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some photos by Robert Wescott

SoundSmith Productions/Tampa

“Keep the faith and come home soon” Darquell

October 29, 2006
By Jon Wilson

A group of children who brighten the lives of veterans is getting another round of national exposure, this time on television.
Monday night, crews are taping a segment for The Naomi Judd Show, featuring the Little Hometown Soldiers, at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center. The youngsters, ages 3 to 16 and from St. Petersburg and Tampa, will entertain and interact with patients at Bay Pines’ nursing home and hospice, said Elaine Hopkins, an Army veteran who founded the group in 2003. Judd is a singer, author and TV personality whose daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, have acheived their own fame in the entertainment world. An air date has not yet been set.
The children bring diverse cultural backgrounds to their work. Unabashedly patriotic, they wear berets, boots and camouflage uniforms. Their mission has expanded since it’s beginnings. The children have sung at military funerals, marched in parades and added a youthful touch to patriotic events. On July Fourth, they performed at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C.. The youngsters have appeared on CBS’s The Early Show and on The Jim Bakker Show in Branson, Mo., Hopkins said.

“Brightening their day while you’re away”

Malik • Quinton • Cory • Khorhana

Sgt. Cory Lutrell Clark
Sunrise	Sunset
February 7, 1982	August 28, 2007

WE THANK YOU

“A soldier is one who will fight to the end. His grace and integrity will never ever bend, the battle enrages, storm clouds gather, a soldier will stand, no matter the weather!”

To the many children and youth around the world who may not fully understand or agree to our presence in war, take courage to know that GOD is still in control! There are thousands, even millions that oppose our USA tactic, and yet superceding numbers who when faced with the reality, choose to unite in prayer and in service – We support our troops, your parents and loved ones, who without hesitation rise to the occasion with actioned loyalty. To GOD, and these brave souls, we are grateful.

The Little Hometown Soldiers

LHS visits Shriner’s Children’s Hospital

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Cpl. Jonathan Porto -died in Afganistan April 2010

Eric Nathaniel Lembke

December 12, 1983 – October 23, 2009

LEMBKE, U.S. Army Spc. Eric Nathaniel, 25, of Plant City, Fla., departed this life October 23, 2009. He was a specialist in the 569th Mobility Augmentation Co., 4th Engineer Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo. He made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He enlisted in the Army as a combat engineer January 29, 2008, to fulfill his lifelong dream. He was deployed with pride in February 2009. He always kept the big picture in mind when times got tough, and he believed with great conviction that they were making great progress with the war on terrorism. He was a highly decorated soldier, having distinguished himself by being posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, and by being previously awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Combat Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Combat Star, Global War on Terrorist Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge. Eric is and will always be regarded as a hero by his band of brothers. He was a happy and free spirit, who could always make you laugh when life was hard, and he always gave everything he had for the things he loved and believed in. He married the love of his life, Mashelle, March 14, 2003. They have two wonderful children, Alexis, his “Princess”, age 6, and Thomas his “Nater the Gator,” age 3. He would have given anything for his family, as they for him. He was a lifetime member of Plant City’ s First Baptist Church, and a 2002 graduate of Simmons Career Center of Plant City High School. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother and soldier.

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