Honoring Our Fallen
Braxton-Bragg team members continued the company’s initiative to complete 25 Good Deeds in celebration of 25 years in business, by placing flags on graves of fallen soldiers at two Knoxville national veteran cemeteries.
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“It was our pleasure to join community volunteers in placing flags on these soldiers’ graves to recognize the great sacrifice they made for our freedom,” said Derek Brodka, Braxton-Bragg marketing manager and US Army Veteran. “As the organizers reminded us, we said each name aloud and proudly saluted the soldier, as we placed their flag. The sacrifice was made more real by the attendance of two Gold Star families, who are immediate family of a fallen service member. They each received a yellow rose in memoriam of their loved one. It always makes me feel good to see that our local community is so supportive, not only of our active military, but also all of the fallen soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
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Brodka was joined by his son TJ at the the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on May 25. Volunteers included local Scout troops, as well as Knoxville fire department and police department members. Congressman Tim Burchett, who represents the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee was also present unbeknownst to most, until he was asked to say a few words, as he has family members buried at the cemetery. This was followed by a prayer and a 21-gun salute by the honor guard.
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Todd (TJ) Johnson, Braxton-Bragg sales associate and US Navy Veteran, visited the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery with his son Tristan. They read the names of fallen soldiers from the Knoxville area, and said prayers for their families. “My son and I met a mom that was placing a flag on her son’s grave,” said Johnson. “She shared the story of how he lost his battle with PTSD in 2013, after several deployments overseas as a Marine. Johnson added, “I was impressed by the group of volunteers that had no military connection, but were patriotic enough to assist the community to honor the fallen.”
“I’m proud of the fact that we have so many veterans working at Braxton-Bragg, and we always want to honor all living veterans, and those soldiers we have lost,” added Rick Stimac, Braxton-Bragg CEO. “On Memorial Day, we remember and pay our respects to those that have laid down their lives for our freedom.”
