archive: October 2011  |  view all recent posts

Speaking Tour at Hill AFB & Salt Lake City for Mark and other American Heroes

November 7-8, 2011, I will be speaking to several venues in the Salt Lake City, UT area, compliments to Zion's Bank. The purpose is two fold:

1. To share the man, warrior, and Patriot our brother Mark was
2. To recognize the many other heroes who have and are serving our country to protect us from evil

The schedule will be as follows:

11/7 7:30 Salt Lake Chamber offices, 175 E. 400 S. 6th floor
11/7 12:00 Hill AFB 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Theater
11/7 6:00 State Capitol - Top of Utah Military Affairs committee and legislative leadership, located in State Auditorium in State Office Bldg
11/8 11:30 Zions Bank Building for Zions employees, located in Founders Room, 16th floor. There is also a great display of Mark in the lobby. It's worth visiting.

This is a tremendous opportunity and I thank Brian Garrett with Zions Bank, and my brother-in-law Steve Bartholomew for making this happen. They have both been passionate about Mark's story, and about our military who protect us.

Our friends and readers are invited to attend any of these events.

The call to action is to "Honor the Heroes". How do we honor those who serve to protect our freedoms? What do we currently do, or what can we do to honor them? During this past year, in our quest to learn all we can about Mark's military service, we couldn't help but be amazed at the many we've met who serve our country selflessly and put their lives on the line, often times daily. There are many who instantly come to my mind. And I know we'll continue to meet many more. I thank you all. These speaking opportunities are not just to honor Mark, they are to honor everyone. When we honor Mark, we honor you all.

Please go to HERE and share how you Honor the Heroes.

They go through a lot of pain and carry a lot of weight on their backs for us.

Honor the Heroes

Based on the great men and women you know who have fought for our freedom, and based on what you've learned about Mark and many others from this web site, how do you Honor the Heroes? We have the mantle on us to honor them by how we live.

From the moment Mark was killed on 29 September 2010, we have witnessed tremendous acts of Patriotism in various ways. The Patriot Guard Riders came to town for at least three days. They escorted Mark's body from the Haleyville airport to the funeral home. From the funeral home to the school for the funeral, and from the school to the cemetery. They also stood guard outside the funeral home for the viewing, and the school for the funeral. This was all with the purpose to protect the family from any unwanted protesters. I'm pretty sure I was the last person to leave the funeral home the night of the viewing on 6 October, and they were outside the door waiting until the last family member left. Also there were members of the city's police, fire, and rescue squads.

People stood along the streets with flags and hands over hearts as Mark's body was escorted from the airport, then to the school, then to the cemetery. Businesses shut down, the city offices shut down early, the schools closed early. I was told there wasn't an American flag to be found in all Winston county, and much of Franklin and Marion counties.

We've received many letters and cards from various individuals and groups, including the group "Soldiers Angels". Donations were made in Mark's name to The Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and now donations are being made to The Mark Forester Foundation.

There are many more acts people have done--too many to list. But all these selfless acts of service and honor are what make America the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. As the chief of Mark's squadron told us, "it's because of towns like Haleyville that we fight."

Please take the time to comment what you have done, what you do, are what you will do to Honor the Heroes. If you haven't felt impressed in the past, think about this request and start now to find ways to honor them. It can be something as simple as flying an American flag at home or business, thanking a veteran, welcoming home service members from deployments, seeing them off as they deploy, etc.

There is a great HBO movie with Kevin Bacon called "Taking Chance" that is worth watching. It shows the respect and Patriotism our citizens have for the fallen in uniform.

We look forward to seeing your comments below. Remember, when we honor one, we honor them all.

How do you Honor the Heroes?

Update on Johnnie Yellock II

As we have posted a few times before, Johnnie Yellock II has been recovering from severe injuries to his legs from an IED attack in Afghanistan. He has been making great progress, but recently he was thought to have an infection in his left knee (the good leg), but after preparing for emergency surgery, the doctors deemed his knee was reacting to something else, so they drained fluids and gave him antibiotics.

The doctors are now concerned with an incision on the bottom of his left foot (one of many incisions on his legs and feet). They have taken cultures and test results will follow.

We pray this is resolved quickly and his recovery and ability to walk continue to increase each day. Johnnie and his family continue to thank everyone for their support and prayers.

Based on the picture below, he is recovering well and feels much better. Good to see you on your feet Johnnie.

This picture was taken September 29, 2011 as Johnnie was releasing a balloon in Mark's memory. Notice the cookies-n-cream milkshake on the ground. He said that was for Mark too. This is a priceless picture.