Representative West to Honor Families of Fallen Soldiers

WHAT: Blue Star of Valor Awards Ceremony

DATE:  Saturday, May 26th, 2012

WHERE:  Traditions *grassy area next to lake
                      10489 SW Meeting Street
               Port St Lucie, FL 34987

TIME:  3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

CEREMONY:  Representative West will honor the families of the fallen by presenting them each with a flag flown over the United States Capitol.

BACKGROUND:  The Blue Star of Valor Award is given to the families of Port St. Lucie fallen service members who lost a son or daughter while they were serving active duty, however their death was not a result of combat.  The purpose of the award is to recognize the sacrifice of these families whose loss often goes unrecognized.

HONOREES

Lance Corporal Jeremy E. Santiago
Branch: Marine Corps
Date of Death: September 7, 1993
Circumstances: Car accident

Specialist Diego Valbuena
Branch:  Army
Date of Death: December 1, 2009
Circumstances: Homicide

Private Christopher Dale Smith
Branch: Army
Date of Death: According to death certificate, Sept 28, 2004, but according to the Army, Sept 29, 2004
Circumstances: Motorcycle accident
 

AWARDS SPONSOR:  Southeastern Military Academy in Port St. Lucie has held this special award ceremony for the past two years.  Southestern Military Academy is a specialized Academic and Behavioral Redirection and re-education program designed to give boys ages 11-17 who are ADD,  ADHD or who have behavioral difficulties an opportunity to become successful and productive in their families and society.