I would like to thank all of the men and women in unifrom. I know that is a common statement heard numerous times from many people. What I would like to do here is provide a space for the brave individuals who put their lives on the line for our freedom, safety, and way of life. Honor them. Respect them. And if you are so moved, reach out to them.
Paul R.
Air Force
Lt. Col David W Roderick
Pop served in the US AirForce as a pilot. His missions and stories were a lot of fun to listen to as a kid. Some of his service is still classified. Pop flew some of the first flights to Antartica. There is actually a mountain named after the family. Once again I have a tremendous amount of pictures, maps, and paperwork documenting his career. One day I will start going through all of it and organizing a chronilogical history of our family's military careers. I hope to scan some pictures and upload them for the site. Pop is also in the group of three men I admire most. These are heros. Men of great stature. I am honored to carry their name. I only hope I can measure up. Pop passed in 1999. Miss you Pop. I loved your stories and your laughter.
Marines
Marine Cpl. Jason Praytor
Marine Corps TOW Platoon, 3rd Marine Reg, Kaneohe Bay, HI. '94 - '98. Cpl Cedar Hill Police Department, Cedar Hill, TX
Jason is a close friend of mine and a fellow Veteran. Not only has Jason served in the Marine Corps, he serves his local community everyday as a Police Officer. I am honored to know Jason.
Army
Veteran Spec 5 David G Roderick
My father grew up in the military. His father Lt Col. David W. Roderick served in the U.S. Airforce. Dad has been all over the world and given the majority of his life to military service. He is a Vietnam Veteran and is one of the three men I admire the most.
SGT Aaron Gritzmaker
Gritz, as his friends call him, has been a co worker and a friend of mine since 1996. He has been an inspiration and a role model for us, especially this past year and I know the next years to come. He is a Vietnam Veteran having served as a Special Forces Medic.
The Stone
Col. Howard Funston
Col., as we always called him, is my Mom's father. He passed away in 1993. His career is remarkable. Serving in China and Korea. Col spent 36 years in the Army progressing through the enlisted ranks to SFC and then as a commissioned officer to the rank of Colonel. I have stacks of historical papers and photographs documenting his career and it is truly amazing. Col is one of the three men I admire most. I miss him and wish he were here. He was very successful in civilian life as well. God speed Col. we love you.
SSG Troy Estell
I met Troy by chance in the Walmart parking lot. I handed him a card and told him to call me if he wanted some tires mounted. I have since mounted 3 sets of tires and we did a track day together. Troy has returned from being deployed to Afghanistan . He is assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Troy, keep intouch my friend. I look forward to many track days in the future.
Hugh
Hugh has multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I met Hugh at a local motorcycle shop. Hugh is a fine individual and also an outstanding rider/mechanic. Hugh is quick to offer friendly advise and he has a air of calmness about him. We have done a couple of track days together and I am still trying to get him to join us on a Deals Gap pilgramage.
