Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to enjoy our freedom. While we may think of these sacrifices being made far away, long ago, they are actually much closer to home than we often realize. Eight men from Elkhart County have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom since 9/11. While I honor all those who have sacrificed so much for us, I want to honor these eight men specifically. Marvin Lee Trost III, Wakarusa Dec. 5, 2004 Jeffrey W. Corban, Elkhart Oct. 15. 2005 Aaron Seal, Elkhart Oct. 1, 2006 David Wilkey Jr., Elkhart June 18, 2007 James Snyder, Nappanee May 10, 2008 Travis Hunsberger, Wakarusa June 27, 2008 Justin Shoecraft, Elkhart Aug. 24, 2010 Marvin Calhoun Jr., Elkhart Sept. 21, 2010 (To learn more about these heroes, read this Sept. 10, 2011 Elkhart Truth Article, "Military Casualties from Elkhart County since 9/11." Click here to find a complete list of all Indiana soldiers who have lost their lives serving our country. Take time this Memorial Day to honor these men and all of our military and veterans who have willingly fought and risked their lives for our freedom. The General Assembly recently passed legislation that positively impacts our Veterans as well as active military and will now be part of our state law come July 1: • Accommodating Military Parents: Parents who receive military deployment orders can now delegate a person who has a close relationship with their child to be the caretaker of their child when they are away. • Awarding Educational Credits: State educational institutions are required to award educational credit to members of the military who are enrolled in a state educational institution and successfully complete courses that are part of the individual’s military service. I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! |
