Why I founded A Hero's Tribute.Org

A Hero's Tribute.Org is a memorial website for Fallen Military, Firefighter’s and Law Enforcement Officers that I started back in 2004 when I lived in Florida. It was during the summer when we were having so many casualties Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m a proud army mom and it broke my heart that so many families had lost their Hero. My son has been on three tours to Iraq and I learned the meaning of “pray without ceasing”. I don’t know how other families feel but when my son came back home and I was so relieved and grateful to God he sent him back to me, and yet, I also felt a little guilty because of all those that didn’t come home to their families.

I had just graduated in 2004 with an AS degree in Web Graphics & Web Design as I was creating an educational nonprofit. When I saw day in and day out the loss of our military I asked God wasn’t there something that I could do to let these families know that they will never be forgotten. It was that summer that I created A Hero’s Tribute.Org. I didn’t know how I was going to accomplish this so over the next few months I did research and then started gathering photos and graphics to use in the memorials. In 2005 both Danny Halhbolm the artist who created “Footprints in the Sand” allowed me to use his artwork in the memorial and Celtic Woman gave me permission to use their music.

I was born into a law enforcement family. My father was in the Florida Highway Patrol when I was born. He did that for 11 years and then he ran for Sheriff in Seminole County, Florida where he was elected in 1968 and retired in 1990 with a terminal illness. He passed away in June of 1991 and he had a very large funeral. It was during the funeral that I realized just how loved and respected he was. He was only 59 when he died.

Much like the funerals of Fallen Police Officers; sheriff’s, deputies and police officers came to his funeral to pay their respects from all over the State. During his funeral procession we took him past the Sheriff’s Office and the Jail he helped raise money for, that is now named “The John E. Polk Correctional Facility” in honor of his dedication to all those he served. As we took him to his final resting place there were lines of people lined up along the side of the roads and flags were lowered to have staff. When we drove by the veterans clubs where they stood and saluted him as well as his deputies and employees. Words cannot express how much that meant to my family, and, how much strength it gave us to get through our loss. I am sure that is how it is for every Fallen Hero’s family.

I moved from Florida to North Carolina in 2006 to be near to my son who was stationed at Ft Bragg. Over the years I have been so humbled and honored that something I had created was meant so much to each family that I did a memorial for. I’ve made some lifelong friends and I give God all the credit for helping me do this. It is so important that we never forget our Fallen Military, Firefighter’s and Police Officer’s. Their families need to know that they are remembered and if A Hero's Tribute can have a small part in that, then that's a good thing.

So.... This is the official re-launch of my blog. I will be sharing memorials that I have done giving you an opportunity to get to know a Fallen Hero and their family. I encourage you to take a few moments to leave a condolence.

The Most Sacred Duty

Angel Flights are the U.S. Air Force planes (C-130's) used to fly home our Fallen Soldiers. Angel Flight is also their call sign. In addition, Angel Flights have top priority in U.S. Airspace 

I think it's important for us to understand what military families go through when their family member, their Hero makes the Ultimate sacrifice. Before I became an Army Mom I never thought about the military except for when the news would broadcast about their death.

When my son was in the JROTC that was my first introduction and even then I had no idea what would lay a head for my son. My son's best friend James enlisted first and was in the tank division that enter Iraq. Were it not for television coverage we would have no idea what was going on and how horrific war was. For me watching that and knowing James was there, was now reality for me. My son has been in the army for thirteen years now and I knew and understood deployment and constantly praying for your child's safe return. I am learning now about PTSD and how it affects the whole family and how that can end tragically. Our veterans live with the memories and visions they couldn't leave behind. I not not know how it feels to lose a family member to war. I've been doing memorials for twelve years and it is very sad but I can't imagine losing a child as many families have. Only another family losing a Hero can no the pain.

I have come across video's that share what happens when a soldiers makes the ultimate sacrifice and those people that we never think about that takes tender care of every Fallen Hero. After you view them please share on your social media channel.

Who are the Patriot Guards Riders? They are Angels...

I call them Angels because that is what they are

You may have already seen them, they are patriotic citizens, that give of their own time to honor, and support all of America's military veterans. The Patriot Guard Riders, PGR as they are referred to, is not a motorcycle club. In fact, you don't have to ride a motorcycle to be a member. It's free to join and made up of all volunteers.