Chapter members provided cold bottles of water to thirsty participants and guests. Also serving at the ceremony today were: The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Honor Guard, Gwinnett County Police Honor Guard, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, Lawrenceville Police Department Honor Guard, William Day Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Patriot Guard Riders.
Group from left to right, Philadelphia Winn Chapter Daughters: Kathy Lobe, Treasurer Anne Lockhart, Librarian Becky Davenport, Regent Kitty Watters, Terri Tigh, Recording Secretary Valerie Craft, Ruby Craft, Vanessa Wynn, Mary Ann Grube, Marcia Robertson, Chaplain Linda Olson, Janet Perry, Corresponding Secretary Lee Schermerhorn, First Vice Regent Ann Story, Traci Zierk, Babs Richman
Glenn P. Stephens, County Administrator, officiated at the ceremony along with several Gwinnett County government officials including Charlotte Nash, Chairman, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Judy Jordan Johnson, Mayor of the City of Lawrenceville, and Rob Woodall, District 7 Congressman.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Colonel Ralph Kauzlarich (ret.) who now serves as the Executive Director of the Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia. Colonel Kauzlarich said, “Courage, selfless service and sacrifice is the code every soldier lives by.” Col. Kauzlarich reminded the attendees not to forget the families of our fallen heroes, over 1.3 million men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Stephens noted that the Colonel’s remarks were especially moving and powerful; all in attendance fully agreed!
Police Chief Terry Esco from Braselton, Georgia, officiated at the Induction for Fallen Hero, Todd Helcher, Last Call. Todd was a local fallen police officer on the force for 16 months when a fatal auto accident claimed his life. Chief Esco paid tribute to Todd’s family in attendance, wife Amy, sons Holden and Logan, and daughter Hailey.
Another name will be added soon to the Fallen Heroes Memorial for a soldier from Snellville, Georgia, Spc. Etienne J. Murphy. He was an infantryman who had been a member of JROTC at South Gwinnett High School. Etienne was killed a few days ago in Al-Hasakah, Syria, while on his first deployment. Spc. Murphy’s awards include the Parachutist Badge, Army Achievement Medal with 3 OLC, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Posthumously awarded was the Army Commendation Medal. Sincere condolences were offered for Etienne’s family.
The program concluded with the Laying of the Wreath, 3-Volleys and the playing of Taps.
The Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony is an annual event.
For more information regarding the Philadelphia Winn Chapter of the NSDAR, please visit our website at: philadelphiawinn.georgiastatedar.org
