New Honored Fallen Heroes
PFC Sean Brake – USA – Upland, CA – DOD 7/28/2012
PFC Sean Michael Brake began his military career by fulfilling a lifelong dream of serving his country. His first duty station was Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he spent four years as a horizontal engineer with the 984th Engineer Company.
Sean was the proud father of three amazing children: Zoe, Logan, and Hailey.
Sean was PCS’d to Fort Stewart to attend training in preparation for deployment. It was there that his life was tragically cut short.
Cpl Bradley M. Faircloth – USMC – Mobile, AL – KIA 11/26/2004
Bradley Faircloth’s life, though brief, left an enduring and far-reaching impact.
Born to a young single mother, Bradley was raised in an environment defined by resilience, determination, and a close bond that often felt like “us against the world.” From an early age, he demonstrated a deep desire to belong, to be part of something greater than himself, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
This sense of purpose began to take shape during a mission trip to Jamaica. Despite the absence of many modern comforts, Bradley embraced the experience fully. It profoundly influenced his perspective, instilling in him a lasting gratitude for life’s simplest blessings and a genuine love for serving others. His subsequent experience in Africa further reinforced this calling, where he felt a natural sense of connection and belonging.
Bradley’s character was evident early in life. By the age of 10, he was working in his uncle’s restaurant, where his outgoing nature and ease with people made a lasting impression. By age 11, he had developed a strong sense of responsibility, learning to manage money and understand the value of hard work. He possessed a rare combination of discipline, generosity, and the ability to bring people together, qualities that would define his life.
Football became one of Bradley’s first experiences of true brotherhood. Although he began later than many of his peers, his determination and work ethic quickly set him apart. Over time, he transformed himself physically and mentally, but more importantly, he became a unifying presence among his teammates. Under the mentorship of his coach, Curtis, Bradley grew into a leader who encouraged, supported, and elevated those around him.
His impact was most clearly recognized during his senior year, when his coach established the Bradley Faircloth Award. Created in his name, the award recognized not only athletic achievement but also character, leadership, and the ability to unite a team. For Bradley, this recognition held deeper meaning than any individual accolade.
Following the events of September 11, 2001, Bradley felt a strong call to serve his country. While he initially honored his commitment to pursue higher education, that calling remained steadfast. After his freshman year of college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he found a profound sense of purpose and brotherhood.
Upon graduating from boot camp, Bradley demonstrated a humility and maturity that reflected his transformation. When greeted with personal celebration, he redirected the focus to his unit, emphasizing that his achievements were not his alone, but belonged to the collective.
Bradley deployed to Iraq and was killed in action on November 26, 2004.
In the years since his passing, the depth of his influence has become even more apparent. His fellow Marines, his brothers, have remained a constant presence, a testament to the bonds he formed and the lives he touched. Through their continued connection and shared memories, his legacy endures.
Bradley was a unifier, a servant leader, and a young man of uncommon character. He made others feel seen, valued, and included. His life stands as a powerful reminder that true impact is not measured in years, but in the lives touched and the legacy left behind.
SGT Christopher J. Foster – USA – Baltimore, MD – DOD 11/29/2024
Christopher J. Foster grew up playing football and basketball, enjoying video games, and participating in ROTC during high school. He enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately following graduation.
During his military career, Christopher served a one-year tour in South Korea and deployed twice, serving in Qatar for nine months and Jordan for six months with an Air Defense Artillery unit. He worked with satellite and radar communications on the Patriot missile system.
Prior to his final deployment, Christopher volunteered as a coach for a recreational basketball league for six-year-olds. He was family-oriented, easygoing, and always happy.
Christopher passed away while overseas during his final deployment at the age of 23. He left behind a nine-month-old daughter and a heartbroken mother.
SSgt Julius Gerald – USAF – Rochester, NY – DOD 8/16/2014
Staff Sergeant Julius D. Gerald IV served the United States Air Force with unwavering pride for more than 11 years as a dedicated Crew Chief. He was the guardian of the F-16s and the U-2s, the steady hand and the final voice a pilot would hear before taking to the skies. That bond of trust was never lost on him. Julius understood that safety and success rested on his shoulders, and he carried that responsibility with the quiet excellence of a true professional.
But to those who knew him best, Julius was so much more than his uniform.
An only child by birth, Julius found brothers and sisters through service. Over more than a decade, he built a chosen family rooted in loyalty, trust, and genuine love. He was a man with a protective heart and a spirit of generosity, the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to a stranger without hesitation.
Above all else, Julius was a devoted and loving husband and a proud father. His legacy lives on through his three children: his eldest son, Julius V, born in 2007 and proud bearer of his name; his son Makai, born in 2011; and his daughter Addison, born in 2013. He stood tall for what he believed in, yet was never too tall to get down on the floor for a living room dance party with his children.
Whether pushing himself in the gym or laughing through a spontaneous dance-off at home, Julius gave his whole heart to every moment. He was a protector, a provider, and a friend, someone who made everyone around him feel like family.
He will be remembered not only for the jets he launched into the clouds, but for the light he left behind in the lives he touched. Julius was a man of character, a man of service, and a man whose greatest pride was the love he gave to his family.
PFC Michael Griffin – USA – Bellflower, CA – DOD 5/10/2009
Michael “Mike” Griffin served in the United States Army as a 240 Bravo machine gunner and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was known for his sharp sense of humor, infectious laugh, and the kind of presence that made people feel at ease around him. Mike had a generous heart and a quiet strength that carried him through both life and military service.
He was a devoted father to his son, Corey, and their relationship was one of the great joys of his life. Whether playing guitar, spending time outdoors, or fishing, Mike found happiness in simple moments and in the people he loved.
To those who knew him, Mike was loyal, genuine, and unforgettable, a man who left a lasting impact through his courage, warmth, and the way he showed up for others.
Officer Larry Ray Henderson Jr. – Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office – Cincinnati, OH – DOD 5/2/2025
Marine Corps Career
Larry Ray Henderson Jr. completed boot camp at Parris Island on May 28, 1985. In September, he completed Infantry Training School in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was assigned to the Marine Barracks at Pearl Harbor in January 1986 and served as an antitank missile gunner with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Division. He was honorably discharged on May 28, 1989.
Larry was called back to active service in 1991 and served for one year as an M1A1 Tank Crewman in the 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, at Fort Knox. He was discharged as a Corporal.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Career
On June 14, 1991, Larry joined the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer. On December 11, 1997, he was promoted to Patrol Clerk and transferred to the Patrol Division. On June 11, 1998, he was promoted to Patrol Officer. The Loveland/Symmes Task Force named him Diver of the Year in 1999.
In January 2001, he was trained as a Hazardous Material Technical Technician. In 2007, he received an award for his supervision of the Sheriff’s Dive Team. Deputy Henderson joined the Hamilton County Police Association Regional SWAT Team in January 2013.
On May 17, 2018, he was assigned as a Deputy United States Marshal to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force. During his tenure there, United States Senator Rob Portman sent him a letter of appreciation, and the FBI Special Agent in Charge sent a letter of commendation to the Sheriff’s Office in December 2020.
On March 11, 2021, Deputy Henderson returned to the Sheriff’s Office in the Enforcement Division. During his career, he was also a member of the Bomb Detection Team, a DARE and Academy instructor, and a member of the Honor Guard. His commanders’ evaluations frequently highlighted the multiple assignments he simultaneously held, his proficiency in each role, and his example to younger officers.
Deputy Henderson retired on December 17, 2024, after 37 years of service to his country and county. Three days later, he returned to serve as a Special Deputy.
Returning Ambassador Fallen Hero Families
MSgt Stephen Michael Anthony – USAF – Vienna, OH – DOD 7/17/2017
During his twenty-three years of service, Stephen was a craftsman (7 level) in three different Air Force skilled trades. Stephen supported eight different contingency operations including Enduring and Iraqi Freedom Operations. Stephen was decorated thirty-one times, obtaining the Meritorious Service Medal for his personal dedication and commitment. Stephen was a great mentor, mechanic, and wingman for all who served with him. He retired from the USAFR as a Master Sergeant at the 910th Airlift Wing in Vienna, OH.
Stephen also served with the Howland Township Police Department before transferring to employment with the State of Ohio. He then retired from his public service career in 2016.
Stephen was a man of honor, integrity and loyalty to family and country. His favorite role of all time was as a father, husband and neighbor “Uncle Steve.” He enjoyed kickball, water wars, backyard fires and camping. He loved being a Howland Band Dad and Dance Dad and enjoyed teaching rocketry, auto mechanics, and welding. He believed in one true God, had high moral values and lived according to those values.
SGT Robert Carr – USA – Warren, OH- KIA 3/13/2007
Robert Michael Carr was born August 25,1984 in Warren, Ohio. Rob graduated from Champion High School in 2002. During his senior year he had been in contact with an Army recruiter, as his desire was to join the United States Army. Rob enlisted for four years and joined the Army on June 14, 2002. Shortly after enlistment, Rob had gotten a tattoo on his left chest of the American flag, with the phrase “Live Free, Die Well”. Eventually that would become Robs motto. He had an amazing personality and huge heart!
Rob married Nina April 10, 2006 and lived in Fort Carson, Colorado until his final deployment. Rob had a passion for wrestling and in January 2007, he learned he’d been accepted into the UFC program, he then called himself “Greatness”. Sadly, Rob was KIA 3-13-2007 in Baghdad, Iraq and didn’t get to fulfill his dream. Rob lived by his motto, “Live Free, Die Well”, and that eventually became his legacy.
SPC Herbert Glenn Howard – USA – Dayton Ohio – DOD 5/10/2015
Glenn started his military path from day one, being born on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Coming from a military family Glenn grew up with a strong belief in serving our great country and his fellow man. His magnetic personality allowed him to inspire others to pursue their dreams and overcome their fears.
Glenn worked as a health inspector in the U.S. Army, he quickly became someone the other soldiers trusted and could lean on because of his sense of humor and leadership skills. He was always there to listen with words of encouragement and wisdom.
During his deployment to Iraq, Glenn always volunteered for extra duties outside of the kitchen. He sustained injuries during a mission and was medevaced out. His brothers in arms and the WWP profoundly impacted his life, and he was very proud of the life the US Army enabled him to have. If Glenn were here today, he would not allow the focus to be on him or his injuries, as he always focused on others and would say someone else always had it worse.
His family and those who knew him will forever be impacted by the loss of a dedicated father, son, brother, friend and so much more. He was a man of God and Country and will never be forgotten.
CW2 Jennifer C Hunter – USA – Ovalo, TX – DOD 6/27/2015
Anyone who knew our daughter, CW2 Jennifer C. Hunter, could describe a woman with a loving energy who cherished her family, always showed a zest for life with her laughter and sense of humor, had a genuine smile that was contagious, made it easy for others to relate to her with her authentic personhood, consistently showed care and thoughtfulness for others, had a generosity without flair, a tenderness and compassion for others life concerns, an unassuming character who somehow always stood out for the depth of her faith and trust in a God who she felt blessed her without fail her entire life. Deploying 3 times to Iraq and being exposed to the burn pits did not dampen her resolve to faithfully serve her country regardless of cost. I miss her so…as does all her family. Just by knowing her she made and is making us better people even now.
On September 11, when the second plane hit, I immediately called my daughter, stationed at Ft. Sill, and told her America was under attack and wasn’t sure how widespread it was so please be careful and watch your surroundings. Her response was, “Sure Mom, okay.” Her call came a short time later, “Mom, they hit the Pentagon, the Army side.” And then a confession, “Mom, you know I love the boys with all my heart, but right now if they sent me, I’d go to the Pentagon, those are my people.” And then, “Remember in Naples when Dad left after being called in due to Desert Storm, I felt like he abandoned us, but now I understand why he left.”
It is truly inexpressible to capture the willingness of military members to give their all for each other and to understand the deeper sacredness of who they are for each other. They are called upon to reach their highest levels of performance in the sky, on the ground, and on the water in situations that most people could not imagine. They possess an inner strength to face fear and adversity with courage, a mental toughness to overcome obstacles and challenges with calculated self-confidence, and a stoic tactical awareness to see their duty completed, regardless of the cost. They do it for their families and only hope their families understand and have their back, even as they have each other’s back. And we had Jennifer’s back fully as she took care of her people, working to make sure they got home safe.
Our daughter told us in a hundred different ways after she came back from her deployments in Iraq why she did what she did, “Glad my boys can grow up free and not taught to hate at such a young age,” “Mom, the atrocities against women, I never want that for you.”
In her 15 years of military service, Jennifer was stationed in various places around the world including posts in the United States, Germany, Italy, and three tours in Iraq, and always gave her best wherever she landed. Her awards include a Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, an Army Service Ribbon and three overseas Service Ribbons.
Our Jennifer passed away Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Fort Carson, Colorado after suffering a slow agonizing, unbearable physical pain that racked her whole body. With a very rare brain cancer due to her exposure to burn pits on two different deployments to Iraq, even then she asked us not to hate the U.S. Army, so she signed up and gave an oath to do her duty, which she fulfilled as long as possible. Although the burn pits were abolished in 2010 due to the high incidence of rare cancers in our deployed military members, Jennifer had already made 2 of her 3 deployments. Her doctor, who worked with Special Ops and had seen this type of death more times than he wanted to, had the necessary paperwork to sign Jennifer up on the government burn pit registry.
Jennifer was born December 21, 1978, in Okinawa, Japan to us, Craig and Donna Kleman. After graduating from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, she enlisted in the United States Army on June 28, 2000, after participating in JROTC throughout her high school years, where she gleaned so many of the positive attributes that made her stand out in faithful service to and for her country and fellow military members. From her earliest years, she showed a keen interest in serving in the military. Two of her great-grandfathers served during WWII, her grandfather during the Vietnam War, and her father during Desert Storm. She was proud to carry on the military tradition of her family and would be even more so knowing the two young sons she left behind enlisted in the U.S. Army. One in the Signal Corps like his mother, and the other a Combat Medic—her influence on all her family, friends, and fellow soldiers continues even today.
SPC Donald S. Morrison – USA – Cincinnati, OH – KIA 9/26/2010
On September 26, 2010, SPC Morrison, Donald “Scott” was KIA. This was his first deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to deployment he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX to the 584th Mobility Augmentation Company, 20th Engineer Battalion.
TSgt Joshua Riggs – USAF – Tipp City, OH – 7/12/2012
United States Air Force TSgt Joshua Andrew Riggs was born on April 20, 1977 in Greenville, MI to Robert and Joann Riggs (Crooks). He graduated from Carson City-Crystal High School in 1995. After high school, he attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the USAF soon after graduating from college. He earned the rank of Airman 1st Class after graduating from basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX in 1998. He stayed at Lackland for Security Forces tech school and then went to his first duty station, Wright Patterson AFB, OH. He met his wife, Elizabeth while stationed there and they were married on August 7th, 1999. He was a Security Forces patrolman, gate sentry and armorer while stationed at WPAFB.
Josh deployed to Al Jaber AB, Kuwait in 2000 and was part of a team that would spend the next 120 days there. He received an Air Force Commendation medal during his time at Wright-Patterson. He was an expert marksman on several different weapons as well. He was given an opportunity to go to Combat Arms training back at Lackland AFB and was given orders to Tyndall AFB, Panama City, FL in 2003.
His daughter, Megan Joann was born in October of the same year at Gulf Coast Medical Center. Josh decided to separate from the Air Force in 2006 and was honorably discharged that year. The family then moved back to Ohio and Josh got a job as a police officer with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. His son, Andrew Robert was born in June of 2007 at Mercy Fairfield Hospital in Fairfield, OH. He reenlisted into the Air Force due to low manning in the Combat Arms career field. The family then moved to Lackland AFB in 2008 so that Josh could be a weapons instructor for the 342d TRS and later, the 343d TRS.
Josh struggled with anxiety, depression and PTSD for many years. On July 12th, 2012, he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at Lackland AFB. He is deeply missed by his wife, children, family and friends.
SGT Christopher Terry – USA – Lima, OH – DOD 3/18/2014
To have known Chris Terry is to have known selflessness, integrity, love and laughter. From onesies to full battle rattle, Chris yearned to experience life in the most spectacular of ways. He always went above and beyond for his family, friends and fellow soldiers. He led by example and challenged all to do the same. Chris’ exuberance was infectious and his drive to always pay it forward was inspiring. We are all better for having known this remarkable soldier and ever captivating man. Chris enjoyed running, playing hockey, playing racketball, kicking back with friends and generally having a good time. He followed the Buckeyes (more so after prodding from me) and the Capitals (I was still secretly rooting for the Jackets – sorry babe… I’m Ohio to the core). He was a man without a lap. He could stand and be active, or lay down and nap. Sitting only happened when required to do so. He was a man of many antics and a truly thoughtful partner. He was one of a kind, my best friend and a source of joy still for those who knew him.
SPC Christian D. Ward – USA – Lower Salem, OH – 6/28/2019
Army Specialist Christian was born on the 26 January 1996 in Marietta, Ohio. He attended Fort Frye Local Schools from 2003-2012. After his family relocated to North Carolina, he graduated from West Iredell High School. He was a member of the ROTC program, which led him to join the Army in 2015. Chris was deployed to Bulgaria and Romania, and it was there that he displayed his selfless character: he spent most of his free time at a nearby orphanage. Chris’ mentoring and acting as a role model left his impression there, as he fixed broken bicycles and left innumerable gifts which included a new collection of books for a new library. Chris was promoted to Specialist and advanced to crew chief on a UH-60 Black Hawk Medi Vac.(Dust Off). His military awards include the following: Aviation Wings Badge, Army Good Conduct Ribbon, National Defence Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Ribbon with Oak leaf cluster, and Global War on Terrorism ribbon.
Christian’s death was on 28 June 2019, but part of him lives on as he gave the ultimate gift of life as an organ donor. His heart went to a 17-year-old person, a United States Air Force Veteran who received Chris’ liver and one kidney, and a Department of Defense person who also received a kidney. We believe the selfless actions Christian displayed at the age of twenty three far surpass most people. Without his forethought, other lives would have been lost with his death. Christian is missed deeply by his family, who are proud of his selfless character and LOVE OF COUNTRY both in life and in death.