Project Honor

Honoring SPC Richard C Emmons III

“Richard was an outstanding soldier and a great man,” said U.S. Army Cpt. Bixler C. Benson, commander of HHC 2nd Bn., 30th Inf. Regt. “He joined the Army because he wanted to be a Soldier, fully knowing that he would deploy and support the global war on terrorism. That action in itself speaks volume to his character.”

 Cpt. Bixler C. Benson: “I give you all one last duty for Richard and that’s to tell the American people of his sacrifice,” he said. “A general officer once said to me ‘you’ll never forget the heroes that you served with. You will carry that weight for the rest of your life but the American people will not know of their sacrifices unless you share it with them.’”

Honoring SPC Rudolph R Hizon

Rudolph R Hizon joined the Army in January 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in October 2010.

U.S. Army SPC Rudolph R. Hizon was assigned to Task Force Patriot soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.  Hizon, a 22-year-old Los Angeles native assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment’s Task Force Storm out of Fort Polk, LA

U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Jones of Aurora, Ill., assigned to Company B’s TF Storm, said he will always remember Hizon’s smile.

“I will always have you in my thoughts for the rest of my days,” said Jones of Hizon. “I love you man!”

Hizon was a good friend to everyone he knew, said U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Gonzales of Olath, Kan.

“I will always think of him as the happy and cheerful person he was… and I’m going to miss him dearly,” said Gonzales. “I love you, fool.”

Honoring SPC Christopher G Stark

U.S. Army Spc. Christopher G. Stark was a 22-year-old Monett, Mo., native assigned to 705th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company Stark was working out of Combat Outpost Tangi in support of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, while deployed in Afghanistan.

Several Soldiers said Stark was an outstanding team member and a great EOD technician. Stark’s comrades said he was always willing to help others and made everything he did fun for himself and for those around him.

“Spc. Stark served as my EOD team member; his input and enthusiasm was crucial to the successful completion of numerous missions,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Czikalla of Clive, Iowa. “He loved being an EOD technician. There was never a day that Chris didn’t live life to the fullest. He experienced more in his 22 years than many do in a lifetime.”

Stark’s “strong sense of loyalty and devotion to his team made him a very reliable technician,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Chandara Hak of Santa Rosa, Calif., and 705th EOD member. “You could always count on Spc. Stark to have your back in any situation.”

Honoring SSG Chauncy R Mays

Chauncy R Mays was born December 7, 1985 and graduated from Chapel Hill HS in 2004.  He married Katherine Carpenter in 2007.

"He was such a sweet and positive person when I knew him." Molly Hudson, Dallas, TX, schoolmate, Como-Pickton High School

"He was always talking about going back what he could do to help somebody else. I never understood it, but it takes a different kind of person to do that and we're all proud of him." Matthew Terrell, best friend

Mays, a 25-year-old native of Cookville, Texas, was assigned to 63rd EOD Bn, 20th Support Command and attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division’s Task Force Patriot based at Fort Polk, La.,

He was assigned to 705th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company in the Tangi area. Mays was working out of Combat Outpost Tangi in support of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, while deployed in Afghanistan.

While his comrades credit Mays’ dedication and expertise for having saved a “countless” number of lives as an EOD non-commissioned officer, he meant much more to them and to his unit.

Honoring 1LT Scott "Scooter" Milley

Scott F Milley, of Sudbury, MA was born March 26, 1987.  He graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury HS in 2005 and the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's in Psychology in 2009 where he was an honors graduate.

In High School he was Captain of the Hockey team and played LaCrosse.  His plans for the Military started when he was 3 years old.  He planned to continue his service in the FBI or CIA when he finished his Army Service.

"He was willing to do anything at anytime, anywhere and for anyone." Friend

"He cared about everybody and everything - whether it was chipmunk in the road or a stray dog. He had the biggest heart - not to mention he was a funny guy."  Ashley Milley, sister.

Honoring PVT Devon Jamel Harris

Devon Jamel Harris, of Mesquite, TX, was born July 3, 1986 in Dallas and graduated in 2004 from Skyline High School.  He went on to Southwest Christian College for two years.

He was an active member of the Southern Hills Church of Christ.  He volunteered at his school and his church.  He is remembered as a deep, thoughtful man.

"He was like my best friend, always watched out for me.  I trusted him with anything."  Ashley Harris, twin sister.

Honoring SGT Edward H Bolen

Edward H Bolen of Chittenango, NY, was born in Syracuse, NY and graduated from Chittenago HS in 2003.  He was confirmed at St Patricks Church.  He was the Captain of the Football and Baseball Teams as well as having bowled, competed in track & field, and wrestled. 

He was a cellist in the All-County Orchestra and an avid golfer.  He attended college at St. John Fisher and studied business at SUNY-Cortland.  He enlisted in the Army in 2006 rising to the rank of Sergeant in B. Co., 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division.

"Ed was a tremendous athlete, which I think was largely due to his dedication. Ed didn't do ANYTHING halfway. I considered myself a decent chess player until the first time I played Ed." Jeremy Wolford, schoolmate.

"He always made us laugh and his smile is engraved in our minds forever." Sharon Schantz

"I will never forget his smile, his warm heart and his zest for life." Laurice Rau-McAllister, neighbor.

"Ed was noble and brave, always looking out for and protecting the people he cared about.  Ed was one of my favorite people...he had the greatest ability at making you smile. And his smile lit up the whole room." Rachel Henderson.