Andrew was the kind of young man who fought for what he believed in. Described as a "good kid" by his parents, he showed a good heart as a Marine volunteering to go to Iraq to do what he could to prevent another 9/11attack from happening here at home. His compassion and caring did not go unnoticed. More than 2,000 people lined the streets of Akron to say goodbye to Andrew. A stickler for education with plans to go on to college, Andrew's goals will now live on through those who receive the scholarship in his name.
Lt. James J. Cathey, 24, Reno, NV
James graduated from Reno High School in 1998. He joined the Marine Reserves at 17, and attended the University of Colorado to study history and anthropology. His wife Katherine was 4 months pregnant when James was killed in Iraq in August, 2005. Their son, Jimmy, was born on December 22. James also leaves a loving daughter, Casey, 9 years old. He was looking forward to getting back home to be with his wife and new baby.
Danny Dietz, 25, Littleton, CO
In 1999 Danny graduated from Heritage High School and joined the Navy three months later. While in high school, he played football his senior year and was active in weight lifting and swimming. Danny had two weeks of service left in Afghanistan when he was killed on June 28, 2005. Danny was posthumously awarded one of our nation's highest honors for heroism, the Navy Cross. Danny's widow, Maria, said he was not only her friend and role model, but her hero. He is a true hero to so many.
Benjamin Edinger, 24, Green Bay, WI
Following his 1999 graduation from Green Bay West High School, Ben attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. After a year in school, he joined the Marines. He served one tour of duty in Iraq and went back for a second tour when he was injured. Doctors thought he would heal so he could pursue his educational plan of becoming a veterinarian, but his injuries proved to be too much.
Nichole Frye, 19, Lena , WI
Education was important to Nichole. After graduating from Lena High School in 2002, she joined the Army as a way to raise money for everything she wanted out of life… an education, home, and family. Nichole at 19 was engaged to be married when she left for Iraq , where her mission was to help rebuild the war-torn country. Her last mission was to help the children of Iraq, by delivering food, water and books. She planned to return home and go to college and become a firefighter or a police officer.
Kyle Hemauer, 21, Chilton, WI
Remembering Kyle is easy for the people of Chilton. He's the former all-conference punter on the football team, the quiet guy with a good heart, the hard-working son looking to make a difference in his community. Kyle joined the Army National Guard after graduating in 2001 from Chilton High School to help pay for his continuing education. He was proud to serve and proud to do his part in Operation Enduring Freedom. Kyle will be missed, but his smile and his spirit of caring will never be forgotten.
Ken Hess, 26, Asheville , NC
Kenny attended Reynolds High School and at the age of 20, joined the Army. He was very proud to serve his country and had plans of making a career out of the Army. Ken served in the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team based out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska where he lived with his wife April. He was father to his 10-year-old son, Alex and a protective big brother. He wanted to have another child and grow old with April and watch Alex grow into a man. A scholarship in his name will educate others about honor and determination.
Isaiah Hunt, 20, Suamico, WI
When Isaiah graduated from Bay Port High School in 2003 he didn’t know for sure what he wanted to do. Isaiah decided to join the Army as a means to a better life. Serving his country seemed like something that fit Isaiah well. Family and friends say Isaiah was always looking out for people. He genuinely cared about the well being of others. That caring continued in Iraq where he was a member of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division where his unit made sure others were protected. A scholarship in Isaiah’s name fits right in with his natural intuition to help others.
Ryan Jerabek, 18, Hobart , WI
At just 18-years-old, Ryan dreamed about his future. Even before graduating from Pulaski High School in 2003, he had already made plans to join the Marines. After serving his country in the military, Ryan wanted to serve his community. His plan was to go to college to become a history teacher and hopefully return to Pulaski High School. He became a part of American history though when he battled in Iraq to save others in his company. Ryan’s actions will always teach others about heroism, duty and determination.
Nainoa Hoe, 27, Kailua, Oahu
Nainoa graduated from Kamehameha Schools in Kailua, Oahu, in 1995 and was an Army ROTC graduate from the University of Hawaii. He was a person who understood whqt it meant to serve his country. In 1999, as a member of the 100th Battalion, Nainoa was selected as the Pacific Area's Army Reserve Soldier of the Year.
Nainoa enjoyed karaoke and body surfing. Nainoa and his wife, Emily, were married in June 2004. He was killed on January 22, 2005.
Eric McColley, 23, Gettysburg , PA
Eric joined the Marines on the delayed entry program prior to graduating from Gettysburg High School in 2000. While in high school, he excelled on the swim team and in other team sports including soccer and baseball. Outside of school, his commitment to helping others could be seen in his work as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and swim coach at the Gettysburg YWCA. The thing Eric was most proud of was being a Marine. He had re-enlisted and intended to go to military police school, and hoped to pursue a career in law enforcement in civilian life, when he was killed. Eric’s sense of humor will be missed.
Jesse Thiry, 23, Casco, WI
As graduation at Luxemburg-Casco High School drew near in 2000, Jesse knew one thing for sure…he wanted to join the Marines. It was midway through high school, where he ran track and wrestled, that he focused on getting in shape and joining the military. All this well before America was at war, and well before September 11th. Education became a part of his life as a Marine. He was a weapons instructor helping new recruits. After finishing his 4-year stint he planned to marry his high school sweetheart, but with months left to serve he volunteered to go to Iraq.
Brent Vroman, 21, Omro, WI
At Omro High School Brent stood out as a star wrestler. But there was more to Brent than that. Even after graduating in 2001 students and teachers would remember him as someone with a big heart and even a bigger smile. He maintained that outlook on life when he joined the Marines in March of 2003. Brent was a Private First Class with the Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines. His family says Brent was proud to be a Marine and proud to be an American serving his country.
Joe Welke, 20, Rapid City, SD
Joe graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 2003. While in high school, Joe played football and earned Greater Dakota Conference All Conference and Honorable Mention All State honors as a senior. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, camping, weight lifting, and cars. Joe was proud to be a United States Marine. Joe's coach, Joel Hybertson stated, "If we need someone for our Country, I want someone like Joe Welke." Joe's plans of moving to Southern California were cut short when he was killed in Iraq on November 20, 2004.
