Cpl. Dustin R. Donica

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www.runforthefallen.org

See RUN FOR THE FALLEN and Reports - Run For the Fallen posts on this blog.

See RUNNER’S BIBS tab above for all nineteen 3/509th fallen heroes.

“When my country, into which I had just set foot, was set on fire about my ears, it was time to stir.  It was time for every man to stir.”  -Thomas Paine

“I will be taking Dustin’s runner’s bib from Indiana down to Tennessee for August 3rd when I go for the run for Joey on that same day as Dustin’s run.  I have recruited serveral of my friends who have family members stationed at Fort Campbell, KY/TN to also come to cheer the runners on.  Our son Joey was KIA in Iraq on December 26, 2007, and we know just how much the caring and support of the American citizens means to all of the families of the fallen.” 

-Terri, mother of Fallen Hero, CPL Joseph A. Strong, U.S. Army, 3/509th PIR

July 16, 2008 update from Terri:  I am working hard on getting people to come with me to TN to support these runners. I am very fortunate that Joey’s runner is so close to my sister’s home, and to Indiana. So far, I think I have about 20 people to stand there with flags. Plus, I have the bibs ready for the runners. I am so excited. I will get a lot of pictures for the website.
Run, America, run! 

Run for the fallen, the wounded and our serving military who have given so much for you!

The War on Terror Veterans Memorial

The Avenue of 444 Flags

Hermitage, Pennsylvavia

This peaceful memorial honoring the military who gave their lives while fighting the war on terror since 1975 is set among the proud American flags which commemorate the four hundred forty-four days of the Iranian Hostage Crisis.  Dustin’s name and the names of the U.S. Army, 3rd BN, 509th PIR KIA are etched into the 12 feet tall glass panels.  The names of the fallen are engraved in chronilogical order and the panels are updated on a weekly basis.  Additional panels are placed as needed.  The January 6, 2007 edition of The Record-Argus, the local newspaper of Greenville, PA, reported that a small group gathered at the site in a gentle rain to honor the 3,000th soldier killed in Iraq.  That soldier was Dustin Donica from Texas.  The solemn tribute began with prayer.  The glass panel containing Dustin’s name and the names of the most recent fallen was then lovingly installed on the base.  In the center of the now eight towering dark glass panels is a fountain and the circular memorial is further surrounded by American flags.  This impressive memorial site is so full of symbolism and provides a place for quiet reflection. 

Click on the links below for additional information about the artist, the index of names and the history of this stunning tribute to our nation’s finest.  Additional photos are on Dustin’s website.

http://www.waronterror.org

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1H4V

http://www.dustindonica.com