* The Next Step

Every successful project needs dedicated people to make it happen.
These are some of the folks who worked to make the “Fallen Stars Tribute” a reality.

L to R: Bob Critser, Joyce Dayton, Cleo Adams, Mimi Martin, Mark & Bernie Sommer, Elmer Heston, Paul Scanlon

Mimi Martin was named as the spokesperson for the project.  Her responsiblity was to be available to speak to groups and organizations concerning the project. 

Mimi was raised in the Mohawk Valley. She grew up in Mohawk.  She is a Gold Star widow-
perhaps the only one in the area. Her husband, Shawn Martin, was a sergeant in the Marine
Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. They met in 1999 and married in 2002. Shawn was
an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Technician and was responsible for disarming and/or

destroying explosive materials which are used for IED/roadside bombs. He was killed in

action 6/20/2007.  Determined to honor Shawn, Mimi accepted the responsibility to

represent the Fallen Stars Tribute Memorial Project. She has found the courage and

resolve to speak on behalf of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the public

aware of what they have given on behalf of  the citizens of the United States.

 

The project is to honor and remember the service members from New York State who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. The main goal of the project was to have a “sponsor” for each of the fallen by Veteran’s Day 2008.   A soldier could be sponsored by a community service project or a donation made to the project. Donations would be divided between the McKenna-Glover Foundation and the Vet’s Expo.

 

The McKenna-Glover Foundation is dedicated to assisting wounded Marines. It is named for US Marines, Capt. John McKenna IV and LCpl. Michael Glover killed in Fallaujah, Iraq, 8/16/2006.

 

The Central New YorkVeteran’s Expo was begun to gather service providers together who would be able to assist veterans with mental health, employment, education and benefits issues as well as experts on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. There is no charge.  The event is held at SUNY Institute of Technology annually.

 

For the first year the mural and the spokesperson were very busy with with many presentations and speaking engagements throughout the Herkimer and Oneida County area.