Every day is Veterans Day for Cuba family
On 9/11, the nation marked the seventh anniversary of the Twin Towers collapse with ceremonies and flag flying. But for one family at 405 S. Smith Street, honoring our troops in Iraq and around the world is a year-round event. Wilma Wilson and her fiancé John Vicini display daily reminders of the Soldiers who fight far from home and for one Soldier in particular - Specialist Michael Dale Starnes, Wilson’s son, who is on his second tour of Iraq.
Any day of the year, you will see how Wilson and Vicini honor the troops. In front of their gray duplex, yellow ribbons circle the trees, and signs salute Starnes’ unit and the National Guard. Their patriotism and pride in the fact that they have a loved one in the military are apparent to whoever passes by.
“The ribbons fade and have to be replaced, and we fly the flag when it is appropriate,” said Wilson. The flag that flies out front was given to Vicini for supporting Ronald Reagan’s campaign and is used for special occasions. On 9/11, there was a handmade sign commemorating the date and one on the door saying “God Bless America.” Wilson places sticky flags on her calendar to remind to fly her flag on designated days.
Inside her home, Wilson, who works at Cuba Manor and is originally from Illinois, has a wall with photos of her son and other memorabilia of his time in the service. Her wallet offers up a photo of her son in uniform as well. She compiled a scrapbook for each tour of duty and gave them to Mike’s wife when he married.
“My father was in the Air Force, and Mike wanted to be in the military from the time he was ten, said Wilson.
With this in mind, Starnes started exploring the different military branches when he got to high school. After graduation in 2002, he joined the Army. He spent one year in S. Korea, and one year in Iraq. “While he was still in Iraq, he signed up for the National Guard” Wilson said.
A few months after he got home from the Army, his Army National Guard troop, the 1/244th Assault Helicopter Battalion was called up, and Starnes is now serving his second tour at Camp Anaconda in Balad, Iraq. After a brief leave to visit his wife Lee Anne in Louisiana, he was scheduled to return to Iraq, where he serves in the Quartermaster Corps and is a fuel specialist who refuels helicopters. His tour ends in April 2009.
“I think it is important to remember the people who are over there keeping us safe” Wilson remarked, while explaining her dedication to displaying her pride in Mike’s service. We are so proud, but we also
worry.”
Starnes turned 24 on September 19. It doesn’t seem to be a lot of years for a young man who has experienced so many challenges, but at 405 S. Smith St. those years are honored on 9/11 and every other day, too.
If you would like to thank Mike Starnes and his fellow Soldiers for their service, write to
SPC Starnes, Michael D.
Echo Co. 1-244 AHB
Joint Base Balad Anaconda
APO, AE 09391.
Contributed by Jane Reed
Thursday, 06 November 2008 |
