The loss of our country’s servicemembers, first responders, and law enforcement too often goes unnoticed. It is through these stories and plaques that we are able to share each of their incredible stories and preserve their legacies for generations to come.
LT Michael P. Murphy, 29, U.S. Navy, born in New York May 7, 1976, was killed in action on June 28, 2005. In Operation Red Wings, Murphy was part of a SEAL team on a mission to locate a high-level Taliban member when they were ambushed. The terrain made communication impossible, so he left his cover, braved enemy fire, and climbed to a position where he successfully radioed for extraction before being mortally wounded. For his sacrifice, Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and has a guided missile destroyer named in his honor. Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla, Brother!
CMSgt Corinne E. Aimable, 45, U.S. Air Force Reserve, born in New York June 20, 1978, passed away from cancer on July 10, 2023. Aimable began her 23-year career as an Intelligence Analyst. She then served as the Wing Staff Agency Senior Enlisted Leader with 514th Air Mobility Wing. There, Aimable advised superior officers on mission effectiveness, military readiness, and the welfare of her fellow Airmen. She was an inspirational woman whose dedication and resilience were only outweighed by her compassion for others. Fly high, Airman! Til Valhalla, Sister!
K9 Duco, U.S. Army, passed away from cancer on July 5, 2021. Duco was a Combat Assault Dog with Special Forces. He deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom for five years. Duco was revered as a "force-multiplying K9 security blanket" for his ability to detect explosives and take down enemy troops. He retired in 2017 and was adopted by his Spec Ops handler, Rick Hogg. An avalanche of belly scratches, Goldfish crackers, and chew toys helped him adjust to civilian life quickly. Duco wasn't just an Army K9 anymore, he was a member of the Hogg family. Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla, Brother!
Ofc Jeffrey H. Carson, 58, Franklin Police Department, born in Oklahoma December 16, 1963, passed away from a heart attack on March 26, 2022. Before becoming a Police Officer, Carson was a country music star. He had 14 songs on the Billboard charts, many awards, and had played the Grand Ole Opry. Carson left music to begin a career in law enforcement and, at 44, joined the Franklin P.D. He loved and was loved by his community. Carson was a "Cop's Cop" who truly lived his life in service to others. Rest easy; We have the watch now! Til Valhalla, Brother!
CPT Thomas T. Chamales, 35, U.S. Army, born in Chicago August 8, 1924, passed away in a house fire on March 20, 1960. In WWII, Chamales served in Africa before transferring to India and joining a special ops unit, "Merrill's Marauders," the predecessor to the Green Berets. He then went to Burma as part of an OSS unit to help lead Kachin Rangers to repel Japanese forces. Chamales went on to write two novels, which were both made into very successful films. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star! Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla, Brother!