Remember Wall Photos

<i class="material-icons" data-template="memories-icon">chat_bubble</i><br/>Jason Rhodes and Rick Balmer, Marine Corps, CPL<br/>Posted by: Wreaths Across America<br/><div class='remember-wall-long-description'>To Remember is to Honor: A Special Tribute to Jason Rhodes and Rick Balmer This year, as the Wreaths Across America Fairview Cemetery Team (Team RWB South Bend), we reached a historic milestone: 100% wreath sponsorship. We believe this wasn't just luck; we believe we had two incredible guardians watching over our efforts. Today, we are humbled to announce a major donation made in loving memory of two men who were the heartbeat of the veteran community in Michiana. Jason Rhodes: A Pioneer for the Brave In 2017, Jason was a pillar of our community—a Marine Corps League Commandant, a father, and a patriot. Long before Wreaths Across America became a household name in our area, Jason was there, laying the groundwork. In late 2018, Jason lost his private battle with PTSD. We often wonder what our mission would look like today if he were still standing beside us, perhaps with his son in tow. Jason didn’t just support organizations; he built the foundations that allow us to serve today. We remember him not just for his service, but for the heavy burdens he carried home. Rick Balmer: The Man Who Had Our "6" This past July, we lost Rick Balmer in a tragic motorcycle accident. Though Rick never wore the uniform, everyone who met him assumed he was a veteran because of his unwavering servant’s heart. Following the loss of his nephew, Air Force Tech Sgt. Ryan Balmer (KIA 2007), Rick dedicated his life to supporting veterans. He was a force of nature who had just retired, eager to spend his days doing even more good. To many of us, he was more than a committee member; he was a father figure who stepped in during our darkest times. Rick was the man you trusted to have your back, no matter what. Why "Remember Me"? The national theme for Wreaths Across America is "Remember Me." It was inspired by a simple line from a movie: “Maybe they don’t forget about you, but they forget to remember you.” We refuse to forget to remember. We often speak of "veterans" as a group, but our mission</div><a class='btn btn-primary btn-sm mt-2 remember-wall-toggle-long-description' onclick='initRememberWallToggleLongDescriptionBtn(this)'>Learn more</a> Jason Rhodes and Rick Balmer, Marine Corps
<i class="material-icons" data-template="memories-icon">account_balance</i><br/>Libero Baldoni, Army, S Sgt WWII<br/>Born 10/15/1918<br/>Passed on 10/12/2000<br/><div class='remember-wall-long-description'>In Memory of Libero A. Baldoni</div><a class='btn btn-primary btn-sm mt-2 remember-wall-toggle-long-description' onclick='initRememberWallToggleLongDescriptionBtn(this)'>Learn more</a> Libero Baldoni, Army
<i class="material-icons" data-template="memories-icon">account_balance</i><br/>Melvin Floyd Williams, Army, Tec 5 WWII<br/>Born 12/20/1923<br/>Passed on 6/28/2005<br/>Posted by: Karen H.<br/><div class='remember-wall-long-description'> In Memory of Melvin Floyd Williams</div><a class='btn btn-primary btn-sm mt-2 remember-wall-toggle-long-description' onclick='initRememberWallToggleLongDescriptionBtn(this)'>Learn more</a> Melvin Floyd Williams, Army
<i class="material-icons" data-template="memories-icon">stars</i><br/>Henry Keranen , Army<br/>Posted by: BETTY KERANEN<br/><div class='remember-wall-long-description'>My father raised me with a good moral compass. He was a proud patriot and served the Army Proudly. I would have never made it through Marine Corps training if he hadn't raised me the way he did. I am so proud to be his daughter and to continue to serve my country with Coordinating our local wreath ceremony locally. Hopefully we get big enough to open up fundraising for wreaths were my father is laid to rest now locally.</div><a class='btn btn-primary btn-sm mt-2 remember-wall-toggle-long-description' onclick='initRememberWallToggleLongDescriptionBtn(this)'>Learn more</a> Henry Keranen , Army