Project Honor

Stories of the Lives of Our Fallen Warriors

When one researches and reads about the lives of Our Individual Warriors, you learn not only a little about what drives them to serve individually, but also about the characteristics that produces these Great Men, willing to sacrifice greatly while risking all to protect others.  Too often, we don't know what we have until its gone. 

One interesting trend I've noted is the above average propensity of Our Troops to have played sports in High School.  It shouldn't be surprising as it instills teamwork and I also played sports in school.  Another is the number of stories of helping others.  Our Troops seem more likely than not to have lived a life of going out of their way to help those weaker, poorer, or in any way less fortunate.  Quite often, they are the popular kid in School that befriends the geeks, the nerds, and other outcasts of school society, while leading the football team and volunteering for a local Non-Profit.

Honoring Marine Sgt. Nicholas "Sure" J. Aleman

Nicholas "Sure" J. Aleman, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y. grew up on Manhattan Avenue and graduated from Midwood HS.  He had studied politics briefly at Fordham University in Manhattan.

" 'Sure' was born and bred in Brooklyn and recognized for his exceptional handstyle which brought together elements of classic New York graffiti with ornamental calligraphy. His script signatures could be found throughout the city and were a major influence on myself and countless others...He was my partner-in-crime and my best friend. I am grateful for the time we had and that everywhere I go in New York City I see his name and know that his presence will be felt by many long after his passing” "Faust," fellow street graffitti artist.

"The guy was very smart. He liked what he was doing." Alex Aleman, cousin

Honoring SSG Vincent Wayne Ashlock

Vincent Wayne Ashlock of Seaside, CA was born May 10, 1965 in San Jose, CA

“He was a really nice dad and also visited his daughter’s first-grade classroom, He was an active dad and certainly a presence.” Suzanne Flint, principal, Rock Creek Elementary School.

"He was a wonderful father.” Angela Ashlock, wife.

"He made Christmas parties for the Ugandans who are forgotten and don't get anything.  He made sure he went around and got a goat to feed for Christmas dinner. I liked that, I liked that that's who my son is." Margot Stengel, mother.

"A man with the warmest heart and smile!" Erica Ashlock Sepanski, daughter.

Honoring SFC James E Thode

James E Thode, of Kirtland NM, was born in Show Low, AZ September 27, 1965 and grew up in Tucson, AZ, graduating from Catalina Magnet High School and the University of Arizona.

He enjoyed the outdoors and was a family man.

"As a kid, Jim learned to shoot a BB gun accurately. He shot that until we finally took him to the range, and then he learned how to handle a rifle.  He was a big, quiet man at 6-2, and 240 pounds, but he was a warrior.  He felt it was his job to straighten out the problems of the world.  I told him he could've retired, but he insisted that these young kids needed someone to take them to war and help keep things together.  He never wanted to take a lot of credit for what he did." Ernest Thode, father.

Honoring SSG Loleni W Gandy

Loleni W Gandy of Pago Pago, American Samoa, lived with his family in Wisconsin.  He graduated in 1991 from Marist HS.

He was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tomah, Wisconsin.

He entered the Active Army in 1993 and re-enlisted in the Reserves for 6 years on March 17, 2003.  He previously served a tour in Iraq with the 411th Engineer Battalion from Jan 2004 to July 2005 and was assigned to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin as a Senior Mechanic from August 2005 through October 2009.  He was assigned to the 103rd ESC and deployed to Iraq on June 6th, 2010.

“It was my honor to serve with SSG Gandy. He was a beloved soldier and friend." SFC A.K. Prier.

Honoring Sgt Ryan Lekosky

Slain Marine remembered at memorial service
by Lance Cpl. Lucas Vega USMC-R

NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE, Belle Chasse – Family, service members and fellow Marines gathered at the Belle Chasse chapel to pay respect to the late Sgt. Ryan Lekosky, Nov. 3

Lakosky was fatally stabbed early, Nov. 1 in the New Orleans French Quarter, following the 235th Marine Corps birthday ball celebration held earlier at the Marriot Hotel on Canal St.

Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 49 units aboard Belle Chasse, Marine Transport Squadron Belle Chasse, and Marine Forces Reserve Headquarters arrived by the dozens to the small chapel which was filled beyond full capacity.

Inside the guests reflected upon a collage of photos creatively placed on a table that commemorated Lekosky’s life.

“We are here today to honor his service to our great nation,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Ringo, commanding officer of VMR Belle Chasse about the aviation supply specialist. “Marines are always taking care of our own and today is no exception.”

The case is currently under investigation by the New Orleans Police Department.

Honoring SSgt Joshua J Cullins

1st Marine Division (Forward) memorializes fallen brother
by Cpl. Daniel Blatter 1st MarDiv

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors from Regional Command Southwest and 1st Marine Division (Forward) at Camp Leatherneck, paused to honor Staff Sgt. Joshua James Cullins, Oct. 27.

Cullins, 28, a 1st Mar Div (Fwd) EOD technician with 1st EOD Company was killed in action, Oct. 19.

“First EOD Company has suffered great losses during this deployment,” said Capt. James Shelstad, 1st EOD Company, company commander. “Each loss has been significant and each loss has been equally painful for the entire EOD family, and for the families back home.”

Honoring SGT Tristan H. Southworth

Tristan Southworth of West Danville, Vermont, was born on October 19, 1988 in Denville, New Jersey.  He graduated in 2007 from Hazen Union HS in Hardwick, VT, where he played baseball, soccer, and basketball.

He is remembered as an excellent student, an exceptional athlete, and a natural leader who was popular with classmates.  His compassion led to him taking care of others in a caring manner.  He was known for his selfless actions and interactions with both popular and unpopular students.  Former Coach Hill describes him as what you'd want your kid to be.

In 2006, he enlisted in the Vermont National Guard and was called to active duty in 2009 for his March 2010 deployment to Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 172nd Infantry, 86th Infantry Brigade, of Jericho, VT.

Honoring SGT Steven J DeLuzio

Steven Joseph DeLuzio of South Glastonbury, CT, graduated Glastonbury High School in Conneticut in 2003. (Photos courtesy of Scott DeLuzio via SGT Steven DeLuzio website.)

"He was riding a bike at 3 years, 3 months, with no training wheels - which is crazy. The funny part about it was, he was still in diapers." Mark DeLuzio, father.

In High School, he played 4 years of Varsity Hockey, served 1 year on the Student Council, was Class President  his freshman year, and was a Big Brother for 2 years. 

In 2004, he transferred from Hofstra University to Norwich University, entered the ROTC program and joined the Vermont National Guard.  His goal was to succeed his father in his business.  He was engaged to Leeza Gutt, his high school sweetheart.

In 2005, he graduated from Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA and deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in 2006, where he earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Navy Unit Citation.

After returning from Iraq, he continued his education and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Hartford, in Conneticut, in 2009, with a degree in accounting.  He was hired by Haggett & Longobardi, which has become JH Colin.

Honoring PFC Jonathon Hall

Jonathon David Hall, 23, of Chattanooga, TN, grew up in Anchorage, AK.

He enjoyed skateboarding and playing hockey.  He is remembered for his extensive preparation prior to joining the military, physically, mentally, spiritually, and in studying for medical skills.

In 1998, Hall was baptized in Israel and was a member of the Woodland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga.

“As a grandfather I have to say he was an outstanding young man. While he was here he worked for a jobs agency owned by a neighbor of mine and they really appreciated him because he was always prompt and on time and did his work.” Don Priddy, grandfather.

“He enjoyed what he was doing and wanted to further his education to maybe possibly be a doctor.  He loved caring for people.” Robynn Harrrison, mother.

"He loved Chattanooga." Jan Priddy, grandmother.