Dec 2013 - American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

Alamo Area
American Gold Star Mothers
Chartered 5/14/11 – San Antonio, Tx
DECEMBER 2013
Veteran’s Day In and Around SA
AAAGSM Officers
2013 - 2014
President . . . . .
Vice President .
Secretary . . . .
Treasurer . . . . .
1st Chaplain . .
2nd Chaplain .
Sgt. At Arms . .
Color Guard . .
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. Debbie Agnew
. . . Kim Rairdan
Reesa Doebbler
. . Alice Babine
. . Leonor Saenz
. . . . Ruth Holler
. . . . Dee Flores
. Carmen Danna
Merry Christmas,
T
Ya’ll
Newsletter published monthly (digital)
by Reesa Doebbler and the Alamo Area
GSMs. Distributed to our Gold Star families, friends in the military, news media and
other private/public entities.
If you prefer not to receive this, please
email reply and request removal.
Back row L-R: Ruth Holler, Diana Pena (not shown, Penny Farias)
Front row L-R: Kim Rairdan, Norma Aldabbagh, Debbie Agnew, Candy Martin
here were many Veterans Day activities going on in San Antonio for about a week. As they
say, San Antonio is known as “Military City USA.”
Each year the Bulverde (TX) Library holds a Veterans Day Ceremony and many Gold Star
Mothers attend. This year only seven were able to attend due to so many other on-going
activities.
In addition to Color Guard, the Smithson Valley High School Armed Drill Team performed
as well as the Bill Brown Elementary Trailblazers chorus.
The above photo displays the “Texas Traveling Quilt” by Sherry Sorbera. Her goal is to
include and honor all fallen soldiers from Texas. She brings this quilt to the library each year.
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Smithson Valley High School Armed Drill Team
Most of our Alamo Chapter heroes’ photos or listings
are displayed on this quilt.
One of the highlights is the Bill Brown
Elementary School Trailblazers choir
Families displayed memorabilia in the lobby.
Above is a photo brought by one of Debbie son’s friend, Paul.
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From the
President
Alamo Area AGSM Chapter
Debbie Agnew
oday is December 1st and
Tadorable
I’m sitting on the bed with my
dogs, Herbie and Pepe,
watching corny Christmas movies
on Netflix and recuperating
from Thanksgiving. We celebrated yesterday with kids
and grandkids at my dad’s house in Kerrville. On the way
home this afternoon I was thinking about what I’ll need to
do after a little rest and relaxation. That’s when it dawned
on me: Christmas is only 3 ½ weeks away! EEEEK!!! In
years past, I’ve had all my Christmas shopping done before
Thanksgiving, my tree up a few days after that with the gifts
beautifully wrapped and arranged artfully beneath it. This
year? Not even close! Well, I guess, in all honesty, I should
say that the tree has been up since before Halloween. I found
one exactly like I wanted at Hobby Lobby, and it was such
a good deal that I couldn’t pass it up. It’s a four foot Alpine
lighted tree that I’ll also use in the hearth room of my new
house. So why, you might ask, has it been up all this time? Is
it because I have so much Christmas spirit that I couldn’t bear
to hide it away? Noooo! It’s because I don’t have a place to
hide it away! Living in a tiny (570 sq. ft.) condo doesn’t allow
for many storage options. You might also be wondering why I
didn’t just make the best of it, go ahead and decorate it, and
simply enjoy it all this time. Well, that would be because my
Christmas decorations are all in storage, along with almost
everything else I own, until construction on our new house is
completed sometime in February. As for the gifts, one reason
I haven’t shopped for them yet is because I really don’t have
a place to put them, either. The tree is standing on a console
table, so even after they’re purchased and wrapped, there will
be very limited space for “artful arranging” underneath. Oh
yeah, and did I mention that even the gift wrapping supplies
are (you guessed it!) in storage? I’m beginning to develop a
real sense of empathy for the Grinch! I think maybe I could
live in a cave high in the mountains, and do my best, if not to
stop Christmas from coming, at least to ignore it!
Naturally, all this got me to thinking about How the Grinch
Stole Christmas. It’s one of my all-time favorites. I’m referring
to the book by Dr. Seuss, which I used to read to my kids all
through the holiday season, and the cartoon version that we
used to watch every year on TV. I still laugh when I think about
the Grinch attaching the antlers to his little dog Max’s head,
and then watching his head slowly sink down while his bottom
rises into the air at the same time. What I wouldn’t give to be
able to watch that with my little boys, and hear them laughing,
just one more time! Oh well. . . back to the Grinch. When
we think of him, the first image that comes to mind is that of a
mean, nasty creature who hates Christmas and all those who
celebrate it. Dr. Seuss doesn’t say why, but speculates that
his heart is “two sizes too small”. But, if we think about the
whole book, we remember that the Grinch wasn’t like that all
the way through. He made a complete, yes even miraculous,
turn-around by the end. When he saw the Who’s celebrating
despite the fact that all the trappings of the day were missing,
he realized that his beliefs may have been wrong. “Maybe
Christmas, he thought. . . doesn’t come from a store. Maybe
Christmas, perhaps. . . means a little bit more!” Dr. Seuss
goes on to tell us “that the Grinch’s small heart grew three
sizes that day.” By the end of the book the Grinch is joining
the Who’s for their feast, and even carves the “roast beast!”
I figure if the Grinch can find the true meaning of Christmas
and mend his ways, surely I can, too.
I’ve decided to make some changes in the way I approach
Christmas this year, because I, like the Grinch, realize that I
can’t stop it from coming! I made felt Christmas stockings for
two of my grandkids, which I gave them yesterday. That’s a
total of seven that I’ve made over the years. I figured if I could
do that, I could make felt Christmas ornaments for my tree.
With some inspiration from Pinterest, and my dear friend
and fellow Gold Star Mom, Kim, I’ve decided to give it a shot.
Hopefully I will learn a few things, and have some fun while
I’m at it. I may even make one for each of the grandkids! As
for shopping, I’ve always believed in the old saying that the
best things come in small packages and...there’s always gift
cards and good old cash. About the “beautifully” wrapped
gifts arranged “artfully” beneath the tree, well. . . that was
a bit of an exaggeration. I suppose since it’s never really
happened in the past, there’s no sense in whining about it
this year. But, who knows, there’s always Pinterest and Kim,
so maybe next year!
Just like I can’t stop Christmas from coming, I also can’t
change the fact that we’re stuck in this tiny condo for at least
two more months. (It’s been nine already!) So what I’ve
decided to do about that is remind myself that at least we had
this little condo to move into so that we’re not having to pay
outrageous rent somewhere. I also intend to remind myself
how lucky I am to be building a new home. Many, many
people in this world would be happy to have a tiny condo
to live in, much less a beautiful new home on the horizon!
I’m also going to appreciate the real treasure in my life, my
family; even the one who was taken way too soon. Of course,
I can’t discuss gifts without pondering God’s most precious
gift of all, His Son. We all, as Gold Star Moms, know what
it means to sacrifice a child for the benefit of others. As
for myself, I can’t say that I would have done it if I’d had a
choice. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that I wouldn’t
have! The fact that God did is something I intend to remind
myself of, and to be grateful for, everyday for the rest of my
life. I will also continue to read Dr. Seuss, only now I’ll read
to my grandchildren. And when I do, I’ll say a little prayer
of thanks for people who can remind of universal truths, and
make us smile at the same time! Merry Christmas!
Special Days
Dec 11 Mary Aguirre Hero Birthday
Dec 18 Norma Aldabbagh GSM Birthday
Dec 26 Carmen Danna
Hero Birthday
S
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Other Veteran’s Day Activities
A
nother Veteran’s Day Ceremony was held in Boerne (TX) at Veteran’s Park. This is a large park in the middle of town
covered with oak trees.
Many Gold Star Families, Veterans and residents from in and around SA and Boerne attended. The “Angels All Around
You” group was one of the sponsors. Many of those members are Blue Star Families.
Reesa Doebbler, Wayne and Marcy Voss (new Gold Star Parents)
Boerne Junior High School Choir
Boerne High School Band
and Color Guard
Veterans, 21-gun salute
AND DESSERT!
After the ceremonies, volunteers cooked hamburgers and all the fixins.’
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San Antonio Veteran’s Day Parade
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Palamino Patrol Riders. These are the ones that perform at the
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
Candy Martin and Reesa Doebbler rode in the parade, representing
Alamo Area Chapter GSMs. Ed Martin drove the truck.
An unbelievably large American Flag. Those lumps sticking up
are more soldiers underneath. We went under and talked to them.
W
e were able to only get photos of the parade people/
groups around us, at Avenue E and Travis. We were
told to stay in our staging area until it was our turn to leave.
What was really heart warming throughout the parade
was when the attendees either stood up or clapped as we
went by. The announcement areas along the way told who
we were and what we were about.
We Gold Star Moms need to get together next year and
do this again. If we have enough participate, we can actually
get a float!
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Chaplain’s Corner
Leonor Saenz, Chaplain, Alamo Area Chapter GSM
T
he Lord has truly blessed us with our friendships. We have been given
a chance to live life to the fullest by the example our sons left us. Let
us give to others as many have reached out to us. Let us remember this
holiday season our treasured memories, the love we share, and those who
love us. If even for a moment may the Peace of God enter your hearts as you
remember your loved one. Merry Christmas to all and happiness be with you
all this holiday season. May God continue to bless us all.
Love, Proud Marine Mom Leonor Saenz
“Then and Now”
Mary Aguirre’s backyard (in Denver) on the golf course. Mary
(Chapter mom) moved to Denver a few months ago.
Dee Flores
Reminder
Sunday, December 15
GSM Christmas Lunch
1:30
River City Seafood & Grill
Gift Exchange - for those who would
like to participate (like last Xmas) Bring an inexpensive “generic” gift,
and you will draw a gift.
Page 7
Ruth Holler forwarded a photo of the quilt she
received from an organization, “Home of the Brave
Quilts Projects.”
I was contacted by this organization from Robin
Armstead wanting info on how to contact our Gold
Star Moms about receiving this quilt. She had and
sent a list of our fallen she had found, and there
were 10 of our boys’ names on the list. I informed
her there were more than 10 of us.
I did not give out your emails or phone numbers,
and instead emailed all GSMs about this.
Ruth said they were beautiful quilts. She got one a
while back when Robin first sent out the info.
If you have not received one from this organization,
contact RobinArmstead: [email protected],
or call her at (254) 547-1324.
Horse wreath for all you horse lovers.
Three of our grands, Cade, Daylan and Jacey.
Daylan is in stripped shirt.
Sondra Andrews
Our Stories
A monthly AAAGSM Gold Star Mother’s story
Charlotte Hedgpeth
Alamo Area AGSM
San Antonio, Tx
Page 9
newspaper. The hotel where we stayed went above and beyond
for us. If you go online, and look, you can see pictures and
newscast. It was incredible.
The following is a letter I wrote to City of Hamilton. They published
it in their newspaper. This is my story of my son, SGT Glenn
Michael Sewell.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SGT Glenn Michael Sewell
US Army
09/06/87 – 06/13/11
before Glenn was killed in Iraq, I decided to remove
Tforhethea weekend
big closet from my bedroom. On Sunday, we were on Skype
little bit, but then he disappeared. It happened quite often
since the service wasn’t so great there. I told my daughter I was
going back to work on the closet, and let me know if he comes
back on. A little while later, when I was banging on one the support
boards, it came flying out and hit me on the head really, really
hard. I didn’t work on it anymore that day, and went to work on
Monday, but ended up in the emergency room with a concussion
that afternoon. I got on skype and still didn’t see him on there. I
would sign on almost everyday, and see that he was logged in.
That is all I needed. I got on again Tuesday morning and still didn’t
see him logged in. I then sent him a message to him that I hadn’t
seen him and was a bit worried. I went to work that morning, for a
little while, but ended up coming back home around 9:00.
Not long after I got home, the dog just started going crazy. I looked
out the window and saw a van there, but didn’t think anything of
it at that point. She just kept going crazy, and then I got the knock
on the door and opened it up to two Army officers. You have all
been through this same thing and know what goes on from there.
My world crashed at that point. Sarah and I have become firm
believers that everything happens for a reason. If that board had
not hit me on the head, I would not have been home. And we also
believe that it came down on me around the time of his death.
After getting home from Dover, and when I had to start making all
the arrangements, my mom and dad were here to help. I decided to
bury him in our family plot in Hamilton County, in the little country
cemetery called Live Oak. Glenn is the seventh generation to be
there. I called Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton,Tx and told them
the basics, all I knew at that point. Once I had more information,
I called them back and they had already put the plan in action
and told me I didn’t need to worry about anything; it was all being
taken care of.
The whole City of Hamilton shut down on Thursday afternoon
for the arrival of Glenn at the airport. Everybody was out on the
streets. They were waving flags, had signs, and the fire and police
and sherriff’s department were all there. The Lily G Horse riders,
and the Patriot Guard were our escorts. The streets were lined for
the procession from the airport to the funeral home. The airport
is on HWY 281 outside of town. They literally shut down 281.
On Friday, the day of the funeral, the same thing; only this time it
was all the way to the cemetery. This is about 15 miles outside of
Hamilton in the country. Someone had lined flags along the way
on fence lines. People came from all over to show their support.
It was amazing. I cannot possibly tell you how this was. They
had flyers all over town letting people know the time of his arrival
and the funeral. They had a front page spread about him in the
TO THE CITY OF HAMILTON AND SURROUNDING AREAS:
I cannot express in words how I felt when we pulled into Hamilton
on June 22nd, 2011 and heard of all the preparations being
made for my son SGT Glenn Michael Sewell. We were so very
touched, humbled, and proud. There are no words that I can say
except Thank You. The three days that I spent there were such a
blur, but the one thing that truly stands out in my mind is you. Your
thoughtfulness, support and such an outpouring feeling of love
are one of the things that I remember. There are so many people I
would like to thank there for so many reasons, but am afraid I will
leave someone out!
Ya’ll know my son as a Hero. We do too, but thought you might
like to get to know him as a person as well. He did not consider
himself a Hero; he was very passionate about his career in the
military and felt like he was just doing his job. He would often tell
me how embarrassed he was when people approached him and
thanked him for his service.
To his brothers in arms he was Juggernaut. When I asked one
of his men why he was called that, he replied, “Ma’am, he was
massive! A really big dude!” I just laughed. At the time of
Glenn’s death, he was 6’5 and weighed 230 lbs. To his sister,
he was Bubba. To his family, he was Glenn-man, and to me,
Sunshine. My parents called him The Golden Child.
Glenn was quiet, moody, kind of goofy, and was so funny. He
had a fantastic sense of humor. He was so smart! He loved
to read. His nose was always in a book. He loved movies,
and could out-do anybody on movie trivia and one-liners. He
collected Harry Potter books, Steven King books, chess sets, Lord
of the Rings figures, comic books, and turtles. He played the
guitar. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop
821 for many years where he was a natural leader. He played
football all through middle school for the Kitty Hawk Flyers. He
only played one year at Judson High School. When he quit I
was shocked, because that is all he talked about during Middle
School – playing for them. When I asked him about it, he said it
just wasn’t fun anymore; decided it was too competitive. It sounds
really strange now thinking of what he became as a man. In
high school he excelled on the Academic Decathlon Team and in
Drama and was in several of the Judson High School plays. He
loved to play basketball and did every chance he had. He was
on the track team for a short while. He was 6’2 at that time, and
figured out that his long legs were quite an advantage! He began
running then. And never stopped. He loved to run.
Glenn was always a quiet little boy, content to sit and play by
himself for hours. My sister always said he had an old soul.
He would spend the longest time drawing war equipment, and
complete battlefields on paper. He had every GI Joe and vehicles
to play with and was always building forts out of Legos. He would
use anything he had to “play fight.” From the time he was a year
old we were on our own and we went everywhere together. I
could take him anywhere and he behaved so well. He was my
bud. The reason I have stated so many times that Glenn had
three families (Hedgpeth, Sewell and Friesenhahn) that loved him
continued –
Our Stories
dearly, is because when we met Ryan Friesenhahn, Glenn
was 11 years old. The Friesenhahn family welcomed Glenn
with open arms, and he became part of their family. Several
of his “cousins” became his best friends.
Both of my children were born around Labor Day weekend.
Glenn was born on the 6th, and Sarah on the 4th. I still have
to stop and think which is which! Quite a few times in the
recent past, Glenn would sigh and say, “Wrong kid, mom!”
when I got them mixed up for something. We were still in
the hospital on his 12th birthday. I remember apologizing
to him that his birthday was put off for a week, and he just
looked at me and smiled, and said, “Mommy, this is the best
present anybody could have given me.” He was referring to
his little sister Sarah. He thought she was the coolest thing
and always helped me take care of her. Despite the age
difference, they grew up so close and loved each other very
much. When Glenn was a young teenager, Ryan and he
did a lot of things together. They went hunting, fishing, and
worked together on all kinds of projects. He became more
of a buddy to Ryan at that time in his life; and I was very
grateful for that. I felt like he needed a dad, more than a
mom at that point. Don’t get me wrong he was still my little
boy! And he knew it
Page 9
Scout. From then on, there was nothing that was going to stop
him. As always, I supported him every step of the way, with fear
in my heart.
When Glenn left for Basic Training, he was 6’4. He seemed taller
to me when he came home. I realized it was because he stood tall,
straight and proud. He spent a year in Afghanistan, a year at Fort
Hood, some time in California training, and then to Iraq. Glenn was
good at his job. One of his commanders called him a “PT guru,”
and he treated his body like a temple. He worked out everyday,
and it showed. While at Fort Hood, he trained and became a
hand-to-hand combat instructor. He was on a fast track and had
decided to make the Army his career. He had finally found his
niche. I was, and am still, so very proud of him. Being his mom, I
always knew he was good, but he never bragged on anything he
achieved. The only thing he ever really called me boasting about
was when he earned his Spurs and he made the rank of Sergeant.
He was very proud of both of those achievements. After meeting a
lot of his commanders and peers lately, I actually found out more
about how good of a soldier he was. I have learned so much about
my son in his death. I have seen how many people he actually
touched in his short life. He was loved and respected by his men.
Glenn was a fine young man. He had achieved so much in such
a short time of his military career. He will be missed terribly. Not
only as a soldier, a leader, but as a person as well.
A few months before he was deployed, Glenn bought his dream car
– a black Shelby. This is the car that was driven behind him in the
funeral procession and was driven by four of his best friends. I asked
them to do it, thanked them profusely, and they said, “No ma’am,
thank you!” He was so proud of that car and was working really
hard to pay it off before he came home. He was halfway there!
Glenn and little sister Sarah, Christmas 2010
The summer between 8th and 9th grade, something
happened to my little boy. He grew. He got taller and
thinner. He threw away his glasses and got contacts. I used
to spike and dye the tips of his hair blonde. He went from my
pudgy, goofy little boy to a young man in the space of three
months. Then the girls came!
Glenn graduated from high school at the age of 17. He
was interested is so many things, but very interested in
Marine Biology and thought about doing something with
that. During his senior year, he took the military exam and
practically aced it. For a year, we had recruiters from every
branch of the military pounding on our door. He received a
scholarship for college and decided to go that route instead.
He went for a year, worked several odd jobs, and moved to
College Station. He came home one day, and sat me down
telling me that he had decided to join the Army. After my
initial shock, I asked him why. He told me he felt like he
needed to do something more meaningful with his life, and
this is what he wanted to do. He wanted to be a Calvary
In March of 2011, Glenn and I were on Skype and were talking
about my trip to Hamilton and the Live Oak Cemetery Association
meeting. My parents have a family plot there for all of us. My
Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, etc. are all buried there. He
told me at that time that he had two places reserved; one in Live
Oak Cemetery and one in Arlington. At the time I had to make a
decision where to bring him, it was a no-brainer for me. I wanted
him home. He is next to where my mother Anne Hedgpeth will be.
After I made this decision, I was really unsure if I had made the
right one. You, the town of Hamilton, and all the surrounding areas
made me realize that I had made the right decision. You welcomed
him home. I brought him home. Thank you.
Charlotte Hedgpeth, Mother of SGT Glenn Michael Sewell
Proud of the boy, the man, and the Hero. R.I.P., Sunshine!
Charlotte, Glenn and Sarah, 2010
Page 10
Scrapbook
Halloween Patrol
“Devilish Dain” (Rairdan) at 18 months old, Pineville, LA
at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s in 1985. Dain had a plastic red
trident (devil pitchfork) and kept going around poking everyone
in the tooshie. He would poke and just squeal with laughter.
He truly was a “Little Devil.”
Halloween 1992 in Okinawa, Japan. Two brothers anxiously
awaiting to to out and pillage and score Halloween treats from
door to door. Dain (right) was a Ninja foot soldier from Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles and Kyle (left) was a dinosaur. When we
lived in Okinawa, there was not much of a costume choice due
to minimal shipments, so all the boys’ costumes were made by
their moms. Not the greatest, but they loved their outfits and
the fun that always came with Halloween.
This year for Halloween, Dave and I had a quite evening. Where we live, there are no street lights and the Trick-orTreating very minimum. Last year we had three kids, this year we had no fairy princesses or vampires come and get the
confectionary loot I had awaiting their calls. Since I was a child, each Halloween we rushed around getting our costumes
in order, andmy Mom always had chili dogs that evening for ease nd fun. The Halloween tradition has carried forward, so
each year we have the culinary cure to bring sure smiles even if the need for “Tums” are needed soon after. So as Dave
and I consumed our Traditional Chili Dog, we watched the Peanuts, “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” and smiled. There were many happy memories to recall and watching poor Charlie Brown receive a rock each time the gang goes up
to the door, I always have to recall all the years of not receiving too many rocks in my bag of treats. Happy Halloween
and Happy Times!
L-R: Melissa Crow, Leonor Saenz, and
Patricia Saenz helping our Pleasanton
H.E.B. serve breakfast from 8 to10 am to
veterans and their families. It was the first
year and a great turnout for this Veterans
day event. On the plate, straight from
the H.E.B. kitchen were scrambled eggs,
sausage patties, bacon slices, hash browns,
and warm biscuits. Coffee and juice or
water were also furnished. It was a special
and emotional event for us to be able to
volunteer. It also allowed me to meet more
of our local veterans. After finishing there, I
went to visit my son, and saw the girls had
taken him flowers. I also attended the VFW
ceremony in Poteet at 11:00 and enjoyed
talking to veterans there.
Leonor Saenz
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Scrapbook
This is a picture of two of my
favorite men: My son, LCPL Luke
B. Holler, and my beloved father
whom I still call Daddy, Claude N.
Salisbury. Seven years and 17
days after Luke was KIA in Iraq,
three weeks to the day after my
stepmom died, my wonderfully kind
father left this world and joined
them in eternity. I was fortunate to
be by my sweet Daddy’s side as he
entered into the presence of God,
where I have no doubt, Luke was
waiting to usher him in! Life! What a bitter/sweet journey! “They that love beyond the world
cannot be separated by it. Death
cannot kill what never dies.” ~
Williams Penn
Ruth Holler
My grandson, Rylin, helping mom
cook the turkey.
Bill and I enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at the Palm Restaurant
in San Antonio. We celebrated with family on Saturday in Kerrville.
Debbie Agnew
Page 12
Scrapbook
I am thankful for the beauty that our
Heavenly Father bestows on an artist. I
enterpret art to be a form of God’s love
for us through specially gifted people.
This was taken at the Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden with my
Carrollton, Tx friend Charlene Willis
(left). This international traveling glass
artwork is by Chihuly, glass blower
from Washington.
I pray that our Iraqi and Afganistan
veterans find the art in their heart.
Mary Aguirre
These are the stockings I made for my grandkids, Keith and Ari.
They’ve already hung them up!
Debbie Agnew
For Thanksgiving, Buddy and I
went to some good friends’
(Keith and Cherie’s) house and
stayed quite a while because
we all had so much fun! And of
all people, I forgot to take
photos, so I stole this one from
Cherie.
Reesa Doebbler
One of our booths at Alamo Craft Co.
Kim Rairdan (front), with Lisa Claxton,
Rhonda Christensen, and Donna Williams
1934 Montgomery Ward Catalogue
1934 Montgomery Ward Catalogue
Our Fallen Heroes
Alamo Area Chapter
T
hese fallen heroes represent
the character of a nation
who has a long history of
patriotism and honor - and a
nation who has fought many
battles to keep our country free
from threats of terror.
SSG Clayton P. Bowen
Army * Afghanistan
09/24/79 – 08/18/09
GSM Reesa Doebbler
San Antonio, Tx
SGT Aaron N. Cepeda
Marines * Iraq
07/03/82 – 05/07/05
GSM Diana Cepeda
Elmendorf, Tx
CPL Nathaniel A. Aguirre
Army * Iraq
12/11/84 – 10/22/06
GSM Mary Aguirre
San Antonio, Tx
2Lt Darryn D. Andrews
Army * Afghanistan
07/03/75 – 09/04/09
GSM Sondra Andrews
Cameron, Tx
LCpl Travis T. Babine
Marines * Afghanistan
06/06/89 – 08/06/09
GSM Alice Babine
San Antonio, Tx
SGT Paul C. Danna
Army * Iraq
12/26/85 – 09/24/09
GSM Carmen Danna
Castroville, Tx
LCpl John Felix Farias
Marine * Afghanistan
07/16/90 – 06/28/11
GSM Penny Farias
New Braunfels, Tx
CPL Jacob R. Fleischer
Army * Afghanistan
01/02/79 – 11/24/04
GSM Jane Fleischer
San Antonio, Tx
LCpl Mark D. Juarez
Marines * Afghanistan
11/14/86 – 01/09/10
GSM Cynthia Flores
San Antonio, Tx
SSG Paul M. Latourney
Army * Iraq
06/11/78 – 03/02/07
LCpl Jonathan R. Flores
Marines * Iraq
08/30/86 – 06/15/05
GSM Dee Flores
San Antonio, Tx
CPL Luke B. Holler
Marines * Iraq
05/30/85 – 11/02/06
GSM Ruth Holler
Bulverde, Tx
SGT Gabriel E. Jasso
Marines * Afghanistan
05/31/79 – 06/26/09
GSM Norma Aldabbagh
San Antonio, Tx
1st Lt. Thomas M. Martin
Army * Iraq
10/10/80 – 10/14/07
SGT Garrett Ian McLead
Army * Iraq
05/21/84 – 08/22/07
San Antonio, Tx
Johnson City, Tx
SSG Clinton T. Newman
Army * Afghanistan
07/05/79 – 02/13/06
GSM Debbie Agnew
Pleasanton, Tx
GSM Ed/Candy Martin
GSM Patti McLead
CPT Paul W. Pena
Army * Afghanistan
07/08/82 – 01/19/10
GSM Cecilia Pena
San Marcos, Tx
GSM Maria-Teresa Latourney
San Antonio, Tx
LCpl Stephen J. Perez
Marines * Iraq
09/08/83 – 04/13/06
GSM Diana Pena-Smith
San Antonio, Tx
continued on next page
Page 13
LCpl Rhonald Rairdan
Marines * Iraq
04/22/84 – 01/26/05
GSM Kim Rairdan
San Antonio, Tx
SGT Jose L. Saenz III
Marines * Afghanistan
01/27/80 – 08/09/10
GSM Leonor Saenz
Pleasanton, Tx
SGT Steven L. Talamantez
Army * Iraq
04/05/77 – 07/10/11
GSM Hope Talamantez
San Antonio, Tx
PFC Nickolas A. Tanton
Army * Iraq
01/20/83 – 02/13/07
GSM Theresa Lark
Pipe Creek, Tx
SFC David J. Todd, Jr.
Army * Afghanistan
05/26/72 – 08/20/08
GSM Mary Todd
San Antonio, Tx