Call me crazy, but I am a dyed flaming redheaded conservative, alternative rock-loving, tattooed, Sinead O'Connor fan who knows every song from the '50's and '60's, and card carrying member of the Republican party.
Plus receive artwork
Published on December 13, 2004 By iamheather In Misc
This site, Home of the Brave sells a beautiful poster created by a local Michigan artist, Jonathan Durand. The poster is a reasonable $10.00 with $3.00 for shipping and handling. The proceeds are presented to the widows of fallen soldiers in Michigan. Here is a letter from the artist:


Dear Fellow Citizens,

May I begin in stating how grateful we are for your consideration of this presentation. Our efforts have been focused on being a blessing to the Michigan widows, children and families of our slain troops. On October 28, 2004, three-year-old Joshua Bushart was given a check for the sum of $1,000, as well as a teddy bear, raised by the sales of the “Home of The Brave” lithograph. Joshua lost his father, Damian S. Bushart (Waterford, MI) in service to our country. Damian was killed November 22, 2003 as his vehicle was struck by a tank in Baghdad. It is our hope to have this presentation held at a highly respected restaurant located in Farmington Hills.

It is our determination to be a blessing to all Michigan families, as Mark D. Vasquez (of Port Huron) has a little boy and girl. Mark was killed November 8, 2003. In attendance at the presentation will be Sailor Chris Dettloff, who was on board the USS Cole when it came under terrorist attack. Mr. Dettloff expresses his support of
our efforts.

We had the honor of attending dinner with Mrs. Mary Kay Wheeler, whose son was killed October 13, 2003 when his vehicle came under attack and was struck by a rocket propelled grenade. Mrs. Wheeler went on to explain that our surviving troops quickly washed the street with a hose removing the substantial blood loss of Army Spc. Donald Wheeler (nickname DJ) so that the enemy could not boast of the attack (permission was received). DJ was 22 years old. DJ does not have any children, however the $1,000 shall go towards DJ’s memorial.

We honor our men and women of valor, their tremendous sacrifice, we will never forget. These are three of twenty-nine, minimally, of our Michigan heros. Again, it it our determination to be a blessing to our families first, then proceed nationally. All three families understand that there are expenses involved to advance our efforts and are very supportive of our goal to raise $29,000 for our Michigan families. Thank you for supporting, honoring and remembering our troops and their families. God bless you.

Yours In Service,

Jonathan Durand
Maria Syacsure



God bless this man and the families his gift is helping.


Comments
on Dec 14, 2004
Darn, I thought it was noteworthy
on Dec 14, 2004
It is noteworthy - I hadn't seen this before

What a great thing to do
on Dec 14, 2004
What a great thing to do


Glad you appreciated it, trina.
on Feb 07, 2006
I am trying to locate my Aunt Mary Syacsure (widow of my uncle, John Syacsure). She used to live in Warren, MI then Utica MI. They had several boys. Could you please have Maria Syacsure e mail me @ "Ricela@wowway.com" and let me know if she is related to my Aunt or if she isn't.....Thank you so very much........Sincerely, Elaine Berchule
on Nov 03, 2006
I think you are looking for my husbands Grandmother. She is living in Centerline MI. Did your uncle John pass away back in the late 70's? She had 5 boys? I'm not sure of all the family history. Grandma Syacsure is about 83 years old? I don't have her current address but can get a hold of it if need be. asyacsure@hotmail.com