Community Shows Love on Valentine's Day Military Funeral

Community gathers for funerals of veterans who had no family
Caller Times
Meagan Falcon
February 14, 2018

Silence filled the air Wednesday at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of strangers as they honored and remembered two veterans, who had no other family.

Although their families could not be found, over two hundred people visited Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery to attend the funerals of retired Army Cpl. Howard Mason Lyman and retired Navy Hospital Corpsman, First Class Randy Glade Shultz.

"We may have not known the veterans, but it is important to have the public remember what these men sacrificed when they served our country," said Eric Brown, deputy director for the Texas State Veterans Cemetery. "They did not know us, but that didn't stop them from from raising their right hand to defend us."
read more here

Brook Hollow Winery Contest for Disabled Veteran Dream Wedding

Winery's contest will provide disabled veteran with all-expenses paid wedding
New Jersey Herald
By Katie Moen
Posted: Nov. 26, 2017

"We just opened our reception hall about two months ago," Ritter said. "It's a beautiful building with a farmhouse feel, and it's surrounded by acres and acres of vineyards. It doesn't get much better."

KNOWLTON -- Now that Thanksgiving has passed, the season of good will has returned to the Garden State. In order to give back to those who have given so much, the Brook Hollow Winery in Knowlton has announced plans to orchestrate an all-expenses paid wedding ceremony and reception for one lucky military veteran.

Submitted photo - Brook Hollow Winery in Knowlton will host an all-expenses paid wedding ceremony and reception for one disabled military veteran.

"My daughter, who is our event planner, and I were talking awhile back about doing something special for our wounded vets," said Paul Ritter, owner of the Brook Hollow Winery. "As much as we would like to, we can't do this for everyone. We decided that the most fair way to decide who should be the wedding package recipient would be to open up a drawing for all veterans with a disabled status."

Veterans are invited to fill out a short survey on the Brook Hollow website to be entered into the drawing. The winner will be chosen at random on Valentine's Day, Ritter said.

Since the winery announced its plans to honor a veteran with a wedding, the community has rallied behind the idea.

"We've gotten some great support from vendors and volunteers who want to do whatever they can to help out," Ritter said. "Things are crazy right now, and it's easy to get caught up in all of the politics. Every once in a while, you need to have something positive and genuine to focus on, and that's what we're trying to create here."

The winery is prepared to host a celebration for up to 100 people, Ritter said.
read more here

Here's the link to Warrior Wedding

Soldiers in Afghanistan Send Valentines to 5 Year Old

Soldiers in Afghanistan among hundreds who sent valentines to New Castle boy battling cancer
CBS 4 Indy
BY CBS4 WEB
FEBRUARY 14, 2017

NEW CASTLE, Ind. – A New Castle boy battling brain cancer is feeling the love from people across the world this Valentine’s Day.

The family of 5-year-old Jace Griffin has been encouraging others to send the kindergarten student cards to distract him from his pain.

Jace’s father told CBS4 that the little boy “is doing GREAT!” after receiving over 1,400 valentines. He said they had received some as far away as Japan.

A group of soldiers stationed in Afghanistan even sent the little boy a video message to lift his spirits.
read more here

WWII Veteran Will Meet Old Girlfriend on Valentines Day!

World War II Veteran to Reunite with Wartime Girlfriend 
Military.com
Associated Press
January 21, 2016

In this photo taken Nov. 6, 2015, Norwood Thomas, 93, talks with Joyce Morris via Skype from his home in Virginia Beach, Va. (Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia -- A World War II veteran will travel to Australia to reunite with his wartime girlfriend after more than 70 years. The Virginian-Pilot reports 93-year-old Norwood Thomas will travel to Adelaide, Australia, next month to reunite with 88-year-old Joyce Morris.

Thomas told Morris that he would love to see her again in person when the two recently spoke via Skype. After their story went public two months ago, more than 300 people made donations online to help the two rekindle their romance.

The newspaper reports Air New Zealand has also made arrangements to send Thomas and his son to Australia free of charge. read more here