Families of Staff Sgt. Deason, Sgt. Pratt, Staff Sgt. Spink receive plaques

By CHRIS CLINE
Daily Journal Staff Writer

Sunday, October 19, 2008 7:50 AM CDT

LEADINGTON - There wasn’t a dry eye in the place Saturday at the VFW hall in Leadington.

Emotions ran high as 13 men who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country were honored during the Military Order of the Purple Heart Memorial Ceremony.

The families of the fallen soldiers were presented with plaques in honor of their loved ones’ service in Iraq or Afghanistan by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

This was the second such ceremony presented this year by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 125, based in Fenton.

“We do this for the families,” said Frank Casson, commander of Chapter 125. “Everybody in this order works toward helping other veterans. Our mission is to make sure every fallen hero is recognized for the supreme sacrifice that they made.”

Richard Frank, a licensed mental health counselor with the VA Medical Center, told the families not to accept the loss of their loved ones as being a loss.

“Work together to bring honor and recognition for their sacrifices,” he said. “The sacrifices they have made for us, we pick up and carry.

“We drive on. It’s imperative we do not forget them. We will continue to honor them. They gave the ultimate. They died for us. So many times that is forgotten.”

Nelda Bleckler, the national vice president of the American War Mothers, was also a featured speaker. Bleckler received standing ovations both when she was introduced and at the conclusion of her speech.

“God only loaned us our children,” she said. “When there are times that he needs them, he calls them back. No matter what the circumstances are.”

Among those honored were 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.

Staff Sgt. Brad Skelton, Gordonville, who was with the 1138th Engineer Battalion based in Farmington was also honored. He was killed Feb. 6, 2008.

Others that were honored included Sgt. Robert G. Davis, Jackson; Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger, Festus; Sgt. Adam J. Kohlhass, Perryville; Cpl. Riley E. Baker, Pacific; Lance Cpl. Matthew P. Pathenos, Ballwin; Spc. Russell M. Makowski, Union; Pfc. Jeremy R. Shank, Jackson; Cpl. James E. Summer III, Bourbon; and Sgt. Brandon Wallace, St. Louis.

In order to belong to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a member must be a combat wounded veteran. 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.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.

 

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