Oviedo veteran, rescue dog help each other get second chance at happiness U.S. Navy veteran suffers from PTSD Click Orlando By Shannon McLellan - Social Media Producer November 21, 2016
PONTE VEDRA, Fla. - An Oviedo veteran has a new best friend, thanks to the K9s For Warriors program.
US Navy veteran Nicholas Balzano obtained his service lab, Nate, through the Florida-based nonprofit organization that aims to serve veterans suffering from PTSD as a result from their service.
The organization says the average veteran in the program is on 10 to 15 medications when they begin. But with help from their new furry friends, they're able to reduce or eliminate their medication when they are done with program. Both Nicholas and Nate graduated last month.
The K9 For Warriors program offers refuge for veterans who have tried several treatments with little or no success.
"I want to be more active in society and not controlled by my panic disorder anymore," said Balzano. "K9s helped me regain control of my life." read more here
On anniversary of his death, MoH recipient a model for Army special operators
Fayetteville Observer
Drew Brooks
January 25, 2016
On the eighth anniversary of his death, Miller remains the only Special Forces soldier to receive the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan, and the only Fort Bragg soldier to be so recognized in the Global War on Terror.
First, there was just one insurgent.
A single man jumping from behind a boulder, screaming "Allahu Akbar!"
Staff Sgt. Robert Miller killed the man instantly.
Then, the valley erupted.
More than 140 enemy fighters, holed up in fortified positions overlooking Miller's 3rd Special Forces Group team and their Afghan allies, faced the soldiers on three sides.
The soldiers, trapped in the open terrain, had little chance to respond. Some of the enemy fighters were a mere feet away, unleashing hell with AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades and PKM machine guns.
That day, Jan. 25, 2008, could have been the last for the Green Berets and their allies, according to some of the men who were part of the fight.
But as the ambush began, Miller took charge.
read more here
Linked from Stars and Stripes
Tribute to Local Fallen Soldier
Unveiling of a memorial to Oviedo fallen warrior Army Spc. Brenden N. Salazar, KIA 2012 Afghanistan at the age of 20. Rock and Brews Restaurant, Dave Matthews, Never Forgotten Memorials.org presented a tribute to Brenden and all who gave their lives for this country.
Patriot Guard Riders
Next time you go to Rock and Brews, you'll know how this memorial got there.
Spc. Brenden Salazar Dedication
January 26, 2013
On Friday, January 25, 2013, Hagerty High School of Oviedo FL dedicated a plaque and held a service to honor the life of Spc. Brenden Neal Salazar, killed in action in Afghanistan on July 22, 2012. Members of Patriot Guard Riders surrounded the area with flags in tribute to this young man. Both of his parents are Army Reservists and Brenden was born on Fort Bragg March 24, 1992. Brenden's sister Hannah has cystic fibrosis. woundedtimes.blogspot.com
Fallen Floridians Memorial Cross Tribute 385 crosses, one for every military member from Florida who died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, will arrive on the grounds of the Lawton House in Oviedo. Larger crosses will collectively honor those who gave their lives in previous conflicts. Each cross will hold a wreath created in 2013 by Eagle Scout 17-year-old Conner MacFarlane and refurbished by his 14-year-old sister, Chloe. One of the crosses is in honor of their father who died in Afghanistan in 2012. Chloe and fellow Girl Scouts from the Oviedo area will lay the wreaths. Lawton House, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765.
May 17 - May 27 the public is invited to walk the grounds of the Lawton House from 10AM to 8PM daily to see the crosses and pay tribute to these brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
No music, no words, just the power of seeing this many Afghanistan and Iraq fallen heroes remembered from Florida.
This morning I was went to Oviedo for the Memorial Cross Tribute to the fallen members of the military from Florida. Seeing the rows of memorials for those we lost in Iraq and Afghanistan would cause anyone to shed tears. I had quite a few of them. This is on display until Memorial Day.
Oviedo Historical Society Historical Center
200 West Broadway
Oviedo, FL 32765
407-971-5612
Oviedo Florida Memorial for Fallen
Oviedo Historical Society
Floridians sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan
Created by Jim Vanderbleek
Memorial on display through Memorial Day
Oldest Floridian Lt. Col. Peter Winston
In memory of the service dogs
Youngest Floridian Pfc. Charles M. Sims
For those who lost their battles back home.
Medal of Honor Staff. Sgt. Robert J. Miller from Oviedo
For all of the men and women serving this country in their place.
Today in Oviedo Florida at Hagerty High School, a plaque was dedicated to a former student and fallen hero, SPC. Brenden Salazar. He was killed in Afghanistan on July 22, 2012.
This was taken from the video I was shooting of the dedication. While the video should be online tomorrow, when I saw this image of the saluting shadow over Brenden's picture, it was almost as if his spirit was saluting back at all the people gathered together.
Army Specialist Brenden Salazar was killed while serving in Afghanistan on July 22, 2012. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173 Airborne Brigade Combat Team Caserma Ederle Italy. He was 20 years old.
This morning at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park Florida, hundreds of people gathered together to honor the life of Capt. MacFarlane. The Orlando Nam Knights and Patriot Guard Riders formed a wall of flags.
Oviedo soldier dies in Afghanistan
July 8, 2012
By Leslie Postal and David Breen
Orlando Sentinel
A U.S. Army captain from Oviedo died in Afghanistan on Friday about three months after his Army Reserve unit was mobilized.
Bruce A. MacFarlane, 46, died in Kandahar, according to the Department of Defense, which did not provide information on how he died.
He was assigned to the 1186th Transportation Company, 831st Transportation Battalion, which is based in Jacksonville.
"He was a great guy, good family guy," said Keith Marang, who lives next door and said he met MacFarlane when both families moved into their new homes in 2008. "I was just floored when I heard the news."
He said MacFarlane, befitting his military career, was clean-cut and fit and looked younger than his age. He and his wife have two children, a son and a daughter, Marang said, adding that he thought they were in their early teens. He said the family moved to Oviedo from DeLand.
A person who answered the door at the family's large, modern home Sunday afternoon said they were not available, and she was not authorized to release any information. She said she was a friend of the family, and they'd been devastated by the news.
MacFarlane, who spent 12 years on active duty, was very patriotic, with an American flag always flying from his home, his neighbor said. Several small flags and red, white and blue pinwheels decorated the flower pots at the front door Sunday, presumably from the Fourth of July holiday last week. read more here
Oviedo soldier dies in Afghanistan
July 8, 2012
By Leslie Postal and David Breen
Orlando Sentinel
A U.S. Army captain from Oviedo died in Afghanistan on Friday about three months after his Army Reserve unit was mobilized.
Bruce A. MacFarlane, 46, died in Kandahar, according to the Department of Defense, which did not provide information on how he died.
He was assigned to the 1186th Transportation Company, 831st Transportation Battalion, which is based in Jacksonville.
"He was a great guy, good family guy," said Keith Marang, who lives next door and said he met MacFarlane when both families moved into their new homes in 2008. "I was just floored when I heard the news."
He said MacFarlane, befitting his military career, was clean-cut and fit and looked younger than his age. He and his wife have two children, a son and a daughter, Marang said, adding that he thought they were in their early teens. He said the family moved to Oviedo from DeLand.
A person who answered the door at the family's large, modern home Sunday afternoon said they were not available, and she was not authorized to release any information. She said she was a friend of the family, and they'd been devastated by the news.
MacFarlane, who spent 12 years on active duty, was very patriotic, with an American flag always flying from his home, his neighbor said. Several small flags and red, white and blue pinwheels decorated the flower pots at the front door Sunday, presumably from the Fourth of July holiday last week. read more here
Sometimes I think I have the best job in the world because of the events I get to attend. Filming veterans is usually loaded with a tremendous sense of pride in these men and women. It is very hard to look at them, listen to them tell stories about what they did, where they've been and then take in how humble they really are. Saturday was one of those days.
It started out overcast and dreading the threat of rain as I drove to the Bunker (Cpl. Larry E. Smedley National War Museum) to meet up with some Bunker Guard Riders to follow them to the event in Oviedo Florida. A group at Palm Valley FBO decided to honor veterans in a unique way. They put in a Memorial stone and bricks with their names on it, which has been done before, but it was the way they did it. It was a huge event with over 200 people, bagpipes, a choir made up of seniors and an outstanding speaker.
2nd LT. Albert "Chris" Galvan served in Iraq and Afghanistan, among other places, and is the Platoon Leader 2nd Platoon Charlie Company of the Florida National Guard. He has a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart plus a chest load of other medals but it is the love he has in his heart for two friends he lost in combat that got to everyone there.
Eustace L. Horne Jr. President of the National Vietnam War Museum was there. He's a Vietnam Veteran with a Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars with Valor, Purple Hearts and a lot more. He was a Major and served three tours.
UPDATE March 27, 2014
Corrupted Valor Broken Trust
An investigation into the claims made by Mr. Horne show that he served one tour in Vietnam with the Army Reserves. He was awarded one Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart. The original information came from news reports.
A few days ago I received an email about this family. They have been in the prayers of many people since this happened.
The local Marine family in distress is Cpl. Adam and Morgan Byler. Adam serves as a Marine Corps Reservist from the local Reserve Center and returned from deployment in Afghanistan in February. They have two children who were being given a bath on Friday by the father. He left the bathroom for only moments and returned to find 16 month old daughter, Adalynn, underwater. Despite medical efforts, there is no brain activity and removal from life support equipment is imminent. The family has no means to pay for the upcoming funeral expenses and hospital bill. They were in the process of getting medical coverage when this occurred and unfortunately none of this will be covered. As a reservist, the family receives no medical insurance.
Adam works as an armed security guard but his incredible feelings of guilt resulted in weapons being removed from the home and thus, his job situation is now unknown. The Orange County Sheriffs department investigations found nothing suspicious and this incident is declared a very tragic accident.
I have been in near constant contact with Cpl. Byler's superior officer - 1stSgt Doug Hester. The Marines of 6th Motors, most of whom have been at the hospital with Adam and Morgan, are requesting any donation that may help offset these forthcoming costs. There will be a memorial fund to be set up soon to receive funds.
Any assistance would be greatly welcomed by the Reservist families and the Byler family. Those of you who remember and helped with the homecoming of 47 Marines arriving on 2 buses in February, Cpl. Byler was in the group. That was when we got to see him hold Adalynn for the first time, as she was born while he was on deployment in Afghanistan.
The sad news came and our hearts are broken for this family.
Adalynn Byler was pronounced on Monday evening and was on support in order to allow organ transplant teams to be set up. Her family was very generous in allowing other families to have their prayers/wishes/dreams answered. There are three lives whose futures changed on Tuesday by the forward and outward thinking of the Byler family.
The family had no means to pay for the upcoming funeral expenses and hospital bill. They were in the process of getting medical coverage when this occurred and unfortunately none of this will be covered. As a reservist, the family receives no medical insurance.
The Florida Department of American Legion generously made provisions for funeral expenses. A memorial fund has been set up help with the medical costs, requested in lieu of flowers.
The Navy Federal Credit Union will receive donations for the Adalynn Byler Memorial Fund. If mailed:
Navy Federal Credit Union
Attn: Adalynn Byler Memorial Fund
5455 Lake Howell Road
Winter Park, FL 32792
For questions, NFCU can be contacted directly at (877) 573-2321. Point of contact is Debbie Fuqua.
Services will be held at 3pm on Friday, 16 Dec at the
St. Stevens Catholic Church in Winter Springs
575 Tuskawilla Road,
Winter Springs, Fl 32708
Cpl. Adam Byler serves as a Marine Corps Reservist from the local Reserve Center in Orlando, 6th Motor Transport Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group. While on deployment the group transported supplies, equipment and personnel, under constant threat of attack and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's). In February, after seven months in Afghanistan, a total of 47 area Marines returned at the same time, and wife, Morgan, 3 year old son Jaden, and baby Adalynn were anxiously awaiting the return. Because she was born while he was on deployment, it was the first time that Cpl. Byler got to hold his daughter.
Your support is a blessing for the Byler family as they attempt to heal from this horrible tragedy.
Marine mourns death of his baby girl
Toddler drowns in bathtub
Updated: Thursday, 15 Dec 2011
OVIEDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - During the time that Marine Cpl. Adam Byler spent his 8 months in Afghanistan, his little girl, Adalynn, was born. When he recently came back home, it was love at first sight.
"First time I saw her? When I got back from deployment, and she really changed my life. She was so special," he said.
But their time together was cut short. Adam, 22, was bathing both his daughter and son, when he briefly stepped away from the tub. When he came back, his 15-month-old daughter was underwater.
Sgt. Jack Sutter was her Godfather. He told us that she needed to be transported to two different hospitals. After a 4-day stay in the hospital, Adam's precious little girl lost her life.
"We don't know if all the medical costs will be covered," said Sutter, "as well as the funeral as well." read more here
Pentagon draws flak for rarity of MoH
Services say they’re ‘satisfied’ with numbers, even though today’s veterans get 10 times fewer top medals
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Oct 3, 2011 13:54:34 EDT
Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn “Al” Cashe was in the gunner’s turret when a massive roadside bomb struck his Bradley fighting vehicle.
As the vehicle went up in flames, small-arms fire began to rain down. A ruptured fuel cell spewed gasoline, soaking Cashe’s uniform as the flames spread.
Cashe didn’t run.
Instead, he dragged a burning soldier from the driver’s hatch and extinguished the fire that was gripping the driver’s clothes.
Then he went to the back of the vehicle and crawled into a troop compartment that was engulfed in flames — and stayed inside until he had helped pull six soldiers from the vehicle.
Cashe saved seven lives that day, Oct. 17, 2005, while sustaining second- and third-degree burns all over his body. He died several weeks later.
For the Army, that was enough to merit a Silver Star — but not a Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for military valor.
Cashe’s courageous actions are at the heart of a growing debate about whether the Pentagon is shortchanging today’s troops on the medals that were bestowed far more frequently in past wars. read more here
Recognition sought for soldier’s heroic acts
By LEO SHANE III
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 2, 2011
WASHINGTON — When the roadside bomb detonated, it ripped through the fuel tank of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and ignited like napalm. The seven men seated inside were knocked unconscious and had no chance to escape the fire.
But the gunner, Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, managed to crawl out of the burning wreckage. Wounded and drenched in diesel fuel, he pulled the Bradley’s driver from his seat before the flames reached there, dragging him to safety.
And then he went back.
The 16-year Army veteran had seen a dozen of his men die on that tour in Iraq, and he couldn’t bear to lose another. His uniform caught fire as he desperately tried to open the Bradley’s hatch.
By the time he got in, all he had on was his body armor and helmet, the rest of his uniform in ashes or seared to his skin. With help, he carried one of his dying men out of the fire and back to horrified medics trying to triage their charred colleagues.
And then he went back.
Soldiers couldn’t tell what rounds pinging off the Bradley were from insurgents’ weapons and which ones were from their own ammunition ablaze in the vehicle. As he reached the next soldier, Cashe tried to douse the fire on his uniform, only to realize that his own skin was peeling off from the heat. As another soldier helped pat out the flames, Cashe moved the next wounded friend to safety.
Sister fights to win Medal of Honor for deceased brother
February 04, 2011|By Darryl E. Owens, COMMENTARY
It's a label overused to knight everyone from athletes with long rap sheets to miners who survived a cave-in without going postal.
Hero.
There's less ambiguity on the battlefield, where real heroes earn the Medal of Honor for "gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one's own life above and beyond the call of duty."
In September, a soldier from Oviedo became the third recipient of the award for valor in Afghanistan. But another Oviedo soldier is deserving, too. His name: Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn "Al" Cashe.
Maureen Miller, who knows a little something about heroes, thinks Cashe merits strong consideration. Last month, hundreds at All Faiths Memorial Cemetery watched as a special marker — signifying a Medal of Honor recipient — was placed at the grave of the woman's son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller. He was killed Jan. 25, 2008, in Afghanistan after drawing enemy fire and taking on ambushers so his teammates could find cover.
The same distinction has so far eluded Cashe, a 1988 Oviedo High graduate, frustrating his sister who's on a mission to see her baby brother properly honored.
Cashe's story adds kindling to the hot debate about whether the Pentagon is shortchanging today's heroes, considering that fewer Medals of Honor have emerged from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan than any of America's other major conflicts.
On Oct. 20, 2005, when Kasinal Cashe White and her family arrived at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, all she knew was that her brother had been burned. Badly. read more here
This morning was not a day for politics and Gov. Scott didn't make any speeches. The service was left to the commanders to address the people paying honor to this Medal of Honor fallen soldier.
No one was talking in the crowd but as I took pictures before the service I wondered why there were so few people there. How many Medal of Honor recipients do we have that people did not feel they had to be there for this service?
I taped it and I'm working on the video which should be done in a couple of days but I wanted to make sure readers of this blog heard about this story.
Medal of Honor headstone placed on fallen Oviedo soldier's grave
Governor Rick Scott attends ceremony unveiling memorial to fallen Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller
By Anika Myers Palm, Orlando Sentinel
3:54 p.m. EST, January 22, 2011
CASSELBERRY — Hundreds of people gathered at a cemetery Saturday to watch the unveiling of a memorial to a special Oviedo soldier.
A headstone placed at the grave of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller notes that Miller was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military recognition. Miller, who died serving in Afghanistan, was the first member of Operation Enduring Freedom to be awarded the honor.
Miller, 24, was "tough, skilled, smart and proven in many battles," said Admiral Eric Olson, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.
"He raised the abilities and the morale of everyone around him."
Miller died on Jan. 25, 2008, when he deliberately drew fire from more than 100 enemy fighters, allowing his fellow Green Berets and some Afghanistan National Army soldiers fighting with them to take cover, saving their lives. He killed more than 16 enemy combatants and wounded more than 30 in the battle, according to the U.S. Army Special Forces Command.
He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on Oct. 6, 2010.
The crowd watched in silence as the headstone was unveiled at the All Faiths Memorial Cemetery..
