In Their Honor ....

I grew up in a military family, predominantly U.S. Marine Corps, and so yes, the Marines will always have my heart. But, in complete sincerity, I truly appreciate the services and sacrifices made by all of those serving in the U.S. and Allied Forces military, as well as those made by their loved ones. All too often they go un-thanked and unappreciated for the often tremendous responsibilities they shoulder.

They are the ones I regard as superstars and heroes.

This is their page.

Many thanks, may God bless you ... and Semper Fi.

femmeflashpoint

United States Marines

United States Navy

United States Air Force

United States Coast Guard

United States Army

David Mason Sexton is in the photo pictured first on this page for a reason. He was the only one of my family, in his generation, who died during his military service. He was one of far too many service men and women who left loved ones behind. For him, those included a newborn son he never got to meet.

Sent from Darlene Vice, sister of David Mason Sexton,
far right, second row from the bottom, KIA - Vietnam.
His best friend from childhood through adulthood,
Don Cordle, pictured next to him, off his right shoulder.
They enlisted together.

Video compliments of Don Cordle, U.S. Army

L to R
Bev Jackson - A U.S. Marine's mother.
Glenda Rader - widow of a U.S. Marine KIA (Vietnam)
Carroll Pruitt - Veteran, U.S. Marines (Vietnam)

Captain Tracy Smyers - US Navy greets
a WWII Veteran at the LLFW
Memorial Day observance 2011

G.J. Falcone - USAF
-Writer-

Fred Baker - U.S. Army
Vietnam Era - Wire Rat
-Writer-

Michelle Amelin, E5HM2
U.S. Navy 2012
(Michelle is married to Weasus Amelin,
who's photo is also on this page.)

James Allen Barritt - USMC

HMC Chantelle Byrd-Trott and Weasus Amelin HM2
(Weasus is married to Michelle Amelin, pictured above.)

Lt. George L. Hay II, USNR
News clip announcing his promotion.
WWII Veteran and deceased husband of
writer, Nellieanna Hay

Walter G. Deecki Sr.
USAF - RETIRED
_AUTHOR_

Angels On High: The Challenge
Author: Walter G. Deecki Sr.

Angels On High
Author: Walter G. Deecki Sr.

Rev. Larry Jarratt

USAF - RETIRED

Disabled Vietnam Veteran

Pastor of Faith Community Church,
Yale, Virginia

Jim Trimble
1st Sergeant U.S. Army - Retired
_Writer_

Memorial Day 2012 - Laurel Land Memorial Park - Fort Worth, Texas

Rev. Vern Fuquay - Ceremony Officiant and
Jenny Barnett of Laurel Land. Rev. Fuquay's brother is a
WWII Veteran.

VFW Chaplain - Henry L. Spells, offers a salute after placing a flag in honor of the unknown soldier.
Chaplain Spells is a pastor and a Vietnam Veteran.

Members of the Marine Corps League - Longhorn Detatchment
Each year they perform a ceremonial flag fold, explaining the representation behind each fold.

Veterans stand as the anthem for the military branch they served in is played by the Fort Worth City Band.
I teased the gentleman standing next to me, as his U.S.A.F. anthem was played. I assured him the band always
saves the best for last, which, every year, is the anthem for the USMC.
He took the teasing with a grin, and hopefully knew I really meant no offense.
Other than Jesus Loves Me, and Happy Birthday, the Marine Corps anthem is another song, thanks to my dad,
that I've known the words to since I was five.

Chaplain Spells was an awesome speaker.

After the ceremony he stopped by the Laurel Land "cooling station" to get a drink and visit with

Sherry Edwards - Manager of Rembrandt Flower Shop at Laurel Land, and her husband, Clint.

I received an email from a remarkable young lady, that I've been quite blessed to have as a close friend and colleague, for several years now. Her name is Kristen Loree. She's a funeral service practitioner, who grew up in the military, and is very proud of her military roots. She's sharp witted, gentle-hearted, and has grown from "military brat" into an amazing young woman that I admire much.

Kristen Loree

I asked Kristen if she would mind to contact her father, a retired U.S. veteran, to see if he might give me the privilege of posting his photo on the Honors page. She contacted her dad, and subsequently, sent me far more than photos. She sent me several, with an attached in an email, outlining her dad's career. She did such a splended job in relating the information, rather than simply posting her father's photos and information on the page, I decided to let Mr. Loree's daughter introduce you to him. She's quite proud of her dad, and deservedly so.

My dad is Lloyd Loree. He retired as a SFC or E7. His duty stations began in November of 1982 at Fort Bragg, NC, where I was born. He was in the Republic of South Korea from November of 1988 through November of 1989. From November of ’89 through November of 1992, he was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. My sister, Adrian was born there in December of 1990.

From October of 1990 through March of 1991, Dad was in Southwest Asia, for Desert Storm/Desert Shield. I'm sending a pic of Christmas in the desert. You can’t miss it. There’s sand everywhere! J

After Desert Storm, Dad came home to El Paso. We left in November of 1992 and stayed until November of 1995 in Ansbach, Germany. In November of ’95 we returned to the states when Dad was assigned a duty station in Fort Eustis, Virginia, until December of 2000, when we returned to Germany. We were privileged to live in a beautiful German town called Bruckberg.

During Dad’s long career, he was awarded the Meritorious Service medal, Air medal, four Army Commendation medals, three Army Achievement awards, six Good Conduct awards, two National Defense Service medals, an Asia Service medal (with two bronze service stars), three NCO Professional Development ribbons, an Army Service ribbon, an Overseas Service ribbon, a Kuwait Liberation medal, issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as a Kuwait Liberation medal issued by the government of Kuwait, a Master Aircraft Crew Member badge, and an Expert Marksmanship badge for excellence in the use of an M-16 rifle.

Dad’s main MOS has been as a Blackhawk mechanic, but he was also an instructor.

I made Mom search for my favorite pictures of Dad. Some of them were taken when he was really young, before he climbed in rank. One is with my mom, Idalia, when they were dining out in Fort Eustis. And, some are photos of him with his Blackhawks. J

Best wishes,

Kristen

Lloyd Loree

Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd and Idalia Loree

My thanks to Kristen for a very appreciated contribution, and a priceless friendship that I cherish. My applause to Mrs. Idalia Loree for enduring commitment through the hardships of being a military wife and mother. And, my sincere thanks to Mr. Loree for his many years of service to his country.

May God bless you all.