Project Honor

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 Buddy W McLain

Buddy W. McLain, 24, of Mexico, Maine was born August 3, 1986 and graduated from Mountain Valley High School in 2006.

He enjoyed playing guitar, ice fishing, camping, and AC/DC & Pink Floyd.  He aspired to become a Maine Police Officer.

On March 11, 2009, he married his high school sweetheart Chelsea Freeman.  His young family was the most important part of his life.

McLain was a Cavalry Scout, who joined the Army in May 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in October 2009. 

His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.

McLain is survived by his wife, Chelsea McLain and son, Owen McLain, both of Peru, Maine.  He is also survived by his parents, Larry and Patti McLain of Mexico, Maine, brothers Dustin McLain, Cote McLain, and Greg Gibbons.  He was laid to rest at Demeritt Cemetary in Peru, Maine.

If you knew Buddy personally and have stories to share of his Honor, his Humor, of his life, please contact us so we can update his page.

Honoring PFC Austin G Staggs

Austin G. Staggs, 19, of Senoia, Georgia was born January 11, 1991 in Tarrant County, Texas.  He attended Weatherford High School before graduating in 2008 from North Hills in Millsap, TX.

"He was the most big-hearted kid you've ever met." Byram Staggs, father.

“He’s a good kid. He had a good heart. He loved people. He finished what he started. He accomplished his goal.” Kaye Jordan, mother.

"Austin was a great friend to my two Sons." Michael Peacock.

Austin was a Fire Support Specialist who joined the Army in September 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2010. 

His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.

Staggs is survived by his wife, Sheena Staggs of Clarksville, Tenn.; son, Kallen O’Neal of Weatherford, Texas; father, Byram Staggs and wife Kelly of Senoia, Ga. and mother Kaye Jordan and husband Judd, of Weatherford, Texas, sisters Emily and Sarah Staggs, grandparents Bobby Joe and Gertrude Staggs and Marion Buckner.  He was remembered at First Baptist Church on December 11, 2010 and was laid to rest next to his cousin Robert Shelton Staggs, at Mount Olivet Cemetary in Fort Worth Texas.

If you knew Austin personally and have stories to share of his Honor, his Valor, of his life, please contact us so that we can update his page. 

 

Honoring PFC Jacob A Gassen

Jacob A. Gassen, 21, of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin was born on November 19, 1988 and graduated Beaver Dam High School in 2008.

In High School, he was active in the Orchestra, golf team, and the Academic Decathlon.  He was a lifeguard at the YMCA and Colombus Aquatic Center.  He was on the YMCA Swim Team and involved in the Youth Soccer program. 

He studied nursing at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh before entering the Army.  He wanted to live his life helping others heal.

"He was one of those guys when you were in a room he was always the peacemaker ... always the guy who everybody looked up to and he was that type of guy, if you were out of line, he would straighten you out." Greg Gassen, father.

"His heart was very much in the right place.  He loved his family, he loved living on the lake." Mary Vogl-Rauscher, neighbor.

He was a really good guy.  He helped me reshape my life." Jeff Rauscher, friend.

Gassen was a Combat Medic, who joined the Army in September 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in April 2010. 

 

Honoring SPC Matthew W Ramsey

Matthew W. Ramsey, 20, of Quartz Hill, Calif.  He graduated Quartz Hill High School in 2008.

He loved his son Zachary immensely and enjoyed Country Music.

Ramsey was an Infantryman who joined the Army in April 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in September 2008.

His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal and Air Assault Badge.

Ramsey is survived by his wife Mirella, his son Zachary, and parents, Wayne and Melissa Cochran of Quartz Hill, Calif.  He was remembered at Highlands Christian Fellowship, Palmdale, CA.

If you knew Matthew personally and have stories to share of His Honor, of his Valor, of his life, please contact us so that we can update his post.

 

 

 

 

  

Honoring SSG Curtis A Oakes

Curtis A. Oakes, 29, of Athens, Ohio graduated from Alexander High School in Albany and from Hocking College in 2002 with degrees in Wildlife Management and in Aquaculture.

He was active in Future Farmers of America and the Forestry Club.

He was a true character. Always made you laugh." Betsy Schmidt, friend.

"The easiest thing to say about Curtis is that he was going to have a good time no matter what.  He was really outgoing and jovial." Greg Gilders, Industrial Technology teacher, Alexander HS, where Curtis worked in the after-school program.

"His character is something people should emulate. He was just a good guy, and accomplished. I was looking for him to do great things, and he did, just in a different field." Lloyd Wright, Program Coordinator, Hocking College.

Oakes was a Fire Support Specialist who joined the Army in March 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in September 2004. He had previously served in Iraq and in Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Purple Heart; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Driver and Mechanic Badge; Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Honoring SFC Barry Edward Jarvis

Barry Edward Jarvis was born November 24, 1974 in Tell City, Indiana and was raised in Lewisport, KY. He graduated HS in 1993.

He enjoyed riding Harleys.

"He wanted to know about everything, he was inquisitive. (He) and my son spent a lot of time together. We had a basement, and the basement was there playground." Wanda Kellem, aunt.

"Barry is a well-mannered young man. I enjoyed having him in class." Michele Beller, teacher, Tell City.

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 1LT William J Donnelly IV

1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV, 27, of Picayune, Mississippi, was a Homeschool graduate. He attended the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY and was commissioned on June 16, 2008.

He enjoyed both Country and Alternative music, watching NCIS, maintaining firearms skills, and working on engines.

He is remembered as a devoted husband, outstanding Marine, and his caring Generosity.  If you needed help, no matter when or where, he would be there for you.

He had previously worked at the Avondale Shipyard.

“He was the best husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could have.  He was respected by all who knew him and loved by everyone, and will be missed by so many.  He lived to serve his country, and he refused to just sit on the sidelines.” Melissa Donnelly-Weed, sister.

Honoring LCpl Arden Joseph A Buenagua

Arden Joseph A Buenagua of San Jose, California was born on December 27, 1990.  "AJ" attended Independence High School and graduated from Piedmont HS in 2009.

"He was a chilled laid back kinda guy but really smart with great ambition." Alex Rivera, schoolmate.

AJ enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 27, 2009 and was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA.

"He brought honor to those that knew him." SSgt. Johnny M. Flores

His Awards and Decorations include: the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

He is survived by Marivic Ayuson Trinidad, mother.

AJ was honored by 10 fire departments from Milpitas to San Bruno on his final journey.  He was laid to rest at Golden Gate National Cemetary.