George Lutz

April 2012 Casualties

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Thirty Four lives given for our country this month

Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Brown, 26, of Columbus, Ohio
Cpl. Christopher D. Bordoni, 21, of Ithaca, N.Y.
Capt. Nicholas J. Rozanski, 36, of Dublin, Ohio
Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey J. Rieck, 45, of Columbus, Ohio
Sgt. 1st Class Shawn T. Hannon, 44, of Grove City, Ohio
Cpl. Alex Martinez, 21, of Elgin, Il
Spc. Jeffrey L. White, Jr., 21, of Catawissa, Mo
Spc. Antonio C. Burnside, 31, of Great Falls, Mont.
Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Smith, 24, of Licking, Mo
Constructionman Trevor J. Stanley, 22, of Virginia Beach, Va
Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat, 22, of Tacoma, Wash
Spc. Philip C. S. Schiller, 21, of The Colony, Texas
Lance Cpl. Abraham Tarwoe, 25, Providence, R.I
Sgt. Tanner S. Higgins, 23, of Yantis, Texas
Staff Sgt. David P. Nowaczyk, 32, of Dyer, Ind
Cpl. Aaron M. Faust, 22, Louisville, Ky
Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, 30, of Mason, Texas
1st Lt. Jonathan P. Walsh, 28, Cobb, Ga.
Pfc. Michael J. Metcalf, 22, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas S. Johnson, 27, of San Diego, Calif.
Chief Warrant Officer Don C. Viray, 25, of Waipahu, Hawaii
Sgt. Chris J. Workman, 33, of Boise, Idaho
Sgt. Dean R. Shaffer, 23, of Pekin, Ill.
Spc. Manuel J. Vasquez, 22, of West Sacramento, Calif
Spc. Jason K. Edens, 22, of Franklin, Tenn
Spc. Moises J. Gonzalez, 29, Huntington, Calif
Lt. Christopher E. Mosko, 28, of Pittsford, N.Y.
Staff Sgt. Brandon F. Eggleston, 29, of Candler, N.C
Sgt. Dick A. Lee Jr., 31, of Orange Park, Fla.,
Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Brittonmihalo, 25, of Simi Valley, Calif
Master Sgt. Scott E. Pruitt, 38, of Gautier, Miss
Pfc. Christian R. Sannicolas, 20, Anaheim, Calif
Sgt. Nicholas M. Dickhut, 23, of Rochester, Minn

March 2012 Casualties

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Nineteen lives given for our country this month

Cpl. Conner T. Lowry, 24, of Chicago, Ill
Staff Sgt. Jordan L. Bear, 25, of Denver, Colo.
Pfc. Payton A. Jones, 19, of Marble Falls, Texas
Spc. Edward J. Acosta, 21, of Hesperia, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Jesse J. Grindey, 30, of Hazel Green, Wis.
Spc. Daquane D. Rivers, 21, of Marianna, Fla.
2nd Lt. Clovis T. Ray, 34, of San Antonio, Texas
Sgt. Jamie D. Jarboe, 27, of Frankfort, Ind.
Spc. Dennis P. Weichel Jr., 29, of Providence, R.I.
Capt. Aaron D. Istre, 37, of Vinton, La.
Sgt. Daniel J. Brown, 27, of Jerome, Idaho
Sgt. William R. Wilson III, of Getzville, N.Y.
Sgt. Joseph D’Augustine, 29, of Waldwick, N.J.
Capt. Francis D. Imlay, 31, of Vacaville, Calif.
Pfc. Johnathon F. Davis, 20, of Griffin, Ga.
Cpl. Roberto Cazarez, 24, of Harbor City, Calif.
Spc. David W. Taylor, 20, of Dixon, Ky.
Spc. James E. Dutton, 25, of Checotah, Okla
Cpl. Michael J. Palacio, 23, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.

April 2012 – Sponsorship

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Sponsorship – We Need Your Help

As Memorial Day 2012 approaches, exciting things are happening with the Honor and Remember campaign. We have made great progress getting the word out about the Honor and Remember Flag, including being prominently featured at a number of NASCAR races around the country. However, this month I want to focus on our core mission and encourage you to think about how you can get involved. As you know, we have three very important goals:

•    To establish the Honor and Remember Flag statewide and nationally as a public symbol of remembrance;
•    To educate the public about the meaning and importance of the flag;
•    To ensure that each Gold Star Family is presented with one personalized flag, regardless of generation, at no cost.

It is this last goal that I want to speak to. One of the most frequent questions I receive from grieving family members is: “When will I receive my personalized Honor and Remember Flag?” This is a heartbreaking question for me to answer because I desire nothing more than to place a personalized flag in their hands immediately. However, the unfortunate reality is that the presentation of an heirloom quality personalized flag begins with funding.

It may seem simple, but the steps required to ensure each family is respectfully presented with a flag are many. Research, communication, verification, manufacturing, delivery and presentation are all part of the lengthy process. But without the sponsored funds to cover the expense, we are slowed to a standstill and no family should ever pay for their own flag.

If you have followed the Honor and Remember Flag journey, you know I am continuously promoting awareness of our mission on a national scale through national and local media interviews, partnering at sporting events, speaking to veteran’s organizations and meeting with corporate representatives. It is always my hope that this effort brings the awareness necessary to build support. Although the message is being communicated broadly, there is still tremendous need and we can’t accomplish the goal of delivering a personalized Honor and Remember Flag to every family without your help physically or financially.

While more than 700 personalized flags have been presented in the last four years, we currently have a list of more than 600 families who have specifically requested a flag. Reaching all of those waiting and the thousands of other families that qualify can’t be accomplished without more help.

The number of requests is increasing daily, so it will take all of us to reach every family from many generations. We have presented to families honoring loved ones whose deaths in service to America date as far back as World War II, Korea and Vietnam. There are nearly 6500 casualties in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone, not to mention those untold numbers that have lost their lives through service-related incidents.

Here’s how you can help. Sponsor a single flag yourself or organize a group from your family, office, church, organization or school that will provide the funds needed to sponsor one or more personalized flags. Individuals or groups who wish to present a personalized flag to a particular Gold Star Family can organize a ceremony and do so.

Giving thanks and appreciation for the sacrifice someone has made for your freedom is an amazingly moving experience. I’ve done it hundreds of times and each one is unique. The Honor and Remember Flag provides a tangible and meaningful tribute that YOU can give that makes a difference in a family’s healing.

Your financial gift, no matter how small or large, can contribute to helping us respond to every request. Some families have been waiting for more than two years. Just this week I received this letter from a family who had filled out a request and with their permission I share it unedited with you:

Dear George
Thank you so much for the wonderful service you are doing in getting the public’s attention in lieu of our service men and women who’ve sacrificed their lives to keep our country free and understanding the price paid for that freedom!  I would like to share with you that I am taking care of my widowed elderly Mom after losing her husband to his mind first and then death second.  I would have made the request in lieu of her for a flag but felt that it would honor her more for my brother to receive it.  He has a huge hole in his soul since the loss of our Dad and has stated that he cherished his father as his best friend more so than any one of his peers and they were very very close!  I believe this would further his healing in his own grief process that I don’t think he is coping with very well, but cannot verify this by him, being that he is not very forthcoming with his emotional side.  This would bless my Mom more, to see my brother have something to memorialize his father than anything that could be done for her.  We, my sister and I, were also very close to our Dad and miss his presence in our lives dearly, but we have been dealing with our grief progressively and have each other to lean on, whereas my brother looked to our Dad for that kind of support.  I see that there is a very long wait time and really, there is no hurry considering there are so many soldiers who have sacrificed their lives and have families that miss them just the same, but I felt the need to at least explain the situation with our mother.  Thank you again for what you are doing with such a wonderful way to memorialize someone lost to war!”

Sincerely and God Bless, 
Gold Star Sister

I want to thank those who are already out there supporting the mission, including our state chapters that collectively presented more than 100 flags last year, veterans organizations in many states that have sponsored dozens of flags for local families and individuals who believe that our mission perfectly expresses their gratitude.

I have spoken to many military men and women who have deployed and returned home either safe or scarred but left friends and team members behind on the battlefield. They have each individually searched their own hearts for something to say or do to reach out to the families of their fallen comrades. Over the years, I have watched as personalized flags have expressed that silent emotion, spoken louder than thunder, of the gratitude comrades in arms want to express to a Gold Star Family.

For example, not long ago an Army soldier who was severely wounded by a suicide bomber fought for two years to recuperate as the only survivor of four.  He struggled internally to think of what he could say to the families of his fallen friends. After five years of physical and emotional struggle, he finally met the three mothers of his fallen friends together at a special ceremony and gave each this precious gift of appreciation to honor the men who died at his side. This is one account of many intensely moving moments.

Whether you are a patriotic American, a military veteran or a member of a church, business or organization, you can help us to make a difference. There are so many reasons why this is the right thing to do and in this short newsletter I cannot adequately articulate the impact this opportunity has created for the hundreds of those that have already reached out.
Please follow this link and donate a portion or all of a personalized Honor and Remember Flag for a waiting family. This is an ongoing need with tens of thousands of families yet to be reached, but it has to start with one.

Here are several ways to get involved:
1. A one-time gift.
2. A recurring monthly gift.
3. One full sponsorship.
4. Multiple sponsorships.
5. Corporate sponsorship.

You may have been watching this organization grow from a distance, advancing in its mission and making incredible strides. The demand for flags is growing larger than we can keep up with. Now is the time to partner with us to touch the specific lives of families and remember their loved ones who have sacrificed all for our freedom. You can make a difference in the success of our mission and all that it means to so many.  Search your heart as to the best way you can get involved, but please do something.

Thank you for your continued support and God bless you.

Respectfully,
George Lutz, 
Founder

P.S. Any Gold Star Family may be placed on the waiting list by filling out the request form on our site. www.honorandremember.org/the-flag/flag-presentation/

AMERICAN MAJORITY BRINGS HONOR AND REMEMBER TO NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES

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AMERICAN MAJORITY BRINGS HONOR AND REMEMBER
TO NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES

New Symbol of Sacrifice and Remembrance Will Appear
on American Majority, MacDonald Motorsports #81

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  – March 15, 2012

Bristol, TN…March 15, 2012— American Majority, sponsor of driver Jason Bowles and MacDonald Motorsports #81 Nationwide Series car, is proud to announce a special partnership with the national non-profit organization, Honor and Remember, Inc. to promote a new national symbol honoring our fallen service members.  The American Majority/MacDonald Motorsports Nationwide car #81 will feature this new emblem of remembrance throughout the 2012 season.
Honor and Remember was founded on Memorial Day 2008 to promote the adoption of a new, nationally-recognized flag to serve as a constant reminder of the brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

“American Majority’s NASCAR program this season is about encouraging all Americans to help Keep America Free,” states Ned Ryun, President of American Majority, a leading national conservative grassroots training organization.  “No group of Americans has exemplified that spirit more than our service members who gave their lives for our freedom.  It is a privilege for us to help promote this new symbol of American courage and sacrifice.”

Honor and Remember flags will also fly as part of the American Majority #81 booth at Bristol this weekend and at more than a dozen tracks across the country as part of their national Pledge to Vote initiative.

“I am truly humbled by American Majority’s willingness to help us in this noble cause,” states George Lutz founder of Honor and Remember, whose son George Anthony Lutz II was killed by a sniper’s bullet while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005.  “Having this emblem displayed on a NASCAR race car will help raise awareness with millions of patriotic fans who understand the importance of honoring the fallen and supporting our Gold Star families.”

Lutz has traveled more than 25,000 miles to all 50 states in order to urge the display of the flag by governments, businesses and individuals.  He has delivered personalized versions of the flag to hundreds of families who have lost a loved one in military service, regardless of generation.

To date, more than 20 states have either adopted the flag or endorsed its use.  Supporters of the flag can visit www.HonorandRemember.org to sign a petition urging lawmakers in Washington to support H.R. 546, which would make the flag a federally recognized, perpetual tribute to the lives lost in service to our country.

About American Majority
American Majority is the leading developer of the nation’s new 21st century conservative grassroots political infrastructure.  The organization uses its cutting edge curriculum to empower individuals and organizations with the most effective tools to promote liberty through limited government.  American Majority trains thousands of activists and candidates each year in communities across the country to be catalysts for authentic change in government.  The non-profit, non-partisan organization is dedicated to developing a new generation of American elected and opinion leadership that will reject the self-destructive policies associated with government expansion and promote those that will lead to growth and success.

About American Majority Racing
American Majority Racing is a national program of American Majority, the nation’s leading conservative grassroots training organization.  The program is designed to target millions of NASCAR fans from all political backgrounds in an unprecedented effort to engage them in the electoral process.  Having teamed up with NASCAR driver Jason Bowles and car #81 MacDonald Motorsports for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series racing season, the American Majority Racing program is designed to educate Americans about how smaller government and less spending will “Keep America Free.”  Through www.PledgetoVote.com, American Majority Racing encourages all Americans to register and vote in the 2012 elections.

About Honor and Remember, Inc
After the death of his eldest son Tony in Iraq, Gold Star father George Lutz recognized the need to educate the nation on the precious cost of freedom. His mission became raising awareness about the sacrifice made by military men and women who died for their country, through the creation and establishment of a distinct and tangible symbol. The Honor and Remember Flag was unveiled nationally on Memorial Day 2008 to perpetually recognize the sacrifice of our fallen military heroes and their families. The flag is now being endorsed by veteran and service organizations and adopted by cities and states.  And it is being flown by patriotic Americans across our nation and is fast becoming a nationally accepted symbol of remembrance.

About MacDonald Motorsports
MacDonald Motorsports Owner Randy MacDonald has been around the NASCAR circles since 1985, when he began his own racing career with the loving support of his father “Doc” and his mother Pat MacDonald. As a NASCAR driver, Randy was successful in making it all the way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The MacDonald family became NASCAR team owners in 1986 and have fielded cars in the NASCAR K&N Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.  MacDonald Motorsports is a Christian based race team focused on the growth and development of young drivers offering opportunities to gain experience from grass roots all the way through the elite series of NASCAR.

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February 2012 Casualties

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Seventeen lives given for our country this month

Lance Cpl. Edward J. Dycus, 22, of Greenville, Miss.
Brig. Gen. Terence J. Hildner, 49, of Fairfax, Va.
Sgt. 1st Class Billy A. Sutton, 42, of Tupelo, Miss
Pfc. Cesar Cortez, 24, of Oceanside, Calif.
Lance Cpl. Osbrany Montes De Oca, 20, of North Arlington, N.J
Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada, 21, of Queen Creek, Ariz
Sgt. Jerry D. Reed II, 30, of Russellville, Ark.
Petty Officer First Class Paris S. Pough, 40, of Columbus, Ga
Capt. Ryan P. Hall, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colo
Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock, 29, of Newnan, Ga
1st Lt. Justin J. Wilkens, 26, of Bend, Ore.
Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten, 26, of Upper Marlboro, Md.
Sgt. Allen R. McKenna Jr., 28, of Noble, Okla.
Sgt. Joshua A. Born, 25, of Niceville, Fla.
Cpl. Timothy J. Conrad Jr., 22, of Roanoke, Va.
Lt. Col. John D. Loftis, 44, of Paducah, Ky.
Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II, 48, of Baltimore, Md

January 2012 – Thank You!

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January 2012 Thank You…

I cannot begin in a short message to adequately touch all of the amazing accomplishments of last year. In 2011 Honor and Remember, with your help, significantly advanced its mission to perpetually recognize the sacrifice of our military fallen heroes and their families.

The year began with my personal visit to all 541 legislative offices on Capitol Hill. It was my unprecedented goal to share the vision of our national remembrance flag to every representative and gain congressional approval. This visit initiated substantial support from over 152 members of congress for the national vision. Although HR546 did not see significant movement during the year, I am much more confident that awareness has grown among our legislative leaders. Please continue to reach out to your representatives for support.We will continue to focus on state-by-state adoptions of the Honor and Remember Flag.

Nine state adoptions of the flag are in place and based on phone calls I have received from many of you, a minimum of fifteen additional states should adopt this year. Thank you to all who continue to champion our cause in their state!

Last year was also the beginning of our inclusion into the CFC Combined Federal Campaign, where we are now able to take our message to military and federal employees. I sincerely thank all of the volunteers who represented Honor and Remember at a variety of benefit fairs in states across the country. We could not have made an impact without your help! Continuing our benevolent goal of presenting personalized flags to every Gold Star Family, over 400 families were honored.

We could not make such significant impact without the dedicated men and women who volunteer to manage each state chapter.  The impact they have on their state and those Gold Star Families is enormous. There are currently eleven official Honor and Remember  chapters; Virginia, North Carolina, Alaska, Ohio, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Connecticut and Arizona. It is our national goal to add fifteen additional chapters this year, on our way to fifty. This is a serious commitment and welcome qualified patriots in joining our team. Contact Chapters@honorandremember.org

Personalized flags were presented to Gold Star Families across the U.S. at chapter and key events, including a Louisiana Blue Star mother event, the Maupin, Ohio scholarship event, America Supports You Texas annual weekend, Rolling Thunder Memorial Weekend Banquet, New Jersey Run for the Fallen, the AmVets convention, Arizona Diamondbacks 9/11 and Veteran’s day Presentations and the Navajo reservation presentation to five Vietnam era families.

There are tremendous projects in the works for this year, including plans for many flag presentations and amazing partnerships that will enable us to honor more families than ever before. As 2012 goes into full swing I ask for your continued support for our national effort to change the mindset of this nation. To bring national awareness of and appreciation to the sacrifices of our brave military fallen heroes and their families. The ways to help are simple.

1. Sign the Petition and be sure to encourage your family, friends and coworkers to do the same;
2. Fly the Flag – show your appreciation for our fallen and their families by displaying Honor and Remember as a way to say thank you. Remember to replace faded or worn out flags.
3. Support the Cause – Please consider helping us in our ongoing effort to publicly recognize the sacrifice of our military fallen heroes and their families. Consider a one-time or monthly donation.

Thank you for continuing to support this national symbol of remembrance.  Let’s get this flag flying everywhere!

Blessings,
George

January 2012 Casualties

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Twenty Seven lives given for our country this month

Spc. Pernell J. Herrera, 33, of Espanola, N.M.
Petty Officer 1st Class Chad R. Regelin, 24, of Cottonwood, Calif.
Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, 23, of Erie, Pa.
Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz, 34, of Traverse City, Mich.
Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, 24, of Westminster, Md.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan M. Metzger, 32, of Indianapolis, Ind.
Spc. Robert J. Tauteris Jr., 44, of Hamlet, Ind.
Spc. Christopher A. Patterson, 20, of Aurora, Ill.
Spc. Brian J. Leonhardt, 21, of Merrillville, Ind.
Pfc. Dustin P. Napier, 20, of London, Ky.,
Pfc. Michael W. Pyron, 30, of Hopewell, Va
Pfc. Neil I. Turner, 21, of Tacoma, Wash
Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin B. Wise, 34, of Little Rock, Ark
Cpl. Jon-Luke Bateman, 22, of Tulsa, Okla.
Lance Cpl. Kenneth E. Cochran, 20, of Wilder, Idaho
Spc. Keith D. Benson, 27, of Brockton, Mass
Cpl. Phillip D. McGeath, 25, Glendale, Ariz
Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, 27, of Ferndale, Wash.
Capt. Nathan R. McHone, 29, of Crystal Lake, Ill.
MSgt. Travis W. Riddick, 40, of Centerville, Iowa
Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, 23, of North Beach, Md.
Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard, 25, of Colonia, N.J.
Cpl. Joseph D. Logan, 22, of Willis, Texas
Cpl. Christopher G. Singer, 23, of Temecula, Calif
Capt. Joshua C. Pairsh, 29, of Equality, Ill
1st Lt. David A. Johnson, 24, of Horicon, Wis
Sgt. William C. Stacey, 23, of Redding, Calif

December 2011 Casualties

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Sgt. Ryan D. Sharp, 28, of Idaho Falls, Idaho
Sgt. 1st Class Clark A. Corley Jr., 35, of Oxnard, Calif.
Spc. Ryan M. Lumley, 21, of Lakeland, Fla.
Spc. Thomas J. Mayberry, 21, of Springville, Calif.
Lance Cpl. Christopher P. J. Levy, 21, of Ramseur, N.C.
Sgt. Christopher L. Muniz, 24, of New Cuyama, Calif
Spc. Ronald H. Wildrick Jr., 30, of Blairstown, N.J.
Pvt. Jalfred D. Vaquerano, 20, of Apopka, Fla.
Maj. Samuel M. Griffith, 36, of Virginia Beach, Va.
Spc. Mikayla A. Bragg, 21, of Longview, Wash.
Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Altmann, 27, of Marshfield, Wis.
Sgt. Noah M. Korte, 29, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.
Spc. Kurt W. Kern, 24, of McAllen, Texas
Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire, 20, of Easley, S.C.
Petty Officer Stacy O. Johnson, 35, of Rolling Fork, Miss.
Spc. Pernell J. Herrera, 33, of Espanola, N.M

November Casualties 2011

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Sgt. Christopher D. Gailey, 26, of Ochelata, Okla.
Spc. Sarina N. Butcher, 19, of Checotah, Okla.
1st Lt. Dustin D. Vincent, 25, of Mesquite, Texas
Lance Cpl. Nickolas A. Daniels, 25, of Elmwood Park, Ill
Pfc. Cody R. Norris, 20, of Houston, Texas
Pfc. Theodore B. Rushing, 25, of Longwood, Fla
Sgt. 1st Class Johnathan B. McCain, 38, of Apache Junction, Ariz
Spc. Calvin M. Pereda, 21, of Fayetteville, N.C
Spc. David E. Hickman, 23, of Greensboro, N.C
Spc. James R. Burnett Jr., 21, of Wichita, Kan.
Pfc. Matthew C. Colin, 22, of Navarre, Fla.
Spc. Sean M. Walsh, 21, of San Jose, Calif
Pfc. Adam E. Dobereiner, 21, of Moline, Ill.
Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Corral, 19, of Danville, Calif.
Pfc. Jackie L. Diener II, 20, of Boyne City, Mich.
Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, 22, of Preston, Iowa
Cpl. Adam J. Buyes, 21, of Salem, Ore.
Sgt. 1st Class Dennis R. Murray, 38, of Red Broiling Springs, Tenn
Staff Sgt. Vincent J. Bell, 28, of Detroit, Mich