Remembering One of Our Own Lcpl Tyler A. Roads

Today marks the one year anniversary of Lance Corporal Tyler A. Roads death in Afghanistan. I can't even imagine the emotional roller coaster his family is riding today, and everyday since his death. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Tyler, but have met several people who loved him. Sonia, Tyler's mother has shared much of her son's childhood, hopes, and dreams with me. If you haven't read the previous posts about Tyler please click here.

Kayleigh, who grew up with Tyler and his sister Taylor was nice enough to share her favorite memory. Kayleigh remembers when she was 10 or 12 spending most of the summer at their house. They had a scooter and a big hill near the house to ride the scooter down.  As any parent knows, a scooter mixed with a big hill and gravity is a sure bet that someone is going to get hurt. In this case it was Kayleigh who accidentally used the front brake instead of the back break, making her flip over the handle bars.

"I remember getting road rash pretty bad. Tyler helped me back to the house and I got all bandaged up. He was so kind and willing to help even though his sister and I had been terrorizing him all summer. The theme of him helping people always rang true throughout his life. He is greatly missed by all, as all who knew him loved him."

There is a Facebook page in memory of Tyler which is maintained by his mother. I would like to invite everyone to leave Sonia a message either here in the comments or on Facebook letting her know she is in our hearts and prayers today, and everyday as she deals with her greatest lost. You can find the Lance Corporal Tyler A. Roads Memorial facebook page here.  There is also a 1000 Memories page set up where you can write a message in the guestbook, leave pictures, music, and video. I encourage EVERYONE to visit and leave a message or a memory. I know Tyler's family would love to hear your stories about him and please share any pictures you might have of Tyler. I'm guessing that pictures are some of the families most prized possessions.

        "You can't have love without sacrifice."

Tyler and those who loved him have made the ultimate sacrifice for the love of our Country. He is missed every day. He will never be forgotten. 

Remember..... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

Independence Day. Courage. Remembrance. Heros.

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July is a celebration and remembrance of the American rebels who were courageous enough to stand up and fight for what they believed in.  Because of those brave volunteers who risked everything, including their lives to fight for Liberty, we have the America we know today.

Today, we Americans still have volunteers fighting for and protecting Liberty around the globe. These American's join the Army, Marines, Navy, and the Air Force.  Liberty has a high price, of blood to maintain.

In Remembrance and Honor of all the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for Liberty in the last 235 years every American should take a few minutes to read the Declaration of Independence. You can read it in it's full original text here.

I would also like to take a moment to Honor The Fallen on this day.
SPC Kevin J. Hilaman, was killed in action on June 26th, 2011 in Kunar province, Afghanistan.  He was 28 years old from North Highlands Sacramento. SPC Kevin J. Hilama was killed during a battle with enemy forces who attacked his unit with small arms fire.  SPC Hilaman joined the Army in March 2003 as an infantryman serving honorably in three overseas deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. 


 SPC Hilaman served with the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in Hawaii. His awards and decorations include Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters. Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal. 


SPC Hilaman will be receiving a heros welcome home on Tuesday, July 6th at 10:00 am at 308 Peacekeeper Way, Mc Clellan Air Force Base (MCC), North Highlands, Ca 95652.  If you live in the area and would like to honor SPC Hilaman and his family the Patriot Guard Riders are an excellent, patriotic accepting bunch of people who I suggest you get in touch with. 


Welcome Home SPC Hilaman. Thank you for your service and your courage. May you and your family find peace. 

Soldiers Angels Project Valour-IT Fundraiser 2011

Ok everyone, it's time for the Soldiers Angels Project Valour-IT Annual Fundraiser where the goal is $100,000 to help wounded warriors! This is where all the branches are pitted against each other for bragging rights (since the money is branch blind and goes to those whoever needs it.)

Need more information? Go here.

Remember.... EVERY dollar counts... even if you can only give $1, please give it!
Donate here.

Now you might remember last year... I couldn't pick a team, but this year I promised to help out Team Army. (They got their butts kicked 2 years in a row by Team Marines so I thought I'd see if I could help them out.)

Sooooo you should donate to this worthy cause... and here is a couple pictures of me and my sister that were requested by the Team Army Captain The Sniper to help get the word out. You can also see more pictures of girls holding signs for Team Army at The Sniper... including these.  

Spread the word. Donate. Help our wounded!