Sergeant Jonathan Acker - Middletown

Jonathan always knew what he wanted to do and that was to join the Marines. So a year before high school graduation (which was in 2004) he told his parents I'm sorry but I am not going to college right now. I am joining the Marines. His parents had been saving money for him to go to college, but told him if this is what you want to do they would stand behind his decision. He is now in his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq, and his 4-year term will be up come June of 2008. I am very proud of him and proud to be a Marine aunt.

Leslie Burchfield

Major Jeff Allen - Harrisburg

Major Jeff Allen is the Battalion Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. He is serving in Iraq and is located at Camp Taji. Jeff left on January 3rd, 2007 and will hopefully return sometime in November.
This is Jeff's second tour to Iraq. He previously trained Iraqi Soldiers, during which time he assisted them in the fighting in Fallujah in November 2004. During that deployment, Jeff earned the Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze Star.

Jennifer Allen

Sergeant Leonard Card - Camp Hill

Sergeant Leonard Card is presently serving at Camp Anaconda in Balad, Iraq with the 213th ASG, a detachment of the Army National Guard. He lives in Camp Hill and is the father of two boys, Alex and Dominick. He is my hero because even though I miss him very much, I know he is doing something that he is passionate about and is proud in serving his country. He doesn't complain (much) and takes the time when he can to call or email us to check on his family to make sure we are doing okay, even though he is the one in harm's way.

Pamela Card

Corporal Nicholas Columbus - Landisburg

My son, Nick, wanted to be in the military since childhood. I thought that this desire would fade away during his high school years, but it only intensified. He finally decided on the Marines during his Senior year in 2005. I, along with his mom, Robbyn Metz, and step dad, Bill, tried to steer him in a different direction (college), but ultimately knew that he was the one to decide his future. I also tried to talk Nick into the Air Force or Navy...no dice. He wanted the Marines because "they are the toughest". Nick has always had a strong sense of duty, and wants to make a difference if he can. He was deployed in Iraq from September '06 to April '07. His unit will be going back sometime this spring. He is with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. At this time he is helping to train some of the new guys in his unit. I am very proud to be the father of a United States Marine. I am very proud of my son.

Joe Columbus

CW2 Andrew K. Cook - Mechanicsburg

My son in Law, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew K. Cook has been in Iraq since September, 2007. He is a Helicopter Pilot and flies an OH58D Kiowa Warrior, an armed reconnaissance helicopter. He flies 4-6 hours a day, 4-7 days a week on combat and support missions.

Ronald Parrish

PFC Dan Forcino - Gaithersburg, Maryland

This is my cousin Dan Forcino. He is in the Army currently serving in Iraq. His job title is 11B, which is the code for Infantryman. It's he who is out fighting the war in the streets and in the palm groves. He does everything from patrols around certain areas, pulling guard, finding I.E.D.s, capturing people & materials, to blowing stuff up. Recently he was a gunner on a on a fire team. He carried a 16 lb. fully auto machine gun. He is currently one of the drivers they have to operate a vehicle that’s called a Stryker. I want to say that we all miss you and love you Dan. Come home to us safe.

Love, Justin

Sergeant Antwan Goggins - Harrisburg

My husband of 5 years, Sgt. Antwan Goggins, is currently stationed in Iraq. He is originally from Donora (Pittsburgh, PA area) and I am originally from Germany. However, we have been living in Harrisburg for over 2 years now. His Army National Guard Unit (213th Area Support Group) was deployed a couple of months ago and is to return around May of 2008. I would like for my husband to be included in the Web page to show the pride that I have in him. He truly is my hero!

Thank you for your time and support in our troops.

Nadine Goggins

Lance Corporal Larry K. Graby - Middletown

This is my cousin, 22-year-old Lance Corporal Larry K. Graby. He is like a brother to me, especially since we were raised together. A couple years ago he felt like he didn't have a straight direction in his life. Then he decided to join the USMC and found it to be one of the best decisions of his life. He just returned to the US on September 10, 2007 from serving 7 months in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. He is originally from Middletown and is currently stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC with his wife. Larry married his best friend of years on December 23, 2006. I couldn't be more happier and proud of him. He is almost certain that he will be taking part in a second tour in Iraq early next year. And regardless, we'll be waiting patiently for his safe return.

Megan Leedy

Sr. Airman Kenneth Heisey, Jr. - Elizabethtown

Sr. Airman Kenneth Heisey, Jr. is a wonderful part of our family. He has been deployed to Iraq since September 2007 and we are eagerly anticipating his arrival home in January 2008. We have been missing him while life goes on here. He is a son, grandson, brother, uncle, husband, son-in-law, and brother-in-law. We are so very proud of him as he serves our beloved country with the Special Ops unit of the 193rd division of the Air Force.

Jennifer Leonard

Major Robert C. Jorgensen - Mechanicsburg

My husband, Major Robert C. Jorgensen, is currently serving in Afghanistan. He is on the embedded training team that lost two PA hometown heroes; MSG Scott Ball and SGT Jan Argonish. Rob is in the AGR (Active Duty Guard) and we live in Mechanicsburg. Thanks for honoring those who serve. Without remembrance there is no sacrifice.

Heather Jorgensen

SPC Joshua Lockey

This is my nephew SPC Joshua Lockey currently serving our country in Iraq. Him and his 3 best friends, Jerry Kiner, Jimmy Graver & Travis Landis couragesly enlisted in the Army National Guard and although this is by far the most dangerous mission they have been on and is also is the most important. We wish them all speedy but most of all a safe return home. We love you and miss you.

Amy Haivor

Specialist Amie McClintic - Shiremanstown

Specialist Amie M. McClintic, shown here with a little Iraqi girl, is proudly serving our country in the U.S. Army. Having recently reenlisted, she is currently deployed on her second tour in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia.
It is very difficult for her to be separated from her 7-year old son, Cameron, but she is very focused on completing her mission and keeping our homeland safe. Cameron, who lives in Georgia, says, "My Mommy fights the bad guys just like Spiderman!"
Amie is a very giving and caring person with a strong will to "Make a Difference"! She is an amazing person full of love and determination. This summer she was very involved in the Hearts for Baghdad program, handing out basic necessities, along with toys and school supplies to needy Iraqi families. In addition, during her recent 18-day leave home from Iraq, she donated 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love!
She is a great American, proud and true; she is also our hero!

Glenn Miller Jr

Staff Sergeant Nathan McIver - Harrisburg

Staff Sgt. Nathan McIver, 26, is originally from Harrisburg and currently serves in the United States Air Force. He is stationed at Minot AFB in Minot, North Dakota with his wife and four children. Nathan will be serving his deployment in Afghanistan. Nathan is a true patriot and an awesome brother, son, husband and father. Nathan is the true definition of the word "Hero" as are all military. We love him very much and pray that he comes home safe! Nathan is my hero and I am so proud of him!

Nathan's Sister,
Angela Thompson

Corporal Gerald Miller

Corporal Gerald Miller is my best friend. Not only was he there in the Middle East fighting for my freedom, but here at home. He's been there for me during my onset of a very painful life long disability. He's been there for me on all fronts when I thought my life wasn't worth it anymore when I became ill and lost my job, and lost my mother to cancer. For all of that and for fighting for all of us here in the USA, thank you just doesn't seem enough, and his friendship alone is something that I could never repay him for. But thank you very much gerald for being there both here at home and abroad with the rest of your military buddies doing what you do to protect me and the rest of us here at home. God Bless You All.

Paul J Corbett II