A Tribute on Memorial Day- Honoring and Remembering Those Who Lost Their Lives

Memorial day means so much more than BBQs and the unofficial start to summer. Memorial day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The day is about honoring those who lost their lives for us.

I spent the day at an event in memory of Colorado Marine K9 handler Corporal Max. W. Donahue and all our fallen heroes- K9s and handlers.

It was amazing. The turnout was huge.

Here are some photos from the event...

A retired Navy dog

 Our fallen heroes

 All funds raised went to Freedom Service Dogs of America

 The flags flying proudly outside of the Stagecoach Saloon

 The Stagecoach Saloon- the lot was packed and not only

with Harleys but with cars, too.

 The packed backyard- BBQ, friends, and great conversation

 The Blinker Fluid Band

 

Maria Goodavage the best selling author of Solider Dogs was there to sign copies of her book. 

 

Julie Burget Schrock author of Missing Max was there to sign copies of her book.

It meant so much to me to go to this amazing event. I was surrounded by so many people who came to honor our fallen soldiers and K9s. Flags waved in the slight wind, conversation filled the air, and the music of the Blinker Fluid Band rang throughout the backyard. Many surrounding businesses happily donated goods, and it looked like loads of money was raised.

So many have fought and given their life for our freedom, for my freedom. I am grateful to them and their families for their sacrifice. To all our Armed Forces, I am thankful.

In memory of Colorado Marine K9 handler Corporal Max. W. Donahue

Hope you had a great memorial day- Rebecca

In Honor of

A couple weekends ago, I had the opportunity to meet the amazing and inspirational Julie Burget Schrock at a local author event.

My oldest son and I made an instant connection to her. I was drawn to her friendliness and immediately admired her strength and courage.

Julie's book Missing Max, Finding Hope After My Marine Son's Death, is a compelling story of her journey as she recalls the extraordinary events surrounding the death of her Marine son, Corporal Max W. Donahue.

 
(photo courtesy of Julie Burget Schrock, Missing Max)

Corporal Max W. Donahue was a Military Dog Handler for the Marines. In her book, Julie describes Max as outgoing and charismatic. He was someone who stood up for others, always, and was never afraid to fight for what was right.

Max was killed in Afghanistan in August of 2010, and his death is a loss to us all. Those who value their freedom know that it comes at a cost. Max sacrificed everything to protect our freedom. Max is a hero. I stand to honor him. I stand to honor all of those who have and are fighting for our freedom.

I can't tell you how great it was to meet Julie. I was very moved and inspired by her and her story. Missing Max is an amazing book. I read it, some parts two or three times, and felt every emotion she shared. Julie is an extraordinary person, and I am so blessed to have met her. I will never forget her story and what it has meant to me. I will never forget Max.

Missing Max, Finding Hope After My Marine Son's Death by Julie Burget Schrock


Missing Max is a compelling story of one mother's journey as she recalls the extraordinary events surrounding the death of her Marine son, Corporal Max W. Donahue. On August 4, 2010, Max lost both legs and his right arm after being hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), and then succumbed to his wounds on August 7. Julie takes us with her as she first gets word of Max's injuries received while he was a working dog handler in Afghanistan. You will share her despair, fears, tears and finally, her hope as she moves through the days, weeks and months following word of Max's injury, and then his death. Missing Max is a must-read for anyone who has lost a child to war. It will encourage the reader to live a life that is focused on making their lost loved-one proud. She writes of moving through the grieving process and, through her faith and the love of family and friends, begins the healing process and going forward with her life. Julie challenges the reader to examine their thoughts on the afterlife, as well as their faith. Questions are posed such as, "What do you believe happens at death," "Where would you turn for strength in the case a loved one died," and "What are your thoughts about Jesus?" Knowing the answers for herself have had a profound effect on her ability to move forward. Julie's hope in writing Max's story is that it will provide strength, hope, courage and faith to those who need it. And she hopes that Max, and all fallen soldiers, will never be forgotten.

Julie Burget Schrock has experience and training in a variety of fields, none of which are traditional qualifications for writing a book. What qualifies her to write THIS book are her experiences as a mother of a Marine son deployed to and killed in Afghanistan. On that topic she is a subject matter expert.

You can reach Julie at missingmax2011@gmail.com
You can order Missing Max at amazon.com and from Advantage books.