Plaques of Honor

When you can bless someone’s heart with the light of hope knowing people care beyond the finish line about your fellow brother who walked the thin blue line and gave his life in doing so that’s what being HOPE and LIGHT in darkness is all about. Give2Those Plaques of Honor Remembers Massachusetts State Trooper Sgt.Douglas Weddleton

On June 16, 2010, Sergeant Doug Weddleton was killed in the line of duty. Sgt. Weddleton was working a construction detail on Rt. 95 in Mansfield when he encountered a vehicle that had blocked the ramp. While speaking with the operator of this vehicle a second vehicle struck the first vehicle, which ultimately caused the death of Sgt. Weddleton.

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Together we Honor the 13 Fallen Heroes who gave their lives on August 26,2021. Why February 25, 2024? This day marks Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz 23rd Birthday. Together we will honor the life Jared and his fellow brothers and sisters lived and who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Cpl. Daegan W. Page,Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollumand and Massachusetts Native Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo. Together we will help raised funds in support of The Freedom 13 Veterans Recreational Retreat Project.

Join Us Sunday, February 25, 2024 as we Honor them through this Honor 13 Poker Run. You can register to Run, Ruck or Walk this event or come out and Support this event by purchasing your poker sheet(s) It's going to be a great time honoring Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz birthday and remembering his sacrifice and the sacrifice his fellow brothers and sisters made on August 26,2021.

Proceeds Benefit The Freedom 13.org for the Freedom 13 Veterans Recreational Retreat Project.

https://raceroster.com/events/2024/84525/honor-13-poker-run-ruck-walk-and-support

2024 — Honor 13 Poker Run-Ruck-Walk & Support — Honor 13 Poker Run-Ruck-Walk & Support 280 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA - February 25, 2024, marks Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz 23rd… - February 25, 2024

As we approach the new year in just 4 weeks, I would like to say to all the Marines and to the Jarhead Motorcycle Club Give2Those will be having Plaques of Honor Made in memory of your fellow riders. Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose Joe Leaston and his crew will be the lead in 2024 on the 5th year anniversary to ride these special Plaques to you all.

To the families we see you, we remember your loved ones and know your pain will never have a cure but we pray you know that we continue to say their names and that through our actions you know WE REMEMBER!

The seven victims were: Michael Ferazzi, 62, of Contoocook, New Hampshire; Albert Mazza Jr., 59, of Lee, New Hampshire; Daniel Pereira, 58, of Riverside, Rhode Island; Jo-Ann and Edward Corr, both 58, of Lakeville, Massachusetts; Desma Oakes, 42, of Concord, New Hampshire; and Aaron Perry, 45, of Farmington, New Hampshire.

Today I had the honor of presenting Amanda Braga-Tipton with the second ever Sibling Heart plaque in memory of her military brother Joshua Owen Tipton. I designed the sibling heart with my dear friend Doug Pickel who put his wood craftsmanship to work. The words I came up with for this plaque are of my own with the guidance from God as I asked him to help me put it into the perspective of a siblings loving bond:

“A siblings bond is rooted deep within the heart; which can never truly be broken even when there’s a broken part.”

We have to remember the bond siblings have and create together because it’s such a special bond.

After seeing Michael Chesna brother get emotional after receiving a Purple Heart plaque in honor/memory of his brother as well as meeting families when he and I I went to states to present Plaques of Honor to families and heard the siblings stories we knew we had to 💯 design a plaque to remember the siblings.

Amanda is the second sibling to ever receive this plaque in which was launched this year on Memorial Day at the end of Vest Up 4 the Fallen. This plaque is our way to say we see your heartbreak we see your sadness and we will not forget the bond you share.

Often times the siblings are the most forgotten ones when a military member of first responder passes away and it’s time that we remember them through our actions.

Amanda, your brothers name will continue to Live on through those who speak his name and as this plaque is passed down from generation to generation. I’m Loving memory of Joshua Owen Tipton. ❤️🇺🇸

Take time to say a prayer for the families - 5 Army special operations service members were killed in a MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed over the Mediterranean Sea during a training mission Veterans Day weekend. The Service members have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38 of Clarksville, Tennessee; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

Yesterday Ricky Atherton and I had the honor to present Bob Ahern with a special Give2Those Police Officer Plaques of Honor and appreciation for his service in the United States Army, and as a Massachusetts State Trooper
and also in Honor of his late father Robert “Bo” Ahern Sr who served in the United States Marines and was a Cambridge Police Officer for 36 years.
In thanks to Sarah Sweeney I had the honor of attending Mr.Ahern’s Gala for the Ahern Foundation and seeing all he and his family does for his fellow brothers and sisters and all they do to help local organizations Ricky and I wanted to show our unwavering support to his and his father commitment to their Country and Communities in which they served and that’s when Ricky and his family nominated Bob.l and when I took it one step further to also include his father and a very special picture together so that their legacy can be passed down from generations to generations. Thank you Bob and the Late a Robert for everything you do and everything you are- America and those who serve are Blessed to have you Bob on their side.

Last night at the “ I Want My 80’s Adult Prom” we were able to surprise to Marines with a Plaques of Honor The City of Newton sponsored a plaque which went to Marine David
Mendoza Pekala and a service plaque where funds from Vest Up 4 the Fallen were raised by
Richie Paul and he asked if we could allocate funds from his fundraiser to a plaque for Marine Veteran Newton VSO Seth Bai.

David was born April 5th 1980 in Mississippi. He later moved to Massachusetts where he was raised and graduated from Somerville HS. He joined the USMC in June of 2001 and graduated Boot Camp on Parris Island in September just before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. David was assigned to Fox Company 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, 5th Marine Regiment operating in an Amphibious Raid Unit. He deployed to Ramadi Iraq in the Spring of 2004 around his 24th birthday. While in Iraq David conduct dozens of high-risk patrols and conducted several humanitarian aid missions as an Arabic translator. While on patrol near the government center on a near 138 degree afternoon David was assisting a family off the street and into a safe alley when he was hit with an IED which threw him 20 feet into a near by parked car. David sustained a TBI, multiple lacerations, a broken leg and was hit by a few shrapnel pieces; David’s “Alive-Day” is 7/20/2004 .David is about to graduate from Harvard spring of 2024 with his Masters degree and he is recently engaged to Nhu Dao, raising their two children DJ and Aria.

Thank you Seth for you dedication to your fellow brothers in Arms. Also I want to thank Taya Bai, Seth’s daughter for giving me these photos. The love you and your dad share is beautiful and priceless.

We say we will Never Forget, let that not just be a post but rather through that post be put into action by taking time to honor, remember and reflect on the 22nd Anniversary of 9/11, where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives-American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77, United Airlines Flight 93, First Responders, North and South Towers and the Pentagon.

September 11, 2001, became a day where we mourned as a Nation, watched as communities came together, strangers helped each other out of the buildings in New York and the Pentagon, and watched how Americans and the world rallied together.

That day became one of the Saddest days in America and one of the Bravest days. The rescue and recovery teams worked day and night rescuing 18 people alive from the rubble of the World Trade Center site.

Just weeks after 9/11, on October 7, 2001, Troops were sent to Afghanistan and later Iraq. To date we have lost over 7,000 Troops to the Global War on Terror, which became America’s longest lasting war.

May we never forget the lives lost that very day, those we have lost to war, the first responders and survivors who lost their lives due to health issues and continue to remember the loved ones left behind and the health effects that still plague responders and survivors to this very day. WE WILL NEVER FORGET !!

We support Military Friends Foundation and we ask you considering doing the same. This weekend September 9th come out and Honor Massachusetts Heroes. Run to Remember the life they Lived and the Sacrifice they Made.

We Remember, not only Today but everyday. Today, let us unite on this day of rememberance of the 13 Fallen Heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the American cause of freedom. We can honor our Heroes and their families by uniting as a Nation for all they have sacrificed on behalf of OUR freedom. You are not alone and we see the families and we will Never Forget the 13 Fallen.

LCPL David Lee Espinoza
LCPL Dylan Merola
ARMY SSG Ryan Christian Knauss
Sgt. Nicole Gee
CPL Humberto Sanchez
LCPL Kareem Nikoui
HM3 NAVY Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak
LCPL Rylee James McCollum
SSGT Darin Taylor Hoover
CPL Daegan Page
CPL Hunter Lopez
LCPL Jared Schmitz
Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo

Joe was present a very specific one of a kind Give2Those Service Plaque of Honor made with Purple Heart wood. Joe May you always remember how much your loved and how much it meant to the families that you and the crew took time to ride on your motorcycle over 9,300 miles to hand deliver their child’s plaque. Thank you and Remember how much you too are loved. The Mission Continues on……

Today the Marine on a mission team had the Honor of presenting a Give2Those Purple Heart Plaque of Honor to Paula Knauss Selph, Mother of Army Ssg. Ryan Christian Knauss. It was so nice to share this special time with Paula and listen to her speak with such passion and conviction about the changes that need to be made and what her foundation R2factor.org has already accomplished and has planned for the future. We at Marine on a mission wish you the best of luck. Keep fighting the good fight. I hope our paths cross again. Thank you for allowing us to memorialize and Immortalize Ryan's memory. His death will not be in vain!

Today the Marine on a mission team had the Honor and privilege to Honor the memory of Lcpl David Lee Espinoza. We met the family at L&F Distribution in Laredo Texas. It was a cool 110⁰ but worth every drop of sweat to present the Purple Heart Plaque of Honor to Elizabeth Holguin and family. Thank you to L&F distributors for allowing us to use your facility. Special thank you to the family. Thank you for allowing us to memorialize and immortalize your Hero David Lee Espinoza

Yesterday, Joe Leaston Billy Fisher and the Marine on a mission crew had the honor and privilege to present a Purple Heart plaque of honor to the Mother of Lcpl Dylan Merola, accompanied by his sister and grandmother. They walked to the corner where his hometown hero banner flies proudly in the shade of a tree, so fitting having endured his time in the sun. After the presentation, they shared a meal and some memories and a few laughs at a local restaurant. Thank you for allowing then to honor and immortalize your Hero. He will not be forgotten.

This was another special Plaques of Honor we launched on Memorial Day 2023 that I didn’t allow photos to be taken as the first family to receive it hadn’t gotten it until today when Marine Sgt. Joe Leaston, Billy and the Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose crew presented it to and her children.

When I designed this I asked my dear woodworker friend/ mentor Doug Pickel who exclusively collaborated with us at Give2Those.org if he would be able to put the design into wood and sure enough he did amazing job in doing so.

The Sibling Heart is exactly what it says on the plaque
“A siblings bond is rooted deep within the heart; which can never truly be broken, even when there’s a broken part”

When I wrote that message for the plaque I thought of all the stories siblings had share with me over the years about their loss and the bond they shared with their loved one which is unbreakable.
This Plaques of Plaques of Honor is exclusive for Siblings

It’s been truly a wild and emotional year and 7 months doing these plaques and designing new ones for G2T the line up.

In less than two years in thanks to God giving me the vision; I have had the honor to design the First Responder (Police,Fire,EMT), POW/MIA and now the Sibling Heart Plaque to make sure our Nation’s Heroes are never forgotten nor are the Families of fallen Heroes.

Doug’s craftsmanship is absolutely amazing and priceless as he puts so much love into each one he builds from wood. I thank Jake Order Michael Ingram Tricia Serrano Kitts and Ron Kitts for being the reason Doug and I became
friends and connected in the first place before Stride & Ride Relay and Give2Those was even a thing.

Thank you Doug for believing in me and for all you do to help us all Honor,Remember,Reflect and Respect our Nation’s Heroes and their families.

Thank you to everyone involved in Give2Those Plaques of Honor program to everyone donated and all those who have stepped up to help present plaque across the country to Families of the Fallen and our Nation’s Heroes.

To the Siblings, We See You and We will Never Forget that Bond!

Today Joe Leaston Billy and the Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose crew presented a Give2Those Plaques of Honor Purple Heart Plaque to the mother of LCPl.Kareem Nikoui. Kareem’s & Dakota’s mother Shana Chappell and the siblings were given the first ever Sibling Heart Plaque I designed after seeing Eric Chesna, Michael Chesna’s brothers reaction when we gave him a plaque of honor in memory of his brother; I was also driven to design this plaque when myself, Doug Pickel and my mom Doreen Viveiros met with Gold Star families last year.
Something I realized was that Siblings are often times the most forgotten ones when they lose a sibling. May this Plaque of Honor be a reminder to you and your children that we See the Siblings and we will Never forget the Bond they create together.

Yesterday evening in Wyoming Marine on a Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose Sgt Joe Leaston, Billy and their crew set out to ride to present the family of Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum with their 6th Give2Those Purple Heart Plaques of Honor to Rylee’s sister Cheyenne.

I don’t think that he knows

I’m proud of him and who he is
No matter where he goes

I’ve watched him win and lose

Sometimes, I want to be like him

Battled, broken, and bloodied

Only to rise again

I’ve seen him at his weakest

I’ve watched him conquer his fears

I’ve seen his arm raised in victory

Countless times over the years

Now is another chapter

To be all that he can be

He’s my son

He’s my Marine

He’ll always be a hero to me

I love you man

— Wykid/Dad

Late this evening in Wyoming Marine on a Mission Sgt Joe Leaston, Billy and their crew set out to ride to present the family of Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum with their 6th Give2Those Purple Hearth Plaque of Honor. His sister Cheyenne was the one who was going out to greet them. Take time to Honor, Remember and Reflect on the life these Young Marines Lived. In Rylee’s short 20 years and six months he lived a lifetime.

Rylee was born Feb. 26, 2001 in Riverton. His early years were spent in Dubois. At the age of 6, Rylee moved to Jackson with his father, Jim, and his sisters, Cheyenne and Roice. It was in this mountain community that Rylee learned about love, life, loss, hardships and hard work.

Life came at Rylee hard, but he found a way to meet the challenges and come out on the other side! Usually with his warm smile and great sense of humor! His infectious laugh and smile always lit up the room.

As Rylee worked his way through the schools in the Teton County School District, he left ample memories. Some everlasting, some unforgettable and some that we only wish we could forget! But that was Rylee. He approached life head-on and did things his way. It was that approach and the lessons learned that helped mold him into the wonderful person that he became.

Rylee found a passion for wrestling early on. Though he wasn’t always the most talented or most athletic, it would be hard to find someone who worked harder to get better. Each loss in his young wrestling career fueled the fire to find a way to win ...which he did! One of his shining moments was winning a Triple Crown at the state tournament, without allowing a single point to be scored against him.

Rylee enjoyed the times we loaded up our vehicle with gear and a few other wrestlers and traveled across the Intermountain West to go to tournaments. He was always learning and always willing to teach and share to help someone else get better. Always making someone laugh, smile or feel like they were a winner. Some of Rylee’s best friendships were those he made in the wrestling community. Rylee had a desire to do something and be something greater than he was. He had always shown admiration and respect for the military, the country and in particular the USMC. Conversations often led to a desire to be a Marine. On Rylee’s 18th birthday he made that choice, to offer his service to the country and do what it took to become one of the Few and the Proud. He graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, on Dec. 6, 2019.

Rylee deployed to Jordan in April of 2021, with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ...the 2-1!

As his story unfolded and developed, he became the man that I knew he would be. Humble, selfless and heroic. He gave his life helping others. Meeting the challenges head-on and doing what he knew was right for another. Even those he didn’t know.

Growing up in western Wyoming afforded Rylee the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful country that he lived in. Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and shooting were things he enjoyed doing with friends and family.

Spending time at his grandfather’s cabin in Bondurant was something Rylee always loved. Surrounded by national forest, adventures were never too far away. Shortly before Rylee’s enlistment the cabin was lost in a forest fire. Rylee loved seeing the progress of the new construction that his father and sister were making, and was looking forward to coming home to see it. In the few calls we were able to have with him, he always asked how far along we were and said he couldn’t wait to start making new memories at “The Cabin” with his wife, their baby and the family.

Shortly after his Marine Corps graduation, Rylee met his wife Jiennah (Gigi). They married On Valentine’s Day 2021, and are expecting their baby Sept. 22. Rylee was excited to become a father. Rylee could not have found a better partner to share his life with. The family fell in love with her as well the very first time we met her. As the family has gotten to know her better, it has become apparent they share the same generous heart. Always thinking of others.

Some of the fondest memories of Rylee are the simplest times shared with him. Card games, stories, family trips and holidays. He always kept us laughing and smiling ... usually at his expense!

He’s a hero in my eyes

I don’t think that he knows

I’m proud of him and who he is
No matter where he goes

I’ve watched him win and lose

Sometimes, I want to be like him

Battled, broken, and bloodied

Only to rise again

I’ve seen him at his weakest

I’ve watched him conquer his fears

I’ve seen his arm raised in victory

Countless times over the years

Now is another chapter

To be all that he can be

He’s my son

He’s my Marine

He’ll always be a hero to me

I love you man

— Wykid/Dad

Yesterday Joe Leaston, Billy and the Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose crew presented their fifth Give2Those Purple Heart Plaques of Honor to the family of Cpl. Daegan William-Tyler Page.

Daegan William-Tyeler Page was born February 6, 1998 in Omaha, Nebraska. He lived the first five years of his life in Red Oak, Iowa where he enjoyed many outdoor activities with his friends and family. At age 5, Daegan’s family moved to Omaha and he attended Millard Schools from kindergarten all the way to his graduation from Millard South High School in 2016. In September 2017, Daegan signed a delayed entry program contract with the Marine Corps. In January 2018, he left Omaha for Boot Camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Throughout his 23 years, Daegan lived life to the fullest. He had a passion for hockey and started playing at a very young age. He went on to be a member of the State Champion Westside Warrior hockey team and was a lifelong Chicago Blackhawks fan. He was also a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Millard and Boy Scout Troop 331. Daegan loved to spend time outdoors, especially out on the water. He also was an avid skateboarder. Other hobbies included photography, music, art (especially sketching), playing video games, and joking around with friends and family.

Daegan will always be remembered for his fun-loving spirit, tough outer shell, and giant heart. He had a soft spot for animals of all kinds, but most specifically dogs and most of all his three dogs Shyia, Gracie, and Finn.

Daegan loved the brotherhood of the Marines and was proud to serve as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He deployed multiple times during his service and spent time in Japan, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, and Afghanistan. To Daegan’s younger siblings he was not only a Marine, but their real-life hero.

Daegan was preceded in death by Grandfather Rodger Page, Cousin Nathan Page, Grandparents Gary & Alice Adelson, and Uncle Kurt Adelson.

He is survived by his Parents: Wendy & Craig Adelson, Greg & Jenni Page. Siblings: Corey (Kiley) Adelson, Garrett Ross, Mason Page, & Emerson Page. Girlfriend Jessica Ellison; Grandparents: Joyce Page, Keith & Peggy Tye, Don & Kristine Thompson. Nephew Wes Adelson. Aunts Becky Tye, Chrissy (Owen) Emanuel. Uncles Ryan (Jessica) Tye, Eric (Christina) Page, Toby (Mary) Thompson. Cousins: Angel McCall, Maribel Macall, Aydan Tye, Catalina Tye, Addison Tye, Nick Page, Nash Page, Wyatt Thompson, Matilda Emanuel, Leo Emanuel. And many other relatives and friends.

Finally tonight Janet Pitisci and our team were able to catch Yuma after almost two years of trying to connect with her to surprise her with a Give2Those Service Plaques of Honor. This plaque was on behalf of the whole entire Vest Up 4 the Fallen Team in thanks for her service, and in memory of our dear friend, Jose whom she served with who lost his battle due to the hidden wounds. Yuma finished Vest Up 4 The Fallen in 2021 - 65 miles in the rain and then just a little over a month later her friend, who she serve with Jose had taken his life. That’s when I had made the decision to talk with Doug about doing a plaque for her for her service and in memory of her dear friend. May this plaque be a reminder to you that no matter what you were always family in the Vest up community, and that we are forever grateful for your service to our nation and we will never forget those who struggle with the hidden wounds within.

Last night Joe, Billy, and the Crew presented the fourth Purple Heart Plaque of Honor to the family of Ssgt Taylor Hoover would have been his 33rd birthday yesterday when they delivered the Plaque to his Mother.

Yesterday Joe, Billy and the crew
delivered their third Purple Heart Plaque of Honor to the family of Lcpl Jared Schmitz. Joe said it was “an Honor to talk with his dad”. Keep Riding Strong.

Today Joe and his crew head to LCPL.Jared Schmitz family and then to SSGT Taylor Hoovers mom both families reside in Missouri. Today is also Taylor’s birthday, so take time to remember these heroes and celebrate their lives with a memory toast. Ride Safe Joe Leaston and your crew.
❤️🙏🏻✝️

Like and share the Page, Follow the Journey and Send your love and support through positive messages to Joe Leaston Billy and his crew as this is just day two and with each passing day they will need the love and support as each story of the 13 Fallen Heroes weighs on their hearts.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094978458077&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose A Unique, healthy alternative of recreational therapy.

Say Their Names. Support the Mission- In support of Marine on a Mission Sgt. Joe Leaston and his journey he has created a jersey shirt in honor of the 13 Fallen and All who have given their lives to our Nation. This will be one of their first Ride jerseys shirts. To Purchase your jersey shirt today click on link below.

Donate to Give 2 Those Inc. Help support Give 2 Those Inc. by donating or sharing with your friends.

Ohio- Purple Heart Plaques of Honor being presented to the family of Corpsman Maxton William Soviak by Joe Leaston, Billy Fisher and their crew on behalf of the Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose Program. They have a long way to go so keep them on your prayers and May God keep you all safe on the journey ahead.

This Saturday July 22,2023 -6:30AM American Legion 162 Winn St, Burlington,MA- Join Joe Leaston and his crew as they lock off Give2Those Marine on a Mission, Riding with a Purpose riding across the Nation to present Purple Heart Plaques of Honor to the families of the 13 Fallen. SAY THEIR NAMES!!!

Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo
Sgt. Nicole L. Gee
Cpl. Hunter Lopez
Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola
Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui
Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez
Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz
Cpl. Daegan W. Page
Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza
Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss
Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover
Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum

Rolling Thunder out of Michigan sponsored 5 Give2Those
POW/MIA Plaques of Honor to honor and remember the following service members.
If you live in Michigan and can make this event please do so as it will mean a lot to the families.