Cory Palmer, Phillip Frank, Geoffrey Morris, Derek Argel, ... Remembered.
This entry was posted on May 8, 2007 9:55 AM and is filed under the troops.
I am asking that all readers remember four men. After September 11th all four stepped up to help America. They all saw it clearly. There was no gray area, it was black and white, fight terrorism here on American soil, or fight terrorism there. They were boys to their parents, and became men and heroes to America. They volunteered to serve their county and they paid the ultimate price for American freedom. The never knew each other, but they are together now. I often write about my cousin, Ryan Cantafio, USMC who died in Baghdad on Thanksgiving Day, 2004, as a way to keep him alive and remembered. Today I want you to help remember four more American heroes.
Their names are Cory Palmer, Phillip Frank, Geoffrey Morris and Derek Argel.
One year ago (May 6th) Cory Palmer, USMC was lost to us, due to wounds he sustained in a battle on May 1st. Cory's mom Danna Palmer, has become a friend of mine through emails and I want her to know I have been thinking about her and her family this week.
Danna, thank you for the gift of Cory. I know this week has to be very hard on you. I hope you realize that you have extended family here in Chicago. You and your family are loved and always in our prayers.
Visit Cory's online guest book and read more about this great American at: www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=17719918
His mother Danna can be reached at: iteachuswim@yahoo.com
Phillip Franks, USMC was lost on April 7th, 2004. I have had the opportunity to meet, befriend and embrace Georgette and Roy Frank, Phil's Mom and Dad. I love the way these Elk Grove Village, Illinoisans have brought Phil back to us through their Heart of a Marine Foundation, and their annual Heart of Valor Ball.
Jon Brant and I had the honor of performing a few tunes at their event last February and we look forward to being a part of their event next February.
To learn more about Phil, visit www.heartofamarine.org. Write to Roy and Georgette Frank at: theheartofamarine@comcast.net
Geoffrey Morris, USMC of Gurnee, Illinois was lost in action on April 4th, 2004. I have had the honor of meeting and knowing Kirk Morris, Geoff's Dad. Kirk's mission it to build a memorial in Gurnee to remember all fallen heroes. Along with the Frank's, You can meet Kirk and the Frank's at all of the We Do Care events that our group, The 101st Rock Division performs at.
In life, young Geoff was quite a sportsman, following in he fathers foot steps. Kirk is full of life and every year sponsors a Golf Outing and Fishing Tournament in Geoff's name. I will be performing at the event this year and help Kirk pursue his great cause, raising funds for the memorial.
Please visit http://www.heroesoffreedommemorial.org/ to learn about Geoff and to learn about the Golf Outing and Fishing Tournament. Contact Kirk Morris at KSMCOIL@aol.com
Derek Argel, Capt. USAF was lost on Memorial Day 2005. Like the Palmer's, I have only met Derek's mom, Debbie Argel Bastian, through this blog and this website. Debbie's letters have been kind and inspirational and her support for our troops is relentless. She is a constant guest on Neil Cavuto's show on Fox National News.
Derek left a wife, Wendy and baby son, Logan. Derek was awarded the Bronze Star a week after he was killed in action.
To learn more about this incredible American, visit Captain Derek Argel Memorial Webpage. Write to Debbie Argel Bastian at: argeldebra@hotmail.com
Please remember these great American's and keep their families in your prayers.
God bless American and God bless the souls of Cory, Phil, Geoff and Derek, ... gone but never forgotten!