What is a Gold Star Family? A Gold Star Family is a family who has lost a much loved one in a war. It could be World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq or Afghanistan, the location doesn’t matter. What matters is these families lost someone they loved and a much valued member of their family who gave their life defending our country.
The Military & Family Support Group guidelines when displaying pictures in our courthouse of those Killed in Action indicate they will be displayed until the war or conflict they were involved in is declared over by our President. President Obama declared the war in Iraq over in June 2010. Monday, the Military & Family Support Group was honored to present these pictures to the families of our Fallen Heroes at the Brown County Commissioners’ Court.
“Today it’s our duty, our task, to ensure these Military, their service, sacrifice and their names are remembered. We feel it is important to come together as a community to support the survivors of our fallen heroes,” stated Cheryl Campbell who read the Proclamation.
The proclamation of May as Military Appreciation Month outlined:
- The sacrifices including bloodshed and continued vigilance of our military
- The sacrifices of our military and their families that have preserved our liberties which make us a unique nation in the world community
- Calls all Americans to remember those who gave their lives in defense of freedom and to honor the men and women of all of our Armed Services who have served and are now serving our Country, together with their families
- That the months of May and June were selected for this display of patriotism because during these months, we celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day/Week, National Day of Prayer, Memorial Day, Navy Day, Army Day and Flag Day
- Encourages all citizens to show our gratitude by the appropriate display of flags and ribbons during the designated period.
Campbell ended the presentation with a quote from President Harry S. Truman:
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifice.”
The Military & Family Support Group wishes to thank Judge West, Brown County Commissioners, retired Brigadier General Steve Korenek, Alaska National Guard, Margaret Kerby , VFW Post 3278 Ladies Aux, Babs Shields , Military & Family Support Group and Billy Murphey, Brown County Veterans Service Officer for helping with the presentations.
Below are pictures of the families and biographical information of those killed in action:
Lance Corporal Mario Castillo, United States Marine Corps, killed in action on June 10, 2005. He was killed by an I.E.D. in Iraq while serving his country in Operation Iraq Freedom.
Mario was 20 years old and a 2003 graduate of Brownwood High School. Mario loved his family, the Brownwood Lions and was a drummer in the Brownwood High School Band. Mario’s dream had always been to be a Marine. The Marine’s had a nickname for Mario, “Happy” because he was always smiling, always happy, always willing to help.
He is survived by his wife, Angela; his parents, Guadalupe and Maria Castillo; a brother, two sisters, brother-law-in, mother and father-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Pictured at top: Castillo family. Pictued above from left to right: Brown County Judge Ray West, Brigadere General Stephen Korenek, retired, brother Raul Castillo, Mother, Maria Castillo, sister Sonia Sandoval and Precinct 3 Commissioner, Richard Gist. Mario’s father Guadalupe “Lupe” was not able to attend the ceremony.
Corporal Craig Ledsome, United States Marine Corps, killed in action on November 25, 2006 during combat operations in Iraq.
For Craig, life was about having fun and putting a smile on the face of everyone around him. He could find something to laugh about in every situation. His family meant everything to him, but the true joys of his life were his wife, Megan and son, Caelub who was 2 years old when his Dad was killed. Being part of the Marine Corps was his dream and something he knew he had to do. He loved the Texas Longhorns and playing golf. Craig graduated from Brownwood High School in 2000.
Craig leaves behind his wife and son, Megan and Caelub; his parents, Tammy & Kevin Eoff, Mike & Shawna Ledsome; a brother; sister; and grandparents Richard & Joan Smith, Keith & Joann Ledsome, Mr. & Mrs. G.W Eoff, and Chris Webber & Debbie Crow.
Pictured above from left to right are: Brown County Judge Ray West, Brig General Stephen Korenek, retired, Tammy Ledsome, Mother, Dee Denison, VFW Post 3278 Ladies Auxillary and Preinct 4 Commission Larry Traweek.
Specialist Marieo Guererro, United States Army, killed in action March 17, 2007 during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. Marieo was assigned to the 1st Battalion 18th Infantry Division in Germany.
Marieo was born in Fort Worth Texas. He was a dedicated soldier and loved by everyone who knew him. Family, friends, and fellow soldiers looked up to him and respected him greatly.
Marieo leaves behind his wife Jennifer Guerrero, mother Cheryl Martinez and stepfather, Moises Martinez, father-in-law Gary McCurtain; mother-in-law Darlene and husband Tommy Faught of Early. Marieo’s wife Jennifer is a 2000 graduate of Early High School.
Pictured above from left to right are: Billy Murphey, Brown County Veterans Service Officer, Brown County Judge Ray West; Precinct 2 Commissioner Joel Kelton, Tammy & Tommy Faught. Mother and stepfather to Mario’s wife Jennifer Guerrero. Jennifer is now living in Louisiana and was not able to attend the ceremony.
Specialist Donald Allen “Wesley” Burkett, killed in action on March 10, 2008 during combat operations in Iraq while serving on a mounted patrol. He entered the Army in April 2006 and was assigned to F-Troop, 3rd ACR, Fort Hood, Texas.
Wesley was born in Brownwood, attended elementary school in Priddy, then attended school in Zephyr and was a student at Ranger Junior College before joining the Army. Wesley was known for his goofy smile, his positive attitude and his deep love for his family.
Wesley leaves behind his wife and son, Brandi & Mason; his mother, Carolyn Gray; grandmother Linnie Faye Gray; 2 brothers; and mother-in-law Amy Bailey.
Pictured above from left to right are: Brig. General Stephen Korenek, retired, Brown County Judge Ray West, Babs Shields, Steve Adams, Precinct 1 Commissioner, Brandi Burkett, wife, Amy Bailey, mother-in-law (Amy’s mom), Brittani Hopkins, sister of Brandi, Reece Hopkins son of Brandi and Becky Korenek.
Photos contributed by Military Family & Support.
