Douglas Albert Munro was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada but moved to the United States when his father, a U.S. citizen, moved back to the States for work. He, along with his mother and sister, became a naturalized citizen in 1922. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1939 after a year of collage.
Signalman First Class Munro was fatally shot when he put his boat in the path of direct fire to protect U.S. Marines they were evacuating during the Second Battle of the Matanikau. His last words were, "Did they get off?" For his action that day, Douglas Munro was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and became the only member of the U.S. Coast Guard to receive the Medal Of Honor. He has also has a Coast Guard Cutter and Naval Destroyer named in his honor.
"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of a group of Higgins boats, engaged in the evacuation of a Battalion of Marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, on September 27, 1942. After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of nearly 500 beleaguered Marines, Munro, under constant risk of his life, daringly led five of his small craft toward the shore. As he closed the beach, he signaled the others to land, and then in order to draw the enemy's fire and protect the heavily loaded boats, he valiantly placed his craft with its two small guns as a shield between the beachhead and the Japanese. When the perilous task of evacuation was nearly completed, Munro was killed by enemy fire, but his crew, two of whom were wounded, carried on until the last boat had loaded and cleared the beach. By his outstanding leadership, expert planning, and dauntless devotion to duty, he and his courageous comrades undoubtedly saved the lives of many who otherwise would have perished. He gallantly gave up his life in defense of his country."
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Col. Mary Louise Milligan Rasmuson, a member of the first Women's Army Corps, or WAC, passed away on July 30 at the age of 101.
During her service with the WAC, Rasmuson worked with Congress to improve laws regarding female service credit and benefits. After leaving the Army and until her death, Rasmuson remained an ally for female service members and veterans.
You can read more about Col. Rasmuson here and here.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Almost two weeks ago a tragic event took place in Aurora, Colorado when a gunman walked into a movie theater and began shooting, killing 12 people. Three of those who were killed were military personnel.
Petty Officer 3rd Class John Larimer was 27 years old and served in the United States Navy. He was killed protecting his girlfriend from the gunfire.
Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress was 29 years old and served in the United States Air Force Reserves. He was killed protecting a friend who went with him to the movie.
Jonathan T. Blunk was a Navy veteran who left the service in 2009. He served three tours in the Persian Gulf and North Arabian Sea between 2004 and 2009 and was a certified firefighter and emergency medical technician. He died shielding his girlfriend from the gunfire.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Lt. Kristin Love, number 19, division officer of the Patient Administration Department, Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, poses with fellow team-mates of the San Diego Surge. San Diego Surge is one of 62 teams of the Women's Football Alliance.
Photo Taken by Tracy Wong
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Donald McFaul enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1975 and began working as engine specialist. In 1978 he began his Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL(BUD/S) training and was assigned to SEAL Team One upon graduation did three tours of duty conducting special operations. He left the Navy in 1985 but returned in '88 and was assigned to SEAL Team 4. He was deployed to Panama in December of 1989. On December 20 he was KIA during the capture of Paitilla Airfield in Panama City. For his action that day he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. And in 1998 the USS McFaul was commissioned.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Engineman Donald L. McFaul (NSN: 541641184), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Chief Petty Officer of Sea-Air-Land Team FOUR (SEAL-4), GOLF Platoon during Operation JUST CAUSE at Paitilla Airfield, Republic of Panama on 20 December 1989. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's platoon was an element of Naval Special Warfare Task Unit PAPA, whose crucial mission was to deny to General Noriega and his associates the use of Paitilla Airfield as an avenue of escape from Panama. After insertion from sea by rubber raiding craft, Golf Platoon was patrolling toward their objective, a hangar housing General Noriega's aircraft, when they were engaged by heavy small arms fire. Realizing that most of the first squad, 25 meters north of his position, had been wounded, he left the relative safety of his own position in order to assist the wounded lying helplessly exposed. Under heavy enemy fire and with total disregard for his personal safety, Chief Petty Officer McFaul moved forward into the kill zone and began carrying a seriously wounded platoon member to safety. As he was nearing the safety of his own force's perimeter, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Chief Petty Officer McFaul's heroic actions and courage under fire saved his teammate's life and were an inspiration for other acts of heroism as the assault force prevailed in this decisive battle. By his extraordinary bravery, personal sacrifice, and inspiring devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer McFaul reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
On this day in 1776, a group of rebels committed an act of treason when they adopted one of the most important documents in the history of Man. No longer would we be subjects of the crown. From that day forward, we were a free nation. Free to make our own laws and live as we saw fit. Many good and brave people have fought, and died, for that ideal. So while you enjoy the cookouts with the family and the parades and fireworks, please remember the men and women who've fought, and fallen, in the name of freedom.
Born Free by Kid Rock
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
January 27, 1967
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Donald Ward Evans, Jr. (ASN: 56413728), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 January 1967. Specialist Fourth Class Evans left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to the battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to one individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement. Realizing that the wounds of one man required immediate attention, Specialist Fourth Class Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area, to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated. Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, Specialist Fourth Class Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers. As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. Specialist Fourth Class Evan's extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Pfc. Joshua Ummel, Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon member, spins his M1 Garand rifle in the inspection line as part of the SDP's performance during a Tuesday Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., June 5
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Everyone knows Gary Sinise, the actor. But Wednesday Hero is profiling Gary Sinise, the patriot. Since 2004, Sinise has been playing for our troops around the world with the Lt. Dan Band as well as for charities and benefits. In 2004 he, along with author Laura Hillenbrand, founded Operation Iraqi Children, now known as Operation International Children, to get school supplies to children children in Iraq. The program has since expanded to help children around the world. He serves as the national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial raising awareness for the memorial and other veterans' services. And in 2010 Sinise started the Gary Sinise Foundation to honor defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Netherlands American Military Cemetery and Memorial
This week, Wednesday Hero isn't honoring a person or even an organization. It's honoring an entire town. A small town in Holland to be exact. In September 1944 this area of Holland was devastated by retreating Nazis. So much so that when American troops arrived and asked if they could use some of their land to bury their dead they were given 50 football fields worth. In 1960 the Netherlands American Military Cemetery and Memorial was dedicated. The townspeople have even went so far as to adopt each grave and in doing so their family has become responsible for taking care of it.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Been saving links from blog posts and stories to pass on since May, and yikes! suddenly it's June..so here, for you, are some links I'm hopeful you'll find interesting..
Toby Nunn has a nice blog post about a fishing trip with Wounded Warriors here
I've been around the 'milblogging' world as a reader since back in '05..I think we 'old-timers',lol, tend to forget that folks who are just starting to read milblogs missed those early bloggers who blazed a path. One of them was Colby Buzzell and The Sandbox reposted his essay My Father's War Pictures, and Mine
I believe it was at CJ ChiversThe Gun (another blog worth following) that I came across the news that Bowe Bergdahl's parents had set up a website Bring Bowe Home I cannot imagine what his parents must be going through, our thoughts and prayers continue for them and their son.
Letters of Note is a fascinating website and they recently featured a letter written by 19 year old Ernest Hemingway, after he was injured serving as an ambulance driver in World War One The real heroes are the parents
Rear Adm. David Boone, Naval District Washington director of shore readiness, talks with Col. Paul Montanas, Marine Barracks Washington commander, before a 4x100 meter relay at the 2012 Washington D.C. Special Olympics. Leaders from each branch of the military and Department of Defense ran with athletes as part of Military Day during the day's events.
Photo Courtesy U.S. Navy taken by Sr. Airman Steele C. G. Britton
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
The bugle echoes shrill and sweet, But not
of war it sings to-day. The road is rhythmic with the feet Of men-at-arms
who come to pray.
The roses blossom white and red On tombs where
weary soldiers lie; Flags wave above the honored dead And martial music
cleaves the sky.
Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel, They kept
the faith and fought the fight. Through flying lead and crimson steel They
plunged for Freedom and the Right.
May we, their grateful children,
learn Their strength, who lie beneath this sod, Who went through fire and
death to earn At last the accolade of God.
In shining rank on rank
arrayed They march, the legions of the Lord; He is their Captain
unafraid, The Prince of Peace . . . Who brought a sword.
Remembering and Honoring those this Memorial day who gave their lives in service to our country.... such as :
My uncle Staff Sgt. John W. ("Bill") Daley
and also remembering, honoring, and keeping their families in prayer, those from our area who gave their lives for our freedom
and those who we've been privileged to stand for as Patriot Guard Riders
and..stretching across the years back to the American Revolution.....honoring and remembering all those who felt the call to 'go for a soldier'.
This week, Wednesday Hero is profiling another great nonprofit organization called Companions For Heroes(formerly Pets 2 Vets or P2V). C4H rescues animals from shelters and pairs them with service members, police, firefighters and first responders suffering from physical wounds as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). All free of charge. Head over and check them out and make a donation, if you're able to, volunteer your time or you can let them know of a hero who's in need of their help.
You can "Like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
Although I wasn't able to go to the Milblog Conference due to a health problem that popped up the day before (of course, sigh) I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of the Act of Valor DVD to review prior to the release on June 5th, for more....head over to Hooah Wife & Friends HERE
Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William Halyburton lost his life in Okinawa, Japan when his unit was under heavy fire and he ran, without thought of his own safety, to help a fallen Marine. As he was shielding the Marines body with his own, while administering aid, PhM2 Halyburton was mortally wounded. For his actions on that day he was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Marine Rifle Company in the SECOND Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, on 10 May 1945. Undaunted by the deadly accuracy of Japanese counterfire as his unit pushed the attack through a strategically important draw, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Halyburton unhesitatingly dashed across the draw and up the hill into an open fire-swept field where the company advance squad was suddenly pinned down under a terrific concentration of mortar, machinegun and sniper fire with resultant severe casualties. Moving steadily forward despite the enemy's merciless barrage, he reached the wounded Marine who lay farthest away and was rendering first aid when his patient was struck for the second time by a Japanese bullet. Instantly placing himself in the direct line of fire, he shielded the fallen fighter with his own body and staunchly continued his ministrations although constantly menaced by the slashing fury of shrapnel and bullets falling on all sides. Alert, determined and completely unselfish in his concern for the helpless Marine, he persevered in his efforts until he himself sustained mortal wounds and collapsed, heroically sacrificing himself that his comrade might live. By his outstanding valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Halyburton sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
He was also honored by with a guided missile frigate, the USS Halyburton, being named after him.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a great nonprofit organization that was started in 2002 to help returning Vets who have been injured in the line of duty with physical, mental and financial aid. Please, head over to their site and make a donation, if you're able to. They also have WWP items you can purchase to help.
You Can Visit their site above or visit their Facebook and Twitter pages for more information.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
It has definitely felt weird this weekend, Not to be traveling from DC to Gettysburg and cheering on the bicycle riders as we've done for the past 5 years ..fortunately(?) I've had a bit of a stomach virus this weekend, so I suppose I wouldn't have made it anyway,but still..feels weird.
A co-worker's Marine son is deploying soon, and as we gear up here at Casa McClenney to support him, it's certainly brought up a lot of memories for me of when our Army MP deployed
and also thoughts of the things I Didn't blog about, while he was deployed.
Like when posting my 'pictoral history' above, I didn't mention that after we had hugged him and walked away, I burst into sobs once we were out of earshot/eyesight..and then couldn't walk back to the restroom to get tissues, because the restroom was right by the line he was in and there was No Way I was going to let his last sight of me before he left, be my bawling my eyes out. That was just something I'd decided for myself, other mother's sending off their children to war Have cried in front of them..I just wanted the last thing before he got on the plane for him to feel was the Love, and the hugs..he already knew we were worried about him, how could we not be?and I didn't want him to worry that we were worried, if you follow all that. (sheesh, I'm about as incoherent as I was in 2007:)
(which led my husband to think I'd lost my mind at the time,lol, because he kept saying 'go get some tissues' and I kept blubbering 'I Can't!' but was unable to blubber out the reason why)
And I didn't blog throughout the deployment about the' elephant in the room', that fear that is always just at the back of your mind.The stuff you don't talk about, because to voice it opens up the reality that it's a possibility.
I didn't even realize how great that fear Was at the time, until the day I had just wakened up from working night shift and walked downstairs, and the doorbell rang.
No one ever rings our doorbell, and for just a moment I was completely Petrified with fear, and glued to the floor, shaking from head to toe and terrified of answering the door.
It turned out to be a group handing out religious tracts, and I have no memory of speaking to them (but they've never come back since!) but the good thing about that episode was that I mentioned it to my husband when he got home, and it actually led to a discussion about what we'd been avoiding discussing. I didn't realize until that day that my husband and I were both also sharing a second fear..that if, God forbid,the knock on the door came? both of us worried for the other that we would be home alone.
We were also greatly, greatly blessed during his deployment, to have the support of so many family and friends and fellow Soldiers Angels members and just random online friends.
As I said when Dustin came home , we are forever grateful, and we can never say Thank You enough!
One of the ways we Can continue to say 'thank you', though, is to pay it forward.And hopefully we can pass along the blessing of support and prayers and caring that we were so blessed with ourselves.
well, I said to start out with that this post was 'random', it certainly seems to have been ! but that's just some of the things that have come up this week.
Concretebob's posting at United Conservatives of Virginia alerted me to this Victory Parade
(darn it, a weekend I have to work..but that doesn't mean You can't go! and spread the word, would you? the parade page is here and click on Richmond )
A 'surf' of the web for items I feel might be of interest....
I've always loved following 'military artist's blogs...and as this piece from rbportrait blog Big Pine shows..there's so much more than 'just art' to be found on his blog.
I'd also like to recommend Flipping Tires from the same blog.
speaking of Mother's day, I finally registered for the Milblog conference! (which is the Friday and Saturday of that weekend) and am so excited to recently learn from this update that the guest speaker is going to be Scott Waugh, Producer/Director of Act of Valor !
They Shall Live is" a documentary film chronicling the lives of American Gold Star Mothers, an organization comprised of mothers who have lost sons or daughters during service in the United States Armed Forces. This is a story about love, loss, and the validation of life. This is a story about the strength of community and human resolve."
( I recently followed Pete Hegseth during his deployment to Afghanistan, and if I lived in MN, I'd be voting for him! same goes for David Bellavia if I lived in New York!)
Marion's Meepings (an Aussie 'Angel' :) checks in with a March Catch-Up
Charilyn recently posted a Nate Update This woman is one of my Heroes, her faith and love and commitment is inspiring...if you don't know her son's story, read the whole blog. She blogs in part to'help spread the word about the consequences of untreated PTSD'.
If you have an idea for an image or graphic that conveys the 2012 theme of “Then, Now, and Forever – Let’s Make It Personal” –they invite you to Drop them a Note
and was pleased to receive an email this past week alerting me that this year's State Honorees and Distinguished finalist have been chosen.
What are these awards? Created in 1995, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service, and is a truly remarkable program! Each year, the program’s judges select 102 State Honorees-two from each state and the district of Columbia- to receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. where the students will tour the capital’s landmarks, attend a gala awards ceremony, and visit congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
While in D.C., 10 of the State Honorees will be named National Honorees on May 7th. These honorees will receive additional $5,000 awards, gold medallions, crystal trophies and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice. This wonderful trip is designed to not only thank the students for all their hard work, but to also recognize their efforts and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.
The program has a YouTube page and this PSA tells a bit more about the program.
You can search the honorees Here and once the list of honorees appears, you can sort it alphabetically by name, project type, honor, or state by clicking on the appropriate column heading.
Since this blog is all about 'supporting the troops', I wanted to feature those State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists whose volunteer service was devoted to supporting servicemen and women.
The two State Honorees were:
Rebel Rauterkus 17, of Freedom, Wyo., a member of the Lincoln County 4-H and a senior at Star Valley High School in Afton, raised more than $2,000 for the local American Legion Post by buying and raising two hogs, which were then raffled off to the public. Rebel, whose family members are active volunteers, appreciates how much local veterans do for her community and how little they ask in return. When she heard that the organization was in need of money, she knew she had to help. Her family had raffled off prize-winning hogs in the past to support local causes, so Rebel decided she would use money from her savings account to do the same. “When I met with members at the American Legion, they thought I needed money,” said Rebel. “When I said I wanted to make money to give to them, there were overcome with emotion. Several wept.” As a 4-Her, Rebel knew the qualities she wanted in a hog. “I traveled to several breeders and (pig) sales and knew exactly what I was looking for,” she said. “Show pigs require lots of time, exercise and loving care.” After she had chosen her “boys,” as she referred to them, Rebel had 161 days to raise “the best quality meat on the market.” Last September, Rebel’s efforts paid off at the raffle when community members lined up for a chance to win Rebel’s pork. “The response and results were overwhelming,” she said. With her donation, the Alpine American Legion Post 46 will now be able to make more improvements to their ball field and continue to provide full military honors services at veterans’ funerals, she said.
Krystal Shirrell 18, of Brownsburg, Ind., a senior at Brownsburg High School, has engaged in a variety of activities to assist and support U.S. veterans and soldiers. While attending a workshop organized by her sister to make hats for cancer patients, Krystal heard someone talking about how patients undergoing kidney dialysis treatment often struggle to control their body temperature. Shortly afterward Krystal was at a Veterans Day banquet when she learned that many veterans need dialysis, and an idea took shape: she could make lap blankets to help kidney-damaged veterans stay warm during treatment. Krystal spent up to eight hours making each blanket. She also taught middle school students and senior citizens at a local nursing home how to make the blankets. So far, she has delivered more than 250 of them to the local VA hospital. On one visit, she learned about the VA’s domiciliary program for homeless vets, and immediately wanted to do something for these veterans as well. She conducted a collection drive that provided more than 5,000 needed items for vets in the program, and she hosts monthly bingo nights for them, too. In addition, Krystal designed a “thank-you” coloring sheet for elementary school students to send to veterans, and launched a campaign to send decorated Christmas trees and care packages with special gift items to troops over the holidays. Krystal says she wants to “let veterans know the younger generation has not forgotten them and is reaching out with thanks and support.”
and the Distinguished Finalists( two to 10 runners-up in each state are named Distinguished Finalists and receive a bronze medallion) were:
Morgan Bowen 18, of Americus, Ga., a member of the Sumter County 4-H and a home-schooled high school senior, launched "Operation Desert Support" in 2008, a program that sends homemade stockings filled with care items to American troops. Morgan, who has helped to distribute stockings to nearly 900 troops and has recruited and organized 400 volunteers, has also secured donations through a letter campaign, media stories, and drop-off boxes throughout the community.
Elise Bruening 18, of Montville, Ohio, a senior at Madison High School, raised more than $16,000 in her "Six Days to D.C." benefit bicycle ride for which she cycled 325 miles from McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. Elise, a volunteer with Honor Flight Cleveland, raised money to sponsor trips for World War II veterans to visit the World War II Memorial.
Ashley Easterly 16, of Friendswood, Texas, a senior at Friendswood High School, founded "Suitcase 4 Soldiers," an organization that sends suitcases full of snacks, games and the comforts of home to soldiers serving overseas. Ashley's first suitcase went to her father serving in Iraq, and since then she has raised more than $5,000 in grants and donations to support the program.
Jennifer Hoffstadt 17, of Dover, Del., a senior at Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, collected more than 2,000 greeting cards from students in the Caesar Rodney School District and sent them to soldiers through the American Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program. Jennifer, whose dad and other relatives are in the military, also volunteers with the USO and has raised money for families of fallen soldiers; she also volunteers with the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.
Lauren Kelley 12, of Nashville, Tenn., a seventh-grader at Christ the King School, founded "Project: PJ," for which she collected and donated 45 backpacks filled with pajamas, personal care items, toys and books for children of veterans that were left homeless after the flood of 2010. Lauren, who wanted to help when she heard that soldiers were coming home from service "homeless" when their houses were washed away, plans to continue this project to help others in need.
Charlotte McCauley 16, of Atlanta, Ga., a sophomore at North Atlanta High School, has organized a project that has donated 12,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to troops in the Middle East for the past two years. Charlotte, a Girl Scout since she was 6 years old, secured low-cost shipping, worked with Girl Scout leaders in her service unit to approve and promote the project, produced a how-to video, and rallied more than 1,300 Girl Scouts to support the project.
Cole Pitts 17, of Alvin, Texas, a senior at Alvin High School, volunteers as a dive buddy with Dive Pirates, a nonprofit organization that enables injured Iraqi war veterans to scuba dive with trained partners. Cole, whose aunt founded "Dive Pirates," has helped to raise $100,000 to support the program.
Kudos to all these young volunteers for the many ways they have volunteered to support our troops and veterans!
and Kudos to Prudential for the Spirit of Community awards, that recognize and support young volunteers!
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You can also follow the Prudential Spirit of Awards on Facebook and Twitter
