Bright and early, on the 4th of July, Prayer Angels for the Military and the SCV Young Marines, parade partners for many years, gathered to prepare for the Tribute to SCV Fallen Troops. A very special parade entry, done annually, to honor our hometown troops who died in service to our country, post 9/11. Let’s always be thankful for the sacrifices made for all of us, as we celebrate our independence and freedoms. Gold Star Families are parents, spouses, children, siblings or others whose loved one died in service to our country.

Air Force SSGT Stephen Mears proudly participated in this years tribute along with the large turnout of Marines, Marine Poolees and 18 of the SCV Young Marines. They all came to honor our fallen troops.

Marines in dress blues included Juan Rodriguez, Jennifer Gainvors, Francisco Granados and Michael Cuevas. The six Marine Poolees (signed up but not through boot camp yet, under the charge of Commanding Officer Major Cole Lapierre, included Robert Snyder, Cristian Cortez, Anthony Ownby, Austin Cobb, Aiden Leigh and Christian Juarez.

Matthew Stirwalt and 4 of his Saugus Football Team members also came out to carry the banners of our fallen. With him were Alejandro Montono, Parker Moreno, Coda Hooper and Jayden Monteal. Matthew said “It was a nice experience and my favorite part was when I passed a group that cheered for the person on the banner and it made me proud to hold the banner.”

The SCV Young Marines Color Guard lead the long tribute of Gold Star photo banners of our fallen service members, post 9/11, proudly carried by Young Marines, Marine Poolees and Football Players. Followed by active duty service members in uniform and a large Gold Star Truck to carry family members and friends of the fallen. This year using Joshua Alcazar’s Military M923 5 ton Transport. Followed by the Red Marine Corps Truck.

The names of our fallen in chronological order are Robert M. Wilson, Dean Glen Todd Jr, Richard P. Slocum, Cole W. Larsen, Jose Ricardo Flores-Mejia, Dennis L. Sellen Jr, Stephen E. Colley, John M. Conant, Ian Timothy D. Gelig, Jake W. Suter, Rudy A. Acosta, Alan E. Colley and Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno.

Suzon Gerstel, President of Prayer Angels for the Military, said that “It’s always an honor to pay tribute to these heroes and to show love and gratitude to our Gold Star Families. Their loved ones will never be forgotten and we continue to pray for continued strength and comfort for them.”

Prayer Angels for the Military, Inc. Newhall based 501c3. Email: [email protected], 661-799-8865. web: https://www.prayerangelsforthemilitary.com. Supporting Hometown troops for 19 yrs. Community care packing programs for all ages. Shipping funds badly needed. Donations can be made thru Paypal online or mailed to 21609 Oak Orchard Rd, Newhall, CA 91321. 24/7 drop box for care pkg. items.