Legacies Alive

Today marks the 29th angelversary of MSG Charles D. Chase, Jr., U.S. Army.

Chuck served with distinction in the U.S. Army from 1981 until his untimely death in 1997. He began his career with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he quickly proved himself a capable and dedicated soldier. After completing the Special Forces Qualification Course, he earned his Green Beret and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group.

In 1988, he was selected for the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Delta Force) and joined A Squadron. He took part in several major operations, including Grenada (1983), Panama (1989–1990), the Persian Gulf (1991), and Somalia (1993). Respected for his skill and quiet professionalism, he was known as a reliable and disciplined operator.

On June 17, 1997, Chuck was killed in an accident at Fort Bragg when a storage tank fell from a forklift. His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the comrades who served beside him.

Today marks the 56th angelversary of LCpl Robert M. “P***y” Kuner, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps.

P***y grew up in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he was known for his charisma, athleticism, and kind spirit. At Riverside High School, he excelled as a runner, setting long-standing records in the 400 and 800 meters. He was also an active member of the Varsity “R” Club. Off the track, he was admired for his smooth dance moves and his love of his MG sports car. After graduating in 1967, he worked at the Darlington Brick Yard and often ran to and from work—a testament to his strength and determination.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 15, 1969, and deployed to Vietnam in January 1970, just months after marrying his wife, Patty. As a combat engineer near Da Nang, he performed the dangerous task of clearing mines from roadways—a duty that demanded courage and precision. He was killed on June 15, 1970, exactly one year after enlisting.

His legacy endures through his family, friends, and fellow Marines. At Riverside High School, his contributions are honored each year through the P***y Kuner Award, presented to a varsity athlete who exemplifies character and work ethic.

Today marks the 18th angelversary of Sgt Michael T. Washington, U.S. Marine Corps.

Michael was born at Camp Pendleton, California, while his father was stationed there with the U.S. Marine Corps. Raised in Tacoma, Washington, he graduated from Stadium High School in 2005, where he excelled academically and participated in the Navy JROTC program. He enjoyed soccer and reading—especially history, political science, and classic literature—and was known for his sharp wit and love of practical jokes. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he became the third generation in his family to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He enlisted at 17 and quickly emerged as a leader. After completing boot camp in 2005, he joined the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment at Twentynine Palms, California. During a 2007 deployment to Iraq, his squad was ambushed. He laid down suppressive fire, allowing his fellow Marines to escape—an act of valor that earned him commendations. Promoted to sergeant at just 20, he became a squad leader. He deployed to Afghanistan in April 2008 and was killed in Farah Province on June 14 when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

Michael is remembered by his family, friends, and comrades for his courage, leadership, and selfless dedication to others—qualities that defined his life and continue to shape his legacy.

Today marks the 16th angelversary of SPC Brian “Bucky” Anderson, U.S. Army.

Bucky grew up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. A standout athlete at Broadway High School, he excelled in football and wrestling. As a four-year starter in wrestling and a three-year starter in football, he earned recognition for his skill, dedication, and leadership. He was a two-time AA state wrestling champion and a three-time All-American through the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Association. After graduating in 2004, he wrestled for two seasons at James Madison University.

In March 2008, driven by a deep sense of duty, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. In April 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he led numerous missions as a weapons squad team leader during dismounted patrols and as a lead gunner during mounted movements. On June 12, 2010, Bucky was killed when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and through a tradition at his high school. At every home football game, soldiers are honored, and his number 21 remains unworn—until the final game, when a player who embodies Bucky’s heart and spirit is chosen to wear it.

Today marks the 16th angelversary of SGT Jonathan “JJ” Hernandez, U.S. Army Reserve.

JJ grew up in Loxahatchee, Florida, where he loved baseball, football, fishing, working out, and making people laugh. Known for his big heart and quick wit, he was always ready to help others and take risks.

After graduating from Wellington High School in 2005, he earned his EMT certification at Palm Beach Community College. In 2007, he completed his paramedic training and received an associate degree in emergency medical services from Edison College. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 2009 with a degree in public health. While there, he joined Army ROTC and rose to cadet commander.

He enlisted in the Army Reserve and served as a sergeant with the 7222nd Medical Support Unit in Tampa, Florida. He completed leadership training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Lewis, Washington, and was recognized for his performance in the Army’s Best Warrior Competition in 2010. His goal was to serve as a Ranger medic on active duty.

JJ passed away in an accident on June 11, 2010. His family and friends honor his memory, remembering his love of life, his faith, and his devotion to family and country.

Today marks the 7th angelversary of SGT Matthew M. Gantt, U.S. Army.

Matt grew up in Kettering, Ohio, one of eight children. He graduated from Archbishop Alter High School in 1997, where he ran cross-country and played baseball. His wide-ranging interests reflected a curious and joyful spirit. He enjoyed golfing, cooking, building models, and visiting Disney World. He also had a deep appreciation for movies, especially James Bond and Jurassic Park. After high school, he attended Bowling Green State University, where he was a cheerleader and earned a degree in communications in 2003.

In 2004, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a human intelligence collector and completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. During his service, he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Gordon, Georgia; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; and the Defense Language Institute in California, where he studied Tagalog. In December 2005, he deployed to Kuwait and Iraq for eight months. In November 2007, he served a seven-month tour at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, with the 205th Military Intelligence Battalion.

After his honorable discharge in 2009, Matt continued serving the military community as a private contractor at Fort Huachuca, where he taught interrogation, operations, and tactics until 2013.

He passed away on June 11, 2019. His legacy endures through his wife, Jackie, his extended family, friends, and comrades.

Today marks the 14th angelversary of 1LT Mathew G. Fazzari, U.S. Army.

Mathew grew up in Walla Walla, Washington, the eldest of four children. He graduated from DeSales Catholic High School in 2005, where he was active in basketball, baseball, drama, the school band, a local band, and community volunteer work. At Gonzaga University, he played percussion in the symphony and, during his sophomore year, joined the nationally recognized ROTC program. He competed in Ranger Challenge events in both his junior and senior years. In May 2010, he graduated with honors, earning a degree in mathematics with minors in philosophy and music. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was named a Distinguished Military Graduate, ranking in the top 5% of 4,800 cadets nationwide.

After college, Mathew entered active duty in the Army’s Aviation Branch. He trained at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to fly OH-58D Kiowa helicopters, graduating at the top of his class. Promoted to first lieutenant, he accepted an early deployment and began his service in Afghanistan on May 11, 2012, operating out of Bagram Airfield. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On June 6, 2012, during a mission in Qarah Bagh, Afghanistan, his helicopter was struck by enemy fire and crashed, ending his brave and honorable service.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Tovah; his sons, Dominic and Samuel; and a wide circle of family, friends, and comrades. His memory is also honored by Walla Walla VFW Post 992, which now bears his name.

Our team is gearing up for our Annual 4th of July Gold Star Family picnic and we wanted to let you know, if you wanted to update your Legacies apparel the order deadline is JUNE 7, 2026.

Follow this link to see what is available: https://legaciesalivespring2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Today marks the 21st angelversary of Capt Derek M. Argel, U.S. Air Force.

Derek was raised in Lompoc, California, where he showed remarkable determination and athleticism from an early age. Passionate about water sports—especially water polo—he began attending high school practices in fifth grade. He graduated from Cabrillo High School in 1995 as a standout on the water polo team and earned league MVP honors. Inspired by his grandfather, a World War II Marine, he was also driven to serve in the military. To strengthen his chances of attending the United States Air Force Academy, he enrolled in two preparatory schools after high school.

In 1997, Derek was admitted to the Air Force Academy, where he earned all-conference honors as a four-year letterman on the water polo team. After graduating in 2001, he entered the combat control training pipeline and earned the red beret of a special tactics officer in 2003. He was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and deployed to Iraq in February 2005. In this elite role, he coordinated air support for ground missions, working alongside Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. On May 30, 2005, Derek was killed during a training mission in eastern Diyala Province, when an Iraqi Air Force aircraft crashed.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Wendy; his son, Logan; and the many family members, friends, and comrades who continue to honor his memory.

Today marks the 15th angelversary of SSG Edward D. Mills, Jr., U.S. Army.

Edward grew up in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Union High School in 2000, where he ran track. A devoted football fan, he especially loved Notre Dame and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Friends and family remember him as a natural leader—humble, selfless, and always putting others first. His passion for military history, nurtured by reading extensively and watching the History Channel with his grandfather, a World War II veteran, reflected his deep sense of responsibility and purpose.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in January 2005. After completing basic training, he was assigned to Fox Company (Pathfinder), 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On May 26, 2011, during his third deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Edward was killed by an improvised explosive device while conducting a dismounted patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.