This past year has been a difficult one for both my husband and myself as he defended our country on his second tour to Afghanistan from mid-2010 – early 2011. I can honestly say that our lives have been changed forever, probably more so his than mine.

As we were filling our calendar this week with Memorial Day plans, it hit me that I had avoided reflecting on the true meaning of Memorial Day. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the troops, families, friends, non-profits and companies who support our brave men and women, and recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In memory of my husband’s friends, we will never forget their courage and dedication to our country:

Capt Phillip Dykeman, USMC
Capt John Maloney, USMC
1st Lt Joshua Palmer, USMC
SSG Kyle Wehrly, USA
SSgt Joshua Cullins, USMC
Sgt Garrett Misener, USMC
Sgt Michael Roy, USMC
Sgt Joshua Frazier, USMC
Sgt Joseph Bovia, USMC
Sgt Frank R. Zaehringer III, USMC
HM3 James Swink II, USMC
Cpl Carlos Gilorozco, USMC
Cpl Brett Lundstorm, USMC
SPC Daniel Sesker, USA
Cpl Joshua Synder, USMC
Cpl John Bishop, USMC
Cpl Stephen Sockalosky, USMC
Cpl Jacob Tate, USMC
LCpl Joseph Giese, USMC
LCpl Maung Htaik, USMC
LCpl Terry Honeycutt Jr., USMC
LCpl Dakota Huse, USMC
LCpl Michael Geary, USMC
LCpl Timothy Jackson, USMC
LCpl Joshua Twigg, USMC
LCpl Kyle Brown, USMC
LCpl Joshua Scott, USMC