I was living in the town that he was from when 9-11 occurred and subsequently when he was killed.
I shopped at the store he worked at, a camping and bicycle shop, and enjoyed the same trails he did. I honestly don't remember ever meeting or talking to him. Did I run into him? Probably but with circumstances the way they are in these hectic days, do any of us remember the last person that waited on us at the last store we shopped at? Add to this that he was a quiet guy from what I've read and heard. The quiet professional.
His story is absolutely heart wrenching. He actually ditched his plans for a honeymoon in order to answer the call to duty.
When I saw his photo in the paper that day he was reported killed, I knew I had to do something. My first attempt was to actually get the worthless A holes in the local, county, and state govts in WV to rename the hike/bike trail from Morgantown to Kingwood (where he lived to where the ARNG facility he drilled at {he was actually assigned elsewhere but drilled in Kingwood} named in his honor. That failed but later they named a WHOLE WHOPPING MILE in his honor. I was looking at putting two statues up. One would be of him in Morgantown standing next to his bike at the entrance to the trail. The other would be in Kingwood in uniform. Was just my dream to have it done for him.
The whole thing never got off the ground.
So when I found out about the foundation to help wounded warriors I had to help somehow. Without coordinating with them or anything, I just started doing what I'm doing.
That's it, now you know my story but it is actually about him.
Thank you, CARNAC, for sharing this with the troops.
When you helped chase the VIN info for our Deuce, I was honored to make a donation (albeit a modest one) to his memory. It is now even more meaningful to my wife and me.
I understand your frustration in your desire to accomplish "official" recognition, yet you prevailed and found another way to adapt and overcome. Good job, soldier
![[thumbzup]](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumzup.gif "Thumbs Up [thumbzup]")
In a grand sense, the Wounded Warrior program/project is a living memorial that will benefit others who have served and now need our support. Whereas, the money spent on monuments and such typically benefit those who craft or manufacture them more than "helping" anyone. Your course in that decision was, in my opinion, Divinely guided.
BTW: I am in the Deathcare Profession (Funeral and Cemetery needs) and frequently see families spend large sums on a monument, mausoleum, benches and statues - Money that they later realize would have been of greater benefit to the widow and/or family left behind on a reduced household income. Emotion sometimes causes those in grief to spend with their hearts instead of their heads. (I have NEVER "over-sold" to a family in grief. I encourage them to carefully think through their decisions and do what will appropriately honor their lost loved one, yet not deprive those left behind. In fact, I frequently "lose" potential income/profits by this doctrine, but have NEVER lost sleep over "cheating" the bereaved.)
I find it quite fitting that this story is being shared in this Memorial Day thread.
Thank you again for your answer, but even more - We SALUTE YOU as you SALUTE and HONOR the memory of this fallen citizen-soldier.
[edit: Added the following...]
For those interested in knowing more about this outstanding young man, I recommend that you GOOGLE "
SSG Gene Vance Jr" and do some reading. You will be touched and honor him by knowing him.
Thank you. Carry on.
