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Military Heroes Month: Honoring our Heroes in Photos

wbartels
Adventurer C
My grandfather was and still is my hero. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician’s Mate during World War II, and was present at the signing of the peace treaty on the USS Missouri.  This past year, I stood at his funeral and listened as Taps was played slowly and boldly.  Each note reminded me of the service and sacrifices my grandfather, along with so many like him, has given to our country.  As the American flag was delicately presented to our family, I realized that few things are as honorable as serving one’s country. Throughout November, we asked our Employees and Customers to help us celebrate those who’ve served our country by sharing photos of their military heroes.  The photos and stories we received were both heartbreaking and celebratory at the same time. And, while each story is unique, the themes of honor, service, sacrifice, and celebration ring through each photo. Featured below are just a few of the photos we received during Military Heroes Month.  To see the complete collection, please check out our Flickr album.
Just 12 hours before her husband was deployed to Afghanistan, Sarah Romeo found out she was pregnant. After serving at Camp Bastian, Sarah’s husband, Josh, returned home to a wife who was seven months pregnant with their first son, Griffin. Thankfully, Josh was able to attend the birth of his son just three weeks after his return.
Just 12 hours before her husband was deployed to Afghanistan, Sarah Romeo found out she was pregnant. After serving at Camp Bastian, Sarah’s husband, Josh, returned home to a wife who was seven months pregnant with their first son, Griffin. Thankfully, Josh was able to attend the birth of his son just three weeks after his return.
Olivia Wynia shared this photo of her brother, Jacob Wynia, and his fiancé, Jessica Preston, upon Jacob’s homecoming from pre-deployment leave last month. On December 10, Jacob will be deployed. The couple plans to marry when Jacob returns from deployment in July.
Olivia Wynia shared this photo of her brother, Jacob Wynia, and his fiancé, Jessica Preston, upon Jacob’s homecoming from pre-deployment leave last month. On December 10, Jacob will be deployed. The couple plans to marry when Jacob returns from deployment in July.
Lauren Berry and her boyfriend, Tom, were visiting family in New Jersey when they decided to swing by the city during fleet week. Tom serves in the Navy as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician and is currently deployed to Afghanistan.
Lauren Berry and her boyfriend, Tom, were visiting family in New Jersey when they decided to swing by the city during fleet week. Tom serves in the Navy as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician and is currently deployed to Afghanistan.
Laura Avelar bids her husband farewell on the day of his deployment. John Avelar has served in the Marine Corps for six years, and the two have known each other since they were 16.
Laura Avelar bids her husband farewell on the day of his deployment. John Avelar has served in the Marine Corps for six years, and the two have known each other since they were 16.
Thank you to those who’ve shared their stories, and especially to those who so bravely fight for our freedom.  You are all our heroes. #LUVFromtheHeart