2014 Memorial Day presentation

1. Memorial Day • Originated as Decoration Day to commemorate Union & Confederate Soldiers who died during the American Civil War • Designated to remember men and women who died while serving We wish everyone an enjoyable and safe long weekend, and encourage taking a little time to reflect on the holiday’s meaning and those men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sincerely, The General Mills Veterans Network

2. Staff Sgt. James A. Justice Alpha Troop, 1-113th Cavalry Regiment – Camp Dodge, IA KIA - April 23, 2011 - in Afghanistan's Kapisa Province

3. Sgt. Daniel L. Sesker Bravo Troop, 1-113th Cavalry Regiment – Camp Dodge, IA KIA - April 6, 2006 near Baghdad, Iraq

4. Patrick J. Murphy LCDR, USNR A victim of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, Pat give his life doing what he loved – serving his country!

5. SPC Terry Gordon E Troop, 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment LOST BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN Zabul, Afghanistan – December 17, 2013

6. Joshua Born SGT SGT Joshua Born was KIA 23 Feb 2012 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. SGT Born was a phenomenal Soldier and I had the special honor of serving with him as his Platoon Leader in Korea during 2008. He will forever be greatly missed and never forgotten. - Lee Beaudette (Jingle 3rd Shift MC, Murfreesboro, TN)

7. Victor John Anderson Torpedoman’s Mate, Second Class Eternal Patrol on the USS Flier Lost Aug 13th 1944

8. Kyle Coutu Private First Class, USMC KIA February 18, 2010, in Marjah, Afghanistan. Loving son, Outstanding Marine. Pawtuckett, Rhode Island

9. Patrick Xavier Jr. Lance Corporal, USMC KIA May 18, 2010, in Marjah, Afghanistan. Loving son and brother. Outstanding Marine. Pembroke Pines, Florida

10. George Michael Broz 2nd Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps In honor of my Uncle George, who died in combat on December 27, 1967 in Thua Thien Province. All my love… -Stephanie Lilak

11. Keith Yoakum Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Yoakum and Jason Defrenn, AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter aircrew, were shot down and killed on 2 FEB 2007 northwest of Baghdad, Iraq. Although their aircraft was severely crippled from battle damage, they chose to stay in the fight and protect their wingman while engaging the enemy. Ultimately, they gave their lives protecting their friends. Although lost, they’ll never be forgotten.

13. Jason Defrenn Chief Warrant Officer 2 Keith Yoakum and Jason Defrenn, AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter aircrew, were shot down and killed on 2 FEB 2007 northwest of Baghdad, Iraq. Although their aircraft was severely crippled from battle damage, they chose to stay in the fight and protect their wingman while engaging the enemy. Ultimately, they gave their lives protecting their friends. Although lost, they’ll never be forgotten.

14. SPC Carlos E. Wilcox IV 1st Platoon, 34th Military Police Company Paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom on July 16th, 2009 in Basra, Iraq. Never forgotten… - Courtney Weaver

15. CPL Joseph Thibodeaux III HHC, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID KIA – September 1st, 2004 - in Hawijah, Iraq

16. Bradley N. Shilling SPC, Army, E Co, 1 -25 Infantry Battalion, Big Rapids, MI KIA Baghdad, Iraq November 18th, 2006 On November 18, 2008 Specialist Bradley N Shilling offered the ultimate sacrifice. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan National Guard, Big Rapids, Mich.; Brad died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad.

17. Matthew A. Webber SGT, Army Died April 27th, 2006 serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom 23, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan Army National Guard, Saginaw, Mich.; died on April 27 in the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of injuries sustained Nov. 21, 2005 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations. "And when he gets to Heaven, To Saint Peter he will tell. One more Soldier reporting sir, I've served my time in hell." -Unknown"

18. Gerald C. Hague Paratrooper – U.S. Army - 173rd Airborne Killed In Action, May 21st, 1967 – Recipient of Bronze Star Valor Device & Navy & Marine Corps Unit Citation Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Panel 20E, Row 59

19. Brian M Bunting Captain, West Point ‘02 Bubba, we will always remember your contagious smile, accepting demeanor and light hearted- ness in tough situations. Plus, your excellent partying skills! It was non-stop laughing with you, my friend. Korea wouldn’t have been the same experience without you. Bubba you are a great friend and a Leader. Words cannot describe how much you are missed. KIA Kandahar, Afghanistan Feb 29th, 2009. Be thou at peace

20. Torre R Mallard Captain, West Point ‘02 Torre, we will feel your absence deep in our hearts. You were always so cheerful. We will always remember your smile and calm, gentle demeanor. We will take comfort in the many memories we have of you. We will miss you so much. KIA Balad Ruz, Iraq Mar 10th, 2008 Be thou at peace

21. Drew Jenson Captain, West Point ‘02 Drew, you are a shining example of heroism and selflessness. Not only in combat, but in your strength with helping your classmates though West Point both in the field and in the classroom. You know I could not have made it through fluid and static dynamics without your patient tutoring  Your loss has left a hole in our hearts. We miss you. Be thou at peace.

22. Andrew R. Pearson Captain, West Point ‘01 Andrew, I will always remember how you would make us plebes get up at 4:30am to go for a run before class and memorize your drink preferences by the day.. And the list goes on. You were a tough cookie! You taught us discipline, and standards, you kept the tradition of West Point alive, and you were loved and appreciated for it. Plus, we got you back pretty good on your birthday  You are deeply, deeply missed, Root Hawg. KIA Baghdad, Iraq. April 30th, 2008 Be thou at peace

23. Joseph F. Lusk Captain, West Point ‘01 Joe, I will never forget your spirit, motivation and thoughtful leadership. You brought fun and humor to our lives. We miss you, Root Hawg. Be thou at peace.

25. Joseph Emigh 2LT, West Point ‘02 Joey, you brought light into everyone's day. You were one of the kindest and most trustworthy gentleman I had the honor to be friends with. Additionally, you could really have a good time - you knew how to have fun, enjoy life, and make everyone around you laugh, which is something we all need to remember to do more of. News of your loss hit our class deeply. Its not the same without you, you are deeply missed. Fort Sill OK, Sept 2nd, 2002 Be thou at peace

26. Zachary Miller 2LT, West Point ‘02 Truman and Rhodes Scholar, Rugby team captain, ranked 11th of 957 in our class, scholarship to Oxford, kind, generous, thoughtful, gentle, you were a man of unlimited potential. We all looked forward to following the world changes you would make. We all have to be a little better to fill the void your loss has left in the world.. You are always loved and missed. Ranger school has since changed its practices. Ranger School Accident, Fort Benning, GA ,July 2nd, 2002 Be thou at peace

27. James M. Gurbitz Captain, West Point ‘02 You are deeply missed. KIA Baghdad, Iraq. Nov 4th, 2005 Be thou at peace

28. Derek S. Hines 1LT, West Point ‘03 KIA Baylough, Afghanistan. Sept 1st 2005 Be thou at peace

29. Timothy J Moshier Captain, West Point ‘02 You are deeply missed. KIA Baghdad, Iraq. April 1st, 2006 Be thou at peace

30. Laura M. Walker 1LT, West Point ‘03 Laura, you are deeply missed. KIA Delak, Afghanistan. Aug 18th, 2005 Be thou at peace

31. Dustin G. Shannon 1LT, West Point ‘00 Dustin, you were a fantastic PSG, and helped us navigate our first year at WP with the perfect level of discipline, thoughtful compassion and humor. Our class was heartbroken when we heard of the accident. You are deeply missed, Root Hawg. S. Korea. Aug 23th, 2002 Be thou at peace

32. James Boelk LCpl. USMC KIA Oct. 15, 2010 James is the second of seven children. James grew up in a military family. With a father as a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and a brother-law a Marine Captain James decided to enlist in the Marines. “As one of my Marines I will always remember his work ethic,” Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Cartier said. “No matter how hard the task, he would put on this half-grin and charge full speed ahead to accomplish it.”

33. Phillip Vinnedge LCpl. USMC KIA Oct. 13, 2010 Phillip was a loving son and brother. Phillip was known for taking on new challenges with confidence. Since he was 10 years old, Phillip knew what he wanted and didn’t waiver from that decision. Phillip wanted to protect and serve our country. If you asked Phillip to tell you something about himself, or to brag about himself, his words would be “I’m now a Marine.” Please remember, “When you look upon Heaven’s scene, you will see the streets are guarded by United States Marines,” and one of those Marines will be our son.

34. Joseph Lopez LCpl. USMC KIA Oct. 14, 2010 This is the last text sent to Joey’s dad: Hey dad, I'm flying out of leatherneck tonight to my area of operation so this is the last time I'll be texting you. I have been reading the Bible everyday and talking to God everyday and its been helping me a lot so far. If for some reason something happens to me and I don't come home, make sure Mom understands I have a relationship with God now and I'm ok. I love you Dad....

35. Brandon Pearson LCpl. USMC KIA Nov. 9, 2010 With every day that passes, we celebrate Brandon’s life and focus on those things that are truly important: Life, love, and the freedoms we all enjoy. Our pride and love for Brandon is endless; he will live in our hearts forever.

37. Carlos Wilcox IV Spc. US Army KIA July 16, 2009 Carlos’ friends in the 1st Platoon, 34th Military Police Company described him as a good friend and a good Soldier. As much as his friends in the unit found it fun to joke around with him, they were always somewhat amazed by how professional and astute Wilcox was. “Wilcox always took care of us,” said one 1st Platoon Soldier. “If anyone was hurting or had a medical issue, he took care of it.” Carlos’s mother said "Carlos is sorely missed by his family and friends who love him dearly. Thank you for remembering all our fallen soldiers."

38. Irvin Martin Ceniceros LCpl. USMC KIA Oct. 14, 2010 Irvin was deeply loved. He was a beloved son, devoted brother and loyal friend to many. He was known for his humor and ability to find good in others. Senator Mark Pryor stated, “ We will never forget his courage and valor, and may we always honor the life he gave for our country”

39. Jason Peto Sgt. USMC KIA Dec. 7, 2010 Easy going, fun-loving, kind, polite, considerate, always ready to lend a helping hand, a true friend, lead-footed, life of the party, so full of life, that was Jason.” We know Jason is looking down with that smile and giggling at this honor. Jason was, he is, and forever will be the love of our life.” .

40. Jason Amores Sgt. USMC KIA Jan. 20, 2011 Jason was a husband and father of two children. Lt. Col. Jason Morris, battalion commander said, “ Sgt. Amores was that true Marine hero who always ran to the sound of gunfire.” Jason sought to always protect his specific Boys of 3/5 and this is what he did each and every day deployed in Afghanistan where such heroic and selfless actions compelled the U.S. government to posthumously award him the Bronze Star with Valor.

41. Jose Maldonado LCpl. USMC KIA Dec. 17, 2010 He would never settle for ordinary in his life, so it should be no surprise that his death was extraordinary, because he died doing what he loved, which was just protecting his country. More than anything, he wanted to fight for his country.

42. Derek Wyatt Cpl. USMC KIA Dec. 6, 2010 On the day after the life of Derek Wyatt ended, the first breath of his son began. Derek Wyatt’s son was born the day after his death. It is hoped that Derek was there is spirit to watch the birth of his son.

43. Justin Cain Cpl. USMC Oct. 14, 2010 You are a hero and always will be. I can’t believe you are gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN! We will need you to hold us up through this all. It isn’t going to be easy! Words can’t explain how much it hurts but I know you are in a better place.

44. Colton Rusk LCpl. USMC KIA Dec. 6, 2010 “Don’t be afraid to go after your hopes and dreams, but don’t be afraid to be willing to pay the price,” Rusk wrote under his senior photo. There is no way of ever knowing how many lives Colton & Eli saved in the short amount of time they had together. Colton had the biggest smile and a heart to go with it. He loved life, but he loved his country more. He is dearly missed by his family, brothers in arms and his military dog Eli. Always Smile for me, my Texas Angel.

45. Victor Dew LCpl. USMC KIA Oct. 13. 2010 An amazing son, brother, fiancé and teacher. Victor’s sense of humor, smile, strength and incredible hugs are forever etched in our hearts.

46. Joseph Rodewald LCpl. USMC KIA Oct. 13 2010 Joe was a son, a brother, a fiancé and a Marine. Joe played football, wrestled and was a team leader. “He was really that ultimate teammate that encouraged other people to do their best, so that leader by example is how I’ll remember him,” said Joe’s former football coach. Joe lived life to the fullest. Joe’s brother says, “When you’re with someone and they’re leaving, don’t hold back, don’t just tell them you love them, hug them, because you never know,”

48. Ian Tawney Sgt. USMC KIA Oct. 16, 2010 “It’s hard when you’ve lost somebody and you try to define who they were,” his father said. Ian was soon to be a father, his daughter was born three months after his death. Ian was full of life, he loved to laugh. He was a leader who received many awards. “He just knew what he wanted in his life, and he went for it,” his mother said. “He was a man of great integrity.”

49. James Stack LCpl. USMC KIA Nov. 10, 2010 James was a husband, new father, son, and brother. Prior to the military James was a nationally-ranked air pistol shooter in the 2008 Jr. Olympics. “We told each other that we loved each other. No matter what happens wf are never going to be apart. He’s always going to be with me,” stated James wide.

50. Alec Catherwood LCpl. USMC KIA Oct 14, 2010 Alec at 19, had lived a happier life than most who live to 80! He was always smiling with eyes that sparkled and was impossible to get angry with. He fought to make bullied kids feel special and stuck up for them when nobody else would. The hole in my heart left by his passing, will never close up or be filled by anything (or anyone) else. The pain is unimaginable and indescribable! I can feel happiness, but no longer joy. I can experience quiet, but never again peace

51. Rick Morice, Michael Jago & Joseph ‘Chris’ Foltz United States Air Force We thank you for your unselfish service to our country.

52. Tom Felts LTC, Military Intelligence November 14, 2006 Baghdad, Iraq Soldier, Father, Husband, Friend Tom volunteered for Service in Iraq to take the place of someone who had already been deployed once.

53. Felipe Hernandez 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division Fallen in action, Vietnam on August 25, 1969. Gone too soon.

54. Jaime Jaenke HM3, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 Fallen in action, Al Anbar Province, Iraq on June 5, 2006. Survived by her daughter.

55. Gary Rovinski EO1, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 Fallen in action, Al Anbar Province, Iraq on June 5, 2006. Survived by his wife and two daughters.

56. Jerry Tharp BU1, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 Fallen in action, Al Anbar Province, Iraq on July 12, 2006. Survived by his wife.

57. Alejandro Robles Specialist, U.S. Army Alejandro Robles was born on September 30, 1973 in Los Angeles. On September 27, 1994, Specialist Robles died in a non-hostile incident while serving with the 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Regiment in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti at the age of 21.

58. Gerardo Daniel Luciano Private, U.S. Army Gerardo Luciano was born on June 09, 1972 in New York City. October 16, 1994, Private Luciano died in a non-hostile incident while serving with the 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Regiment in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti at the age of 22.

2014 Memorial Day presentation

GeneralMillsPR

2014 Memorial Day presentation