Least we forget
Hall of Heroes
Honoring The Fallen
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Hall of Heroes is a way for AFL employees to honor our fallen heroes and connect with others. Whether your loss was a family member, friend, comrade or mentor, they are all heroes. This Memorial Day, you have an opportunity to share a picture of someone dear to you who gave their life in service to our country. You need only provide your name, their name, and their branch of service. If you would like to share more, we hope you will.
This “Hall of Heroes” will be a permanent AFL-sponsored web page designed to serve as an outward expression of gratitude to these great Americans, and an acknowledgement of those left behind who still suffer the loss.
My cousin, Dan, was a Sergeant and helicopter repairman who died during hostile conflict in traumatic crash landing event which ultimately resulted in the loss of his life at age 20, on September 20, 1970 in South Vietnam, Quang Tri province. He received special military commendations for his service and is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. – Susan F. Wasley
Dan Felts
US Army
1st Lt. Jason Togi, 24, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, died Aug. 26, in Hasan Karez, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, National Defense Service Medal, the NATO Medal and the Air Assault Badge. This is the official announcement by the DoD. Succinct and to the point. What is missing is the impact Jason had on those around him. That is why we recognize Memorial Day. I never met Jason; my son was part of the platoon at the time. Jason left a tremendous impression on my son and others. We entrusted him with our son’s care, his life. My wife and I are forever indebted to this young man. Thank you, Jason. – Steve Miller
Jason Togi
US Army
Born April 27, 1988, SPC Dane R. Balcon, was the son of one of my early mentors, John Balcon. Dane deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Balad, Iraq on July 7, 2007. On September 5, 2007, at only 19 years of age, he died of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. Awards and ribbons young SPC Balcon earned while serving his country include: The Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Weapons Qualification Badge. “I honor the ultimate sacrifice made by SPC Dane Balcon and hold Dane’s family in my thoughts and prayers this and every Memorial Day.” – Seneca Mullins
SPC Dane R. Balcon
US Army
Jerome Lemon, 42 and the first in our Hall of Heroes hailed from North Charleston, SC. He was assigned to the 1052nd Transportation Company, South Carolina Army National Guard, Kingstree, SC. He was killed Oct. 27, 2004, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Balad, Iraq.
“I was good friends with Jerome during our days in law enforcement in South Carolina (me: North Charleston Police Department; Jerome: SC State Trooper). Interesting fact: Jerome gave me a speeding ticket before I knew him, before I became a North Charleston police officer. After becoming an NCPD police officer, we met again on a call for police service and quickly became fast friends.
Jerome will always be my hero!” –
SSG Jerome Lemon
US Army