VETERANS PRESS: One Small Act: Part II

Last month, we published an article in the Veterans Press that told the story of Tim and Sandy Williams participating in the Post Falls Fourth of July parade. It told how honored they were to carry the banners of two of the region's “Fallen Heroes” Banners, Spc. Marc W. Grubham of St. Maries and Air Force Capt. David Lyons. David was from Sandpoint and a graduate of the Air Force Academy and died in Afghanistan in December 2013.

The shocking part of this story was when Tim and Sandy got an email from Tim’s brother, Craig, and discovered that Craig knew Capt. Lyons and served with his wife, Capt. Dana Lyons, in Colorado Springs.

This was so hard to believe, such an incredible coincidental event. We published this story last month and all were moved by how Tim and Sandy’s action to honor a “Fallen Hero” stranger turned into a touch and significant moment for Tim, Sandy and Craig.

There is more to the story.

Shortly after the article was published, Tim got a call from a lady who saw the story. She is the mother of Spc. Marc Grubham, the other “Fallen Hero” banner that was carried by Tim and pictured in the article.

She was so moved to see that her son was not forgotten and called to thank the Williamses for carrying the banner and honoring her son.

The impacts and ripples of the Williamses agreeing to march with those banners remind us all that sometimes … A small act has big impacts.

All of this was made possible because the “Fallen Heroes Banner” Project continues to provide the means and opportunities for remembering and honoring our fallen veterans.

Below, you can find some information about the Fallen Heroes organization.

Thank you, Tim and Sandy, for stepping forward, It really was important and impacting. Also thank you to the Fallen Heroes Project for doing what you do… "honoring heroes, supporting families and engaging communities.”

Information: Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, www.wafhp.org