What's Your Story?

Five Star Strong salutes Captain Jose Macedo, a married father of five, and a decorated Army Officer. Capt. Macedo served in the United States Army as both an enlisted Soldier and an Officer for over 15 years.  He has deployed to Iraq, travelled the world and earned awards including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation Medal – six times.
 

Capt. Macedo always knew he wanted to serve a cause greater than himself.  In the Army, Capt. Macedo has accomplished goals and dreams he never thought possible including the completion of both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.  His love of family and their support of him has made all things possible.

Five Star Strong salutes Private Thomas Karo who served in Korea from 1950 to 1952.  Private Karo maintained equipment for the troops at the front line as part of the 40th Infantry Division and received a Bronze Star for doing so.  A proud Veteran, he continues to fight for fair benefits for all our military men and women.  In this way, and many others, Private Karo has spent his life being a support to his family, his community and his Country.

Five Stare Strong salutes Cpl Lincoln who served four years active duty in the United States Marine Corps - serving two deployments in Afghanistan and one relief mission to Haiti. He served with 8th ESB and CLB-2, working with heavy equipment, both stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After finishing his enlistment in 2012, Axel and his wife Ashlyn went on to have a family of two sons (their oldest even being named by 8th ESB). Their youngest son was born blind with a rare retina disorder. Since then, Axel has become inspired to help both Veterans and families with disabled children do home modifications. Currently, these modifications better accommodate easy mobility and promote independence at little to no cost of the family. Learn more about how Axel is helping here.

Five Star Strong salutes SGT Den Concepcion, 26 years old, happily married and a wonderful father. He enlisted in the Army when he was 20 with an ambition to protect and fight for his country. He was stationed at Fort Bragg as a 12B Combat Engineer and a part of 82nd Airborne Division for five and a half years. He travelled the world and was deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of OEF XII and XIV. He was awarded Army Commendation Medal three times. He was recently reassigned to 2nd ID in Fort Lewis, WA where he was just awarded his fourth Army Achievement medal. Den is striving hard to do better and better at what he does. He is planning to take up a business degree while in service. In everything that he does, he always makes sure he gives it his best. He does it for God, his country, and his loved ones.

Five Star Strong salutes SSG Robert Lingo who joined the Arizona Army National Guard later in life - fulfilling a childhood dream. Soon after enlisting, he was deployed to Iraq in support of OIF/OND. He is married to his wife Jen with 3 sons, all whom have decided to follow in his footsteps. Their oldest is set to leave to Ft. Benning for Basic Training at the end of this month! His family couldn't love or be more proud of Robert and the example he has set for their boys!

Five Star Strong salutes Sergeant James Thompson who was raised in the northern Illinois town of Ladd. After college, the United States Marine Corps became his calling. Currently assigned to the Embassy Security Group, he travels the globe in an unending effort to keep our country safe.

Five Star Strong honors 1st Lt. Jared Landaker, USMC, who was raised in Big Bear City, CA. After high school Jared attended the University of La Verne and graduated with a Physics Degree. After graduation he entered the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lt. and attended flight school, where he graduated at the top of his class. Jared chose to be a CH-46 helicopter Casevac pilot and was deployed to Iraq in August of 2006. On February 7, 2007, on his last Casevac mission, he and six crew members were shot down and all perished. Jared had a saying "Heroes, anyone who has put their life on the line serving this country".

Support Seven Stars Foundation, Inc. created in memory of Jared here: https://www.sevenstarsfoundation.com/

"The purpose of this Foundation is to make a positive impact on the children of military members which include the fallen, wounded, active, and deployed. We accomplish this mission by sponsoring the children to a local YMCA camp in Big Bear Lake for a week so they can establish lasting bonds with other grieving children. We also provide relief to military members through financial, emotional, and educational assistance."

Five Star Strong honors SGT George Borzillo from the U.S. Army who lived to be 94 years old. George was a WWII vet who served as a member of the extraordinary Patton's 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division. Some of his activity during WWII was The Battle of the Bulge, Bastogne and Normandy. Later in his life, George was married with three children, who till this day are proud to have their father be remembered as a historical figure, father, friend, husband and veteran of the U.S. Army. SGT George Borzillo passed away in 2018.

Five Star Strong salutes Senior Airman Lora Kriete who comes from a long lineage of service. She was born on a Air Force base due to her father serving in Vietnam, but it all started with her grandfather serving in the U.S. Army during the Battle of the Bulge. With her great family history, it only seemed natural that she too enlisted to join the force. Senior Airman Lora Kriete was stationed in Germany at Ramstein Air Force Base, where she served in direct support of Operation Desert Shield Desert Storm.  Her military experience have served her well throughout her life. Lora continues to serve our country through government employment, and has since been a police officer working with many federal agencies including the FBI. Her military experience allowed her to travel the world, trained her to use good judgment while keeping an open mind, taught her to be humble while confident, and showed her how to work hard with grace. She is proud to be a veteran and is deeply appreciative of all who have served.

Five Star Strong honors Private Paul Emerson Riege who was only 16 years of age when he volunteered to serve as a proud Marine for the Armed Forces. Private Riege served in the 1st Battalion/5th Marines during WW1. He is one of the original "Devil Dogs" and fought at the Battle of Belleau Wood. He was wounded twice and gassed during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Paul lived a long life of service as member of the American Legion.

Five Star Strong salutes Cpl. Hiroshi Miyamura. “Hershey” (as he prefers to be called) is a WW2 and Korean War Veteran, who survived 28 months in a Chinese POW Camp. Hershey is also the recipient of our nations highest award for valor against an enemy force, The Medal of Honor. You can read his MOH Citation below:

Cpl. Miyamura, a member of Company H, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 24 April, Company H was occupying a defensive position when the enemy fanatically attacked threatening to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura, a machinegun squad leader, aware of the imminent danger to his men unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat killing approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation. As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machinegun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack necessitated the withdrawal of the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last seen he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura's indomitable heroism and consummate devotion to duty reflect the utmost glory on himself and uphold the illustrious traditions on the military service.

Five Star Strong salutes Sgt. Kenneth Riege who served in the United States Air Force from 1985 - 1993. He served during Operation Desert Shield/Storm and served one year at Kunsan AB South Korea as a Command and Control Specialist. It was the great honor of his life to have worn the uniform of our country. Currently Ken Riege serves as the General Manager of the Award Winning Comfort Suites in Gallup, NM where they are known for their one of a kind Military Museum displays in the lobby, hallways and conference room. They currently have on display a collection of over 120 Medal of Honor Recipient Challenge Coins for all to see and enjoy. Ken is dedicated to assisting all those who have worn the uniform of our country by providing a place that everyone can call home.

Five Star Strong salutes, Specialist Merrill S. Lapps who served in the United States Army Reserve at the 422nd Medical Detachment, Rockville, MD for 8 years.

His primary role was an Army Food Inspection Specialist whose responsibility was to inspect food products designated for human consumption on and off base. Additionally, he served in the role of Veterinary staff. His role as a Specialist was most meaningful to him, because he was able to teach and train other soldiers with the knowledge he had gained. 

Specialist Lapps spent most of his time in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. However, his unit did travel to other parts of the world, such as, Panama, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico.

Specialist Lapps fondly remembers spending his Bootcamp graduation day with his family, and still to this day cherishes the lifelong friendships he made along the way with soldiers from all over the country. 

Five Star Strong salutes Sargent John Marx who was deployed to Iraq in 2003-04. He also served with the Wisconsin and Connecticut Army National Guard. His primary job while serving was a 62F, a crane operator for Combat Heavy Engineer Company. 

Sargent Marx comes from a long family history of Veterans. Growing up he always knew he wanted to continue their family tradition to serve our country. To continue their legacy, he enlisted into the United States Army after college. 

One of Sargent Marx’s most favorable moments was when he was an acting squad leader. During drills he remembers a very specific time when he witnessed team members struggling to keep up the pace. Sargent Marx was so proud to watch his entire platoon turn back to help those who were struggling. It was at this very moment, he realized the importance of working together as a team. 

He has carried the lesson of teamwork with him not only during his missions, but throughout his entire military career and life.

Five Star Strong salutes First Sargent George Baldwin who served in our military for 19 years. (14 years active duty, and 5 + years PA Army National Guard.) He spent time at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in the 82nd Airborne Division. The 82nd Airborne Division is the U.S. Army’s most strategically mobile division. Additionally, he was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

 As a young man, First Sargent Baldwin always had the ambition to do more. He wanted to be a part of a cause greater than himself. 

 First Sargent Baldwin has exemplified many roles during his years of service. One of his roles was to control all matter regarding fire support for a Light Infantry Battalion which was capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 72 hours. This role provided insight in the analysis and recommendation of targets, as well as planned the integration of various fire support assets including field artillery (FA), close air support (CAS) and attack aviation. 

 One of his most memorable positions was when he was a Staff Sargent on a fire team. He stated, “This is where things get done.” To this day, he believes this is one of the most important and influential rank.

 Currently, First Sargent Baldwin is still serving his country in a very important role. He is responsible for the morale, welfare, and conduct of enlisted members. 

Five Star Strong salutes armed service member Jessica Pinto. She always had a desire to serve her country and become a police officer.  Once enlisted in the military, she fulfilled her goal by becoming a member of 31B – Military Police. The majority of her time in service was spent in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. 

Above all else, Jessica Pinto valued the family unit and sense of community that is instilled within the military. From the good times to the bad, she will always value the camaraderie and memorable moment with her fellow armed service members. 

Upon receiving her first rank, Private Second Class, it was at that moment that Jessica felt extremely proud for serving her country.     

Five Star Strong salutes PV2 Alex Hundley (Army) who is currently finishing AIT at Ft. Gordon, GA as a 25N computer network systems operator. He started his military education with JROTC classes in high school in Mechanicsville, VA. He completed basic training in November at Fort Jackson, SC. He looks forward to finishing AIT and beginning his initial duty assignment serving his country.

Five Star Strong salutes 15 year Navy Veteran Guy Greer. He served from 1991-2006 in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees. Guy was honorably discharged at the rank of E6, and traveled to over thirty five countries while on active duty.

Five Star Strong honors Army Specialist E5 Kenneth E Smith who was a 96d Imagery Analyst with the 219th MI Detachment II Field Force, USARV. Ken was a friend, classmate, brother and son, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the love of his country on May 15, 1970. Ken was killed in action at the young age of 22 years old in the Vietnam War. Ken was serving as a spotter on an O-1 Bird Dog flown by 1 Lt. Peter Patrick Kellogg. They were on a mission in Cambodia in support of the 12th Infantry Regiment, as part of the 184th Aviation Company. The O-1 Bird Dog was a small plane used for reconnaissance and target acquisition because it could fly slow and low, which also unfortunately, made it a target. The plane was cut in two by a hidden NVA .51 caliber heavy machine gun. Pilot Peter Kellogg and Spotter Ken Smith were killed instantly. Ken, posthumously received the following Medals: DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Air Medal. Ken is buried at Ft. Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis, Mn. Ken was further honored by the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Fort Huachuca, Arizona on June 24th, 2016, by naming a building in recognition of his service and selfless sacrifice during the Vietnam War. This honor for Ken and his family is to provide inspiration to all of the young soldiers just beginning their Army journey. Although Ken's life was cut short, he went above and beyond the best, to make his mark in history. You will never be forgotten Ken.

Five Star Strong honors Commander Edward S Dobis. Edward Dobis was born in 1909 in Angus, Minnesota. He signed up in 1926 and served 30 years in the Navy onboard the U.S. Wisconsin. If not for his ship breaking down, resulting in a one day delay he would have been at Pearl Harbor when they were attacked by the Empire of Japan. He was on the U.S. Missouri when the Japanese signed the Peace Treaty September 2,1945. He retired as Full Commander of the San Diego Naval Base in 1956. He died March 3, 2006, and is buried at the National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

Five Star Strong honors Sergeant John Basilone. John was the first awardee of the Congressional Medal of Honor in WWII for his heroism on Guadalcanal, the first land victory over the Imperial Japanese forces in WWII, and he received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his heroism on Iwo Jima.  He was the only Marine or Navy serviceman to receive all three of these awards, and he was one of the very few Congressional Medal of Honor awardees in history to return to battle voluntarily and subsequently be killed in action.  His heroism embodies the meaning of honor, duty, and service to our country. Please read John's Medal of Honor Citation below:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant John Manila John" Basilone (MCSN: 287506), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 24 - 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sergeant Basilone, in charge of two sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sergeant Basilone's sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only two men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sergeant Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Five Star Strong salutes Ernest Marvel, Private First Class - a highly-decorated World War II Veteran With the 45th Infantry Division's 3rd Army under the command of Gen. George S. Patton.

Mr. Marvel was among the soldiers that liberated the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp.

During Mr. Marvel’s time in the service, he earned a host of medals and citations, including a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars (one with a Valor citation) and a European Theater medal with three Battle Stars.

Ernest is now 97 years old and is a beloved grandfather. He was just awarded the Quilt of Valor, he’s been recognized At Camden Yards by throwing out the first pitch at the Orioles game. He still gets around rather well and his mind is very sharp. He sings karaoke at the local VFW and tends to his garden every year.

Five Star Strong salutes United States Army Veteran, Specialist Edward L. Sledge Jr. He served with both the 1-41 and 1-9 Field Artillery units at Fort Stewart, GA.

His main role was a Fire Direction Specialist and was part of the section that won the top Field Artillery Center (FDC). He was responsible for locating the enemy and ensured friendly fire was not in the vicinity of attack. Among the many tasks completed, Specialist Sledge is the proudest of his Army Achievement Medal he received for running into a burning home to help save a family of four.

After finishing his enlistment in 2002, disabled Army veteran Specialist Sledge earned both a bachelors and masters degree. He also recently published a memoir along with his wife, The Story of Christina and I, that includes both of their memories of being a soldier and a military family.

Five Star Strong salutes…Pfc Peter J. Snopkowski, US Army, Vietnam, 198th infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Peter Snopkowski was wounded while serving as a gunner in a 106 mm recoilless rifle section in Company E, 1st Battalion 52nd infantry, 198th light infantry Brigade of the Americal Division.

Peter earned the Purple Heart Medal for his wounds and for military merit.

Peter's unit was operating 20 miles south of Chu Lai at a forward fire base. It was about midnight when one of the men on guard looked through his starlight scope and picked up a half-dozen North Vietnamese moving up the hill.

The men of the 106th got off 3 rounds and that was all for the North Vietnamese. However, more of the enemy were trying to get up the hill and they were using rockets, B-40s, and small arms. Alpha company, with a number of new men attached, was manning the bunker line. Echo Co., backed them up with infantry and mortarmen.

The man in the bunker line fired at the enemy as they came up the hill. Things got confused and the men of Echo had to pitch in and help turn the North Vietnamese back. They stopped the attack and killed over 40 of the enemy.

During the firefight Snopkowski was shot in the right forearm.

Five Star Strong honors Airman Robert James Walters, who served in the 5th Army Air Corps. in the Pacific theater during World War II. Lieutenant Walters flew a P-40 Warhawk and dispatched three enemy aircraft in New Guinea during WW2. Robert told this to his two sons just before he passed in 2011, “It was nothing to brag about because he could have shot down the person or father of the person who cured cancer…” He worked with Wernher Von Braun in Hawaii in 1962 on the last above ground atomic bomb test. He also worked the mathematical calculations for the banking curves at the Watkins Glen racetrack in New York State. Robert also had a creative side, and was a realist type artist influenced by the Frederic Remington style. He later became a Graphic Arts Supervisor at Calspan and drew the little boy in pajamas with a tire around his shoulder that became the early logo for Cooper Tires. Robert also designed the floppy pawed dog pull toy for Fisher-Price Toys. While at Calspan, he continued doing subcontract work for NASA where he designed the landing gear for the Lunar Module that landed on the moon in 1969. He went on and married a red-headed go-go dancer in 1953, became a father, and was a non-bragging humble man for 88 years that never spoke of his accomplishments. His wife said his maxim was, “The Future Belongs to the Ambitious!”

Five Star Strong Honors Sgt. Edward.Sarkisian, who was a member of the United States Marine Corps. Upon completing Basic Training at MCRD Parris Island during early 1940, he was selected as a Marine Field Music Instructor, utilizing his musical talents. He was then served for a short period with the Marine Detachment in Charleston, WV, the unit protecting wartime effort manufacturing. An original crew member on the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10), from Commissioning on April 1943, he served as anti-aircraft gunner, Captains Orderly and ships bugler. He remained onboard as Marine Detachment throughout the war in the Pacific. On March 18th, 1945 he was seriously wounded when the Yorktown sustained bomb damage, and was awarded The Purple Heart and Navy Commendation for his efforts in assisting fellow crew members in the aftermath of the attack . He was Honorably Discharged October 1945.

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