Brandon Twp.- A plaque at the top of the 3-foot by 5-foot black walnut board reads, ‘Blackhawk Heroes.?
This week, the board will find a home at Brandon High School. Now, all Craig Whitaker needs to find is the heroes.
The board, which has space to hold about 30 4×6 photos, was created by the Brandon Woodworkers Club at the request of Whitaker, the All Sports Brandon Boosters president, and Boosters Vice-President Debbie Brady, to honor BHS graduates who are active duty military. They were inspired by Pfc. Joe Miracle, a 2003 BHS graduate and captain of the 2002 varsity football team, who died July 5, 2007 of wounds from hostile enemy fire in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
‘Everyone was touched by that and rallied around the memorial at the (activities complex), but we wanted something to honor those still on active duty,? Whitaker said. ‘We want to honor them before a tragedy takes place.?
The board will honor all currently serving military members who are Brandon graduates.
‘I’m grateful this country can still produce men and women to do the job I’m not able to do,? said Jeff Everling, a Vietnam veteran and member of the woodworkers club, which made the board free of charge as a service to the community. ‘When we went to Vietnam, we knew in advance we only had to go for a year. Today, they keep going back for tours and my hat is off to them.?
The board will feature the photos of military members, as well as their names and base addresses, so community members can send them mail. If you know of a Brandon graduate who is currently serving in the military in the U.S. or abroad, send a photo and information to Craig Whitaker at brandonsportsboosters@gmail.com or by mail to Brandon Sports Boosters, 200 Oakwood Road, Ortonville, MI 48462. Details: 248-207-9800.