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Fallen soldiers to be honored Oct. 18

Purple Heart veterans say thanks

By DONNA HICKMAN
Daily Journal Staff Writer

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Eleven families who have lost loved ones in Iraq or Afghanistan will be honored at 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the VFW in Leadington. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will award plaques to the families in honor of their soldiers’ service.

“We want to invite the public to this ceremony to show support for the families,” said Nick Brooks, Sr. Vice-Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Post 125 in Fenton. He said other veterans groups are participating in the ceremonies to honor the sacrifices these families have made.

Among those to be honored will be the families of Staff Sgt. Michael Deason, Desloge, who was killed Aug. 31, 2006 in Iraq; Sgt. Austin D. Pratt, Cadet, who died Dec. 15, 2007 in Iraq; and Staff Sgt. Trevor Spink, Farmington, who was killed July 10, 2004.

A soldier with the 1138th Engineer Battalion based in Farmington will also be remembered.  Staff Sgt. Brad Skelton, Gordonville, was killed Feb. 6, 2008.

Additional soldiers to be honored include Pfc. Jeremy R Shank, Jackson, killed Sept. 6, 2006; Cpl. James E. Summers III, Bourbon, killed May 28, 2007; Lance Cpl. Matthew P. Pathenos, Ballwin, killed Feb. 7, 2007 ; Sgt. Adam J. Kohlhaas, Perryville, killed April 21, 2008; Spec. Russell M. Makowski, Union, killed Sept. 14, 2006; Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger, Festus, killed March 24, 2008; Sgt. Robert G. Davis, Jackson, killed Aug. 18, 2005; and Cpl. Riley Baker, Pacific, killed June 22, 2006.

“We are going to be having these ceremonies all over Missouri to honor our fallen soldiers,” said Brooks. This ceremony is the second one to be held. Brooks said 94 soldiers in Missouri have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The veterans’ organization needs donations to help fund the ceremonies and purchase the plaques. Donations may be given by check at the ceremony or mailed to MOPH Fallen Ceremonies c/o Ralph Riley, 410 Leeshore Dr., St. Louis, Mo. 63125. Contributors will be honored on the Purple Heart Order’s Web site at http://www.mophchapter125.com.

Among those scheduled to take part in the ceremony are Nelda Bleckler, National Vice President, American War Mothers; Syd Staton, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Richard L. Frank, John J. Pershing VA Medical Center; and Mary Jane Kiepe, Past National President, Gold Star Mothers.

The Purple Heart is given to a member of the military who dies or is wounded in hostile action.

Donna Hickman is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact her at 431-2010, ext. 138 or at dhickman@dailyjournalonline.com.