May is Military Appreciation Month and we would like to take this moment to recognize, reflect, and ultimately pay our respects to 10 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

We featured these brave men and women during our Memorial Day Dedication last year, but their stories still resonate and remind us to never take our freedom for granted.

Visit our blog again on Memorial Day to see 10 more service members submitted by the #MountainTribe.

Corporal Wilfred Flores Jr.
"He was 11 days short of his 21st birthday, and was stationed in Iraq with the 10th Mnt. Infantry. While on patrol his vehicle was hit by an IED killing him instantly. This happened on 31 March 2007, his birthday is 10 April 1986. He volunteered any time it was needed, to include volunteering while still home. 

He worked at the Lion's Club carnivals, he worked with the handicapped at a therapeutic horseback riding organization. He helped citizens to shovel snow while stationed at Ft. Drum NY. On the day he was killed he volunteered to drive due to his battle buddy being ill. He loved playing Army as a kid and played paintball. He enjoyed video games and was very computer savvy. He was a jokester and a prankster. I miss him everyday."

-Submitted by mother, Vicky Flores

Harry E. Liljeroos

"My father fought in WWII. Landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. After the army he joined the coast guard. He was a NYC Firefighter for 22 years. He passed away at age 88."

- Submitted by son, William Liljeroos

Sgt. Ward Mark Johnson, IV
"I would like to honor my nephew's best friend, Sgt. Ward Mark Johnson IV, of the United States Marine Corps who tragically passed away last year. Mark is a fallen hero who died while on a mission while serving his country. He was only 29, stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and died as a result of a helicopter crash in Nepal on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 while conducting a humanitarian mission for earthquake victims. He earned two degrees before graduating from Seminole State College of Florida. Mark enlisted into the Marine Corps on March 23, 2009. He served as a helicopter crew chief. He was highly decorated and was a man who was highly proud to serve his country as a UH-1Y helicopter crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Camp Pendleton.

Sgt. Johnson's deployments include 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Sahayogi Haat. His decorations include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Air Medal with Strike/Flight Numeral 5, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars in lieu of third award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Certificate of Commendation, NATO Medal and a Meritorious Mast.

Surviving are his wife, Haley Lynn Vaughters Johnson of Camp Pendleton, California; two sons, Nathan "Nate" Johnson and Noah Johnson, and his beloved dog, Max."

John A. Sell
"John was born Oct. 14, 1841 in Plumcreek Twp., Armstrong County, PA. He enlisted on Aug. 1, 1861 as a Private, Union Army, Co., G, PA 63rd Infantry Regiment commanded by Col. Alex Hays. John was wounded on two separate occasions during the Civil War. 

On June 30, 1862, John received a gunshot wound in the abdomen by a musket ball in line of battle at the Nelson farm in Virginia. John recovered from that wound, and then rejoined his regiment, only to be wounded a second time. 
This occurred on June 18, 1864 during the assault on Petersburg, where John was shot in the hand. During this siege, there were 11,386 casualties. 

After a brief recovery, John was mustered out on Aug. 1, 1864. He returned to his farm in Armstrong County and with his wife, Lavina, raised his family of 7 children. 

His battle wounds caused him trouble all through his lifetime. John died on Jan. 23, 1896."

- Submitted by Kathleen Walton

Sgt. Randy Marshall

"My cousin, Sgt. Randy Marshall, was serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom with me from 2006-2007. He was on a FOB with the 82nd Airborne when a suicide bomber drove a car through the security gate and into the building he was in. 

That day he and 8 other Airborne members were killed. I am proud to have served with him and for the sacrifice he has made. 

RIP 04/23/2007

" - Submitted by cousin, Kyle Lampp

David Harold Moran
"David is my brother, he just passed away in March of this year. He is a Vietnam veteran that received many medals, including the Silver Star for his bravery. 

He was shot on January 1st, 1968, and lived in constant pain until he died this year. In many ways my brother never came home from Nam.

He gave his all for our freedom and should never be forgotten."

- Submitted by sister, Gloria K. Smith

Howard L. Davis
"My Grandpa, Howard, was an amazing person who loved life and his family so much. He lost his battle with cancer in 1988. I was only 12 years old when he passed, and it was the worst day of my life. I was pretty much a tomboy and he was the one that taught me how to fish, ride a bike, throw a baseball. 

I loved helping him work on cars and really loved all the laughs we shared! He served in World War II. 

He didn't really like to talk about his time in the war as he liked to focus more on the happier times in his life!"

- Submitted by grandchild, Kelly Peterson

Lavern L. Thompson
"Lavern dropped into France on June 6, 1944, and joined other paratroopers to liberate St. Mere Eglis, and repel enemy forces to protect infantry landings on Omaha Beach. 

He fought through France until wounded and had to be sent back to the states where he spent a year in a hospital recovering. A true American Hero."

- Submitted by Tad Thompson

Ray E. Sheppard
"My kind, loving, dear Uncle was a POW of WWII, after being shot down, and forced to climb a hill, chained to his comrades with shrapnel in his knee, and the threat of Japanese bayonets at his back. The situation was that if one of them slid at all on the way up hill, they would all be shot. He took his shirt off and tied it around his injured knee to make it up that hill with his buddies he was chained to begging him with their cries, "Please don't fall, Shep! Please don't fall!". It was an extraordinary man who could endure that day to protect his comrades. 

He never spoke of the feat until he was retired. He applied for his disability benefits, but was turned down because he could not prove he had ever served due to a fire that claimed the records of many veterans. Near the end of his life, the leg with the Japanese shrapnel in it was amputated. 

My Uncle Ray never let that hell taint his beautiful heart, or his Love for others. As a disabled veteran of the Vietnam era, I want to honor my comrades who served, as they are, and shall remain an eternal part of my soul."

- Submitted by niece, Debra Kay Sheppard-Chester

Everyday, men and women risk their lives in the line of duty. Some give their lives, and some return with scars from battle that are both visible and invisible. Through our Hero Collection and our special partnership with Operation Hat Trick - an organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for wounded service members - we are able to help those men and women returning from combat.

A portion of every t-shirt sold from the Hero Collection is donated to Operation Hat Trick to assist wounded service members. We are happy to announce that this Memorial Day, we will be doubling our donations to this amazing organization. We invite you to browse the Hero Collection and consider helping us in our mission to give back to service members in need.