrifice they have made and reassured that their loved one is not forgotten. Anyone can easily sponsor a flag and arrange a presentation. Lets not let busyness or apathy get in the way of making a difference in the immediate lives of those who carry the burden of loss every day.

Please consider reaching out to a family in your community who has suffered such a life changing loss by sponsoring a flag in their honor. Contact us and we will help you with the process of organizing and conducting a respectful short ceremony. If you do not know of any deserving families in your area, let us know. We can help identify a family near you. There are heroes across this country that need to be individually remembered. Thank you for your continued support.

Blessings,
George
  Our Hero’s Story – RaNae Vaughn
My son, Sgt. Jason W. Vaughn, was killed in action in Iraq on May 10, 2007.  I am writing in response to your request for information about the young men and women who have died serving their country.

Jason was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 31, 1977.  He died May 10, 2007, in Old Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.  Jay was on his second tour of duty.  He was assigned to the Army’s 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington.  He was 29 years old.

Jason’s greatest attribute may have been his kind heart.  He was always considerate of the needs of his friends and family. He frequently offered advice, and would gladly give you his last dollar if he thought you needed it more than he did.  Jay displayed maturity and insight far beyond his years.  He loved to hang out with friends, read, watch TV and play video games. He was a handsome man on the outside and, more importantly, on the inside.  Jason had a great appreciation for life.

We will always remember his smile, bear hugs, love of life, positive attitude and his way of making everyone around him feel special.  Jason will live on in our hearts and minds forever.  We miss him daily.

RaNae Vaughn
Proud Mother of Sgt. Jason W. Vaughn, KIA 10 May 2007

NOTE: Honor and Remember is looking for positive stories about the young men and women who have died serving our country. We would like to share them in this newsletter and on a special page on our web site. The stories should be about 300 – 400 words in length and contain insights that capture the individual’s personality and celebrate their life and honor their experiences in service, etc. We want to present a snapshot of our young heroes … who they were and how those who loved them remember. Photos are welcome.

*** Please send to contact@honorandremember.org
  Why I’m on Board – Karen Gleason  
Several months back, a good friend of mine invited me to a local restaurant where he had an “Honor and Remember” table set up.  He said he wanted to show me this “new” flag that would recognize our fallen heroes and asked me to sign a petition that would help do just that and be a part of history!

Well, being from a military family ~ my father, three brothers and husband all served in the Marine Corp and my niece, nephews and son-in-law are all currently serving ~ my curiosity was peeked.  A new flag I thought?  Really?

Don Belew explained the concept behind the Honor and Remember Flag, where every fallen soldier throughout every war and conflict in American history would be nationally recognized and given their due honor and respect for their ultimate sacrifice, their life.  I thought, “Wow, why hasn’t this happened already?”  All of us either have a family member, friend or co-worker in the military, and at any given time we can be affected by the loss of their fallen soldier.  Once you recognize and grab hold of that reality, you have no choice in the matter but to say, “How can I help. What can I do?”

My heart goes out to the families that have experienced such a loss.  All that I can do now to show my gratitude is to be a part of the process that helps to nationally recognize and honor and remember their lives and sacrifice.  I have been privileged enough to see Gold Star mothers receive their child’s personalized flag.  They clutch their flag and hold it tightly against their heart.  It seems as if it brings a sense of healing to their hurting hearts.

God Bless our fallen hero’s and their families.

 
Recent News and Comments

On May first, by unanimous decision the mayor and city council of Virginia Beach, Virginia, officially endorsed the Honor and Remember Flag, as an official symbol recognizing all lives lost in military service to our nation. The resolution also endorsed Congressional bill HR 1034, which seeks to nationally endorse the flag. Thank you to City Councilman Bill DeSteph for his leadership.

The state of Pennsylvania has a resolution on it legislative docket with 59 co-sponsors to recognize and endorse the Honor and Remember Flag. Additionally Virgina is drafting a Bill also to adopt. Other cities have also adopted resolutions, including Orrstown and Lancaster. Please continue to reach out to you local and state governments.

On April 28, George appeared on the Tony Macrini Show on WNIS radio in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. George and Tony talked about the origin of the Honor and Remember Flag and the progress of the campaign. Callers to the show included a number of Gold Star mothers who had received their personalized flags. Former congresswoman Thelma Drake, who introduced flag legislation in the 110th Congress, also called in to congratulate George on the progress of the campaign to get the flag nationally recognized.

RECENT COMMENTS

As a military mom of three boys, I believe the government should recognize this flag for our fallen loved ones. I am sorry to hear about your son’s passing but know in your heart he believed in what he was doing. Belgrade, MT

This is a great idea to have a flag for the servicemen who were killed in action. There are flags for MIAs and POWs. Why not a flag for the ones who were killed in the line of duty? They are the ones who fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate sacrifice! Contact your representative and get this bill passed! Arden, NC

I wholeheartedly support this campaign. I love the design on this flag and all that it represents. My only son was killed on Fathers Day of 2007 in Afghanistan. I will fly this flag beneath our American flag that he so proudly served. Vinton, LA

I am an Iraqi Freedom veteran (2003-2004). I have always tried to thank fellow veterans of previous conflicts, and to thank any active duty service member that is serving today. I cannot thank enough those that gave their lives fighting for and preserving our freedoms that we cherish today. This flag symbolizes our gratitude for those fallen heroes. God Speed and God Bless! Florence, MA

I was watching the news and saw this flag. This is so AWESOME and I want EVERY government agency to adopt and fly this flag. What a wonderful way to continually acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice that our military man and women have made. Newport News, VA

I wanted to thank you for sending me this information regarding the Honor and Remember Flag. I am a Gulf War vet who is disabled. I hope this message reaches around the country. God Bless our veterans and troops. I will be passing this information out to everyone I know. Indianapolis, IN