American Heroes: Stories of Service

Despite being 100% disabled from his deployment to Afghanistan, Isaiah Hugger continues to fight for his fellow veterans with unwavering commitment. His personal mission is to save one veteran a day, striving to combat the devastating statistic of 22 veteran suicides daily. He has conquered immense personal battles and remains an unwavering beacon of hope to those around him.

Serving in Vietnam at just 17 years old with the legendary Black Horse Regiment, Eric Newton was wounded in action but never lost his commitment to service. After returning home, he became a home builder, only to rejoin the Regiment at the age of 55, in Iraq. He now serves over 500 Purple Heart recipients in North Texas.

After 30 years in the Army, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major, Carl Krieger devoted another decade to shaping future generations as a Jr ROTC instructor at Regan High School in Houston. Now at 80, his love for the American flag and the values it represents remains as steadfast as ever.

Joining the Army in 1966, Larry Brown rose from private to CW-4 over a distinguished 28 ½-year career, including three years in Vietnam. Ahead of his time, he championed the respect and fair treatment of all soldiers, standing up for his female comrades and ensuring they were defended and supported in an era when such advocacy was rare.

We’re honored to share the story of Richard, a hero who answered the call of duty at just 18 years old. Born in Buffalo, New York, Richard was inducted into the Navy in 1943 and trained at the Sampson Naval Training Base before leveraging his auto-mechanics expertise at the U.S. Naval Institute in Virginia.

Charles Breedlove is a dedicated hero who served his country for an incredible 38 years, 3 months, and 23 days. Not only was he a protector on the front lines, but he was also a steadfast guide and mentor to his family, teaching resilience, independence, and strength in all areas of life.

After serving five years in the Marines, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan, Dan Linas displayed remarkable courage and leadership. Beyond his military achievements, he has tirelessly devoted himself to supporting fellow veterans through The Citadel and within the Charleston community.

Ian and his comrade served side by side in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, risking their lives to detect and neutralize IEDs and make the roads safer for coalition forces. Despite his own injuries from multiple blasts, Ian’s steadfast support and leadership allowed his friend to carry on until he, too, was wounded.

Beyond his service, Kevin exemplifies the values of respect, discipline, and honor, teaching young men and women in his community what it truly means to respect the flag and their country. As a coach on the football field and a mentor in schools, he instills in the next generation the importance of character, responsibility, and pride in everything they do.

As a former Corporal in the USMC 0311 Infantry, Andre carries a deep love for our country and a camaraderie that lights up whenever he talks about his time in service. Andre went on to found a nonprofit during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, shipping over 1,000 Christmas packages to troops overseas. His dedication has been recognized with a community Outstanding Adult-Team Award for his efforts in veteran outreach.

After coming home with the weight of loss and trauma, Jarred White chose to channel his pain into purpose. Determined to support his fellow veterans, he founded FW22, a nonprofit dedicated to the 22 veterans lost to suicide each day. Jarred’s humility and unwavering dedication are a beacon of hope for his community.

SSG Will Castillo, the sole survivor of an IED explosion in Fallujah, Iraq, on April 27, 2007, has become a cherished friend of the Kirkpatrick family, who lost their son, David Austin Kirkpatrick, and his friend Eddie in the same attack. Despite losing his leg and suffering serious injuries, Will has devoted his life to honoring David, Eddie, and the U.S.A. in everything he does.