The National World War II Museum was the setting for “In the Company of Heroes,” a fundraiser for the non-profit organization Support Our War Heroes, recognizing those who served and are serving our nation through the military.
Support Our War Heroes believes that all men and women who serve in the U.S. military are heroes. The non-partisan, non-profit group is not affiliated with the military, but helps members of all branches of the military by assisting service members who have sustained life-altering injuries.
  
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In addition to those honored, there was a tribute those who are either prisoners of war or missing in action. The accompanying tribute goes like this:
“Tribute to POWs and MIAs: The table set for one is small...it symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors. The tablecloth is white...symbolizing the purity of heir intention to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the undying love and faith of families and loved ones, of our comrades left behind.
The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapels and breast of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing.
A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.
There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the tears as they wait.
The glass is inverted. They cannot toast with us today.
The chair is empty...they are not here.
The small American flag represents the unfailing patriotism of our comrades in arms and all Americans who await their safe return.
Remember!!!...All of you who serve with them and call them comrades...you who depended on their might and aid, and relied upon them...do not forsake them...pray for them and remember!!!”
In addition to the keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. Russell Honore’, best known locally for his assistance during Hurricane Katrina, others were also honored in the audience.
Dr. Gabriel Lasala of TCA Cellular Therapy was recognized for his groundbreaking adult stem cell therapy research that will hopefully help veterans with life-altering injuries such as spinal cord injuries that cause many veterans to be confined to a wheelchair, such as Cpl. Matthew Cole, U. S. Marine Corps.
Cole was on his second tour of duty in Iraq as the crew chief of an Amphibious Assault Vehicle with the Marines’ Second Marine Expeditionary Force when he was struck by a mortar round shot by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq. He suffered injuries to his spinal cord and lungs and is paralyzed. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
If all goes well, Lasala may be able to get Cole walking again.
Cole was only one of those recognized at the war heroes’ event. Each table had their own hero to thank and many have stories to share about their victories and their challenges.
Five-Star sponsors of the event included the Whitman Family Foundation; the Wilson Sexton Foundation; In Memory of Thomas C. “Geronimo” Holliman/ Robert and Adrianne Baumgartner; Porteous, Hainkel and Johnson, Attorneys at Law; Bruno and Bruno, LLP; and the Capella Foundation.
Members of the board include Suzy McDaniel, Silvia Muller, Karen Saltalamacchia, Dr. Argiro Morgan, Adrianne Baumgartner, Cathy Schroeder, John Bryan, Thomas Grace, Barbara Eckert and Tony Zanca.
Peggy Spiceland was the event coordinator and music by Joe Holhalb.
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