Honoring Fallen Heroes

"The families have no idea who we are, where the memorial came from, or why their Hero showed up on their doorstep. Our supporters are the humble Heroes who are keeping legacies alive." - Korey Shaffer, Founder 

SFM3 & Deputy Beach Marshal Ronald Parker, 27, U.S. Navy, St. Augustine Beach P.D., born June 07, 1947, was killed in the line of duty on January 12, 1975. Parker served in the U.S. Navy as a Shipfitter for four years before joining the St. Augustine Beach P.D. He was responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle that had been abandoned near a hotel. Parker found the car's owner at a nearby hotel and offered to give him a ride back to its location; unfortunately, what Parker didn't know what that the suspect was wanted for a bank robbery in Iowa and a double homicide in Alabama. While getting in the squad car, the suspect panicked, drew a pistol, shot Parker, and ran away. The assailant was later injured in a shootout with local police and spent the rest of his life behind bars. Parker wanted to ensure his community was a safe place to live and gave his life pursuing that goal. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the St. Augustine Beach F.D. and a Florida State Park Ranger at Anastasia Island State Park. Rest easy, Deputy; We have the watch now! Til Valhalla, Brother!

Fire Captain Kenneth "Kenny" Krulish, 49, U.S. Navy, St. Johns County Fire Rescue, born in Florida December 22, 1963, passed away from a heart attack on January 22, 2013. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Krulish became a firefighter in St. Marys, Georgia. He then transferred to St. Johns County EMS as an ambulance driver. With his skills as both an EMT and a Firefighter, he saw that there would be an enormous benefit in unifying the fire department and emergency medical services. He helped merge the two divisions and created St. Johns Fire Rescue. Krulish would eventually rise to the rank of Captain. He developed a division that specialized in training firefighters all over the state of Florida and grew his department from a few dozen to nearly 300 firefighters. Krulish was a friend, teacher, mentor, and dedicated family man. Rest easy, Captain; We have the watch now! Til Valhalla, Brother!

FF & EMT Matthew William Martin, 52, St Johns County Fire Rescue, born in Pennsylvania October 15, 1969, passed away from a heart attack on August 21, 2022. Martin served as a Firefighter/EMT for 18 years. He had a great relationship with the community and his "Fire Family." Outside of the Station, Martin was a very adventurous man. He loved camping, mountain biking, swimming, and riding around on his dirt bike. Martin was also a very gifted mechanic. He could fix anything with an engine and could often be found rock-crawling in his notorious Jeep. Martin was a loving husband and father. He was also a very caring and loyal friend. Martin could always be relied upon to lend a hand if you found yourself in a pinch. Rest easy, Hero; We have the watch now! Til Valhalla, Brother!

Deputy Hugh Ellis Thomas Jr., 24, Seminole County Sheriff's Office, born February 23, 1965, was killed in the line of duty on March 28, 1989. Thomas wanted to be a police officer since he was three years old. He started as a youth deputy explorer in high school and joined the Sheriff's Department as soon as possible. He was responding to a Domestic-Prowler when a recently-released felon was stalking his ex-girlfriend. The suspect emerged from the shadows, shooting Thomas and then himself. Thomas truly believed in serving and protecting. He put his life on the line every day to ensure the safety of people in his community. Thomas is remembered for his dedication, selflessness, and commitment to his community. Rest easy, Deputy; We have the watch now! Til Valhalla, Brother!

TSgt James Edward Richardson, 82, U.S. Air Force, born in Nebraska January 30, 1939, passed away from Agent Orange related health complications on February 23, 2021. A truly patriotic man, Richardson heeded the call of duty, Richardson and enlisted in the U.S. Airforce. Over the course of his 20-year career, he served in many different capacities. Richardson was deployed for two tours during the Vietnam War. There he served his country with great distinction. Richardson was a man of faith. After retiring, he served as an ordained Deacon of his local church. Richardson will be remembered for being an avid golfer, a loving husband, and a devoted father. Fly high, Airman! Til Valhalla, Brother!

CSM Clyde W. Worrell, 73, Texas Army National Guard, born in Texas July 04, 1946, passed away from Leukemia on December 29, 2019. During his 40-year career, Worrell was assigned to many regiments, including the 3-143rd Infantry, 3-144th Infantry, 5-112th Armor, 7-112th Armor, and the 4-112 Armor. He was an Airborne Infantryman, Mortar Section Specialist, and Battalion Ammunition Sergeant, to name a few. Worrell retired after serving as State Command Sergeant Major of the Texas National Guard for 11 years. For his service, he earned the Legion of Merit, an Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Loan Star Distinguished Service Medal, and many others. Worrell was a man of faith and a Deacon of his Church. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling the world. Worrell was a loving husband, dedicated father, and the "favorite grandfather." Rest easy, Soldier! Til Valhalla, Brother!

SCPO William "John" Doe, 83, U.S. Navy, born in Nebraska May 21, 1939, passed away from cancer on June 8, 2022. While in the Navy, Doe was an Engineerman, a Diver, a Machinist Mate, and an Instructor at the Naval Submarine School. He served on the USS Grayback SSG-574, Theodore Roosevelt SSBN-600, USS Rasher SS-269, USS Sam Rayburn SSBN-635, USS Patrick Henry SSBN-599, and many other vessels. The last chapter of his U.S. Navy career was as a Sub-School Instructor at Building 88 in Gronton, CT. Doe was a lifetime member of the Holland Club, FRA, and VFW. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Vets Helping Vets, Ledyard Fair, and several other organizations. Doe was a loving husband, father, and the "favorite grandfather." Fair winds and following seas, Submariner! Til Valhalla, Brother!

Sgt Methujael A. Martinez, 30, U.S.M.C., born May 30, 1984, succumbed to his demons on July 26, 2014. Martinez entered the Marine Corps as an Administrative Specialist, completing Personel Administrative & Legal Services Support, Clerk Course, and Combat Service Support School. He then participated in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Martinez became a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Information Systems Security and Enterprise Security and was then assigned as an IT Administrator at Marine Corps Recruiting, North Carolina. Martinez is remembered for his sense of humor and wisdom. He was the type of man that people could always come to if they were going through tough times. He was a hard worker who went out of his way to improve the lives of those around him. Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!

Ofc Sayer R. Evans, 23, U.S.M.C. Forces Reserve, Wilmington Police Department, born in Deleware June 14, 1999, lost the battle within on November 19, 2022. Evans had two major goals in life. He wanted to be a United States Marine and a Police Officer. First, he became a U.S. Marine. Evans was assigned as a Bulk Fuel Specialist with the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve. After his military service, he became a Patrolman with the Wilmington Police Department, aiming to eliminate crime from his community. Evans accomplished his two primary life goals. He was a well-decorated Marine and even won the Lt. James A. Diana Senior Memorial Award as a Patrolman. Evans will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and the loud noise his engine made when he would cruise around in his Silver, 70's-era Ford Elite. Rest easy, Officer; We have the watch now! Til Valhalla, Brother!

LCpl Richard "Ryan" Hunt, 52, U.S.M.C., born in Missouri October 4, 1969, passed away from medical complications on December 3, 2021. Hunt enlisted in the Marine Corps and was attached to the Motor Transport Division. He was soon deployed to participate in Operation Desert Shield, where he was tasked with keeping our vehicles running and back on the battlefield. Hunt enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing poker, singing karaoke, and going to trivia games. He had a real love for movies, especially Star Wars, and for classic rock, Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd in particular. Hunt is remembered for always being the life of the party, his spot-on celebrity impressions, and his love for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!

City Marshal Charles Benjamin Jones, 36, Jacksonville Beach Police Department, born January 7, 1891, was killed by shrapnel from a controlled demolition on July 27, 1927. On July 25, 1927, a stanchion pipe was to be demolished. Many spectators had gathered to witness the event and had gotten too close to the blast zone. The city engineer quickly requested that Jones move the citizens to a safe distance. He was relocating the onlookers away from the explosion when detonation occurred. The blast sent shrapnel flying everywhere. A large piece of iron debris struck Jones and impaled his right side, knocking him to the ground. He succumbed to his injuries two days later. Jones had served as City Marshal for 15 years. He gave his life to keep his community safe and saved many people's lives that day. Jones died a true hero.  Rest easy, Marshal; We have the watch now! Til Valhalla, Brother!

SGT Jorge L. Secola, 28, U.S. Army, born in Florida December 19, 1994, passed away from a car accident on December 24, 2022. After graduating from JROTC as a First Lieutenant, Cum Laude, Secola enlisted in the U.S. Army. As an Abrams Tank Mechanic, he was attached to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. He was then attached to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment. During his eight years of service, Secola was stationed all over the world, spending rotations in Germany, Korea, and Poland. Secola loved spending time with his family and friends, going on trips to Disneyland, Sea World, Monster Truck rallies, and especially to the beach. He also enjoyed fishing, playing video games, and was a proud member of the Live Action Role-Playing group, Thaliondor. Rest easy, Soldier! Til Valhalla, Brother!

Sgt Tyler J. Switzer, 25, U.S.M.C., born April 6, 1997, passed away in a motorcycle accident on May 13, 2022. Following in his father and younger brother's footsteps, Switzer enlisted in the Marine Corps during his sophomore year of college and became a Mortarman. He was deployed to Australia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia and even volunteered for the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force during our withdrawal from Afghanistan. Upon his return, Switzer began his studies in Homeland Security at the American Military University and was to about to begin flight training to pursue a career in aviation. His ultimate goal was to become a commercial pilot for Southwest Airlines. Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!

SSgt William "Trouble" Haynes III, 62, U.S.M.C., born in New York July 17, 1959, passed away from Covid-19 related health complications on August 08, 2021. Nicknamed "Trouble" for his tendency to get into mischief and pull off daredevil shenanigans, Haynes came from a military family in which all four branches had been represented at one point in time. He was so eager to enlist that he joined the Marine Corps right after high school, feeling it was his duty to serve. He was a dedicated Marine and earned many decorations, including three Meritorious Mast Awards, a Certificate of Commendation, two Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons, and many others. Haynes loved spending time with his family and friends whenever possible. He also enjoyed watching the sunset with a glass of whiskey and a good cigar.

Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!

Sgt Jacob J. Shinall-Crespo, 34, U.S.M.C., born in Puerto Rico July 14, 1987, was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident on March 04, 2022. Shinall-Crespo served as a Field Radio Operator/Communications Operator and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then served as a section leader with the U.S. Marine Corps. After leaving the military, Shinall-Crespo earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences, a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, and a Master's Degree in Psychology & Counseling. He volunteered with Project Return, Inc. and helped improve the lives of Veterans who were suffering from mental illnesses and having difficulties readjusting to life outside of the military. Shinall-Crespo truly wanted to make the world a better place. Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!

Sgt Michael A. McGrath, 41, U.S.M.C., born in Florida April 09, 1981, died in an accident on September 22, 2022. McGrath was in basic training when the events of 9/11 happened and attached to 3rd Battalion, India Company. His unit was one of the first deployed to Iraq, where he served two tours. After leaving the military, McGrath began working for the V.A. as a Claim Examiner. He wanted to ensure that his fellow Veterans would get the care they genuinely need. McGrath is remembered for being a loving husband and father to his two children, Kaylee and Evan. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, fishing, and watching basketball and football. Semper Fi, Marine! Til Valhalla, Brother!

CPO Gary William Heubner, 79, U.S. Navy, born in Nebraska June 3, 1943, passed away from natural causes on August 19, 2022. Heubner was eager to serve and enlisted right after graduating high school and began a 21-year-long career in the U.S. Navy. After boot camp, he completed Radioman A School training and was then assigned to the USS Tortuga. In 1966, Heubner's ship was deployed to Vietnam, where they were attached to the River Patrol Squadron 512 and the 145th Aviation Detachment. They were essential in cutting off enemy shipping channels and capturing large stockpiles of Viet Cong weapons and ammunition. After Vietnam, Heubner was assigned to the USS Austin as part of the Deck and Navigation Division. In 1982, he retired from the Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After the Navy, Heubner continued to serve his country as a Civil Service Employee at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. He was a kind man who loved his family deeply and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate! Til Valhalla, Brother!

SPC Stephen Foster Heine

SPC Stephen Foster Heine, 22, Georgia Army National Guard, born in Georgia on February 15, 2000, passed away from pancreatitis on March 21, 2022. Heine was a true patriot. Wanting to follow in his father's footsteps, he joined the Georgia Army National Guard to serve his country. Heine was studying Criminal Justice at Georgia Southern University and was a member of the ROTC program. He was an excellent student, a natural leader, and the recipient of a Presidential Coin. Heine was a loving son, a dedicated brother, and the "fun uncle." He was fiercely loyal to his friend and always went the extra mile to help out someone in need. Heine will be remembered for his patriotism and dedication to reducing Veteran suicide. Rest easy, Soldier! Til Valhalla, Brother!