Legacies Alive

Today marks the 18th angelversary of CPL Jason D Hovater, U.S. Army.

Jason grew up in Roane County, Tennessee, where he was homeschooled with his three siblings. From an early age, he developed a deep love for music, learning to play the piano at age five. His talent matured quickly, and he went on to lead worship at his church, where his passion and faith inspired others. He was known for his quiet strength, compassion, and deep sense of purpose.

In February 2006, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Vicenza, Italy. He deployed to Afghanistan in June 2007, where his unit faced frequent and intense combat. On July 13, 2008, during the Battle of Wanat, he volunteered to reinforce a remote observation post under heavy fire. He helped mount a machine gun and defended the position with courage until he was mortally wounded. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

His legacy endures through his wife, Jenna, as well as his extended family, friends, and fellow soldiers.

Today marks the 15th angelversary of SSG Joshua Throckmorton, U.S. Army.

Joshua was born in Okinawa, Japan, and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he built a strong foundation rooted in character and community. A 2001 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, he was an honor student and a dedicated football player. Teachers and coaches remembered him as respectful, pleasant, and quietly inspirational. After he married and began raising a family, he prioritized them above all else, spending most of his time with them and creating a home filled with joy and love.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2001 and completed his basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Throughout his career, he served with distinction in a range of assignments, including two tours in Korea, stateside postings at Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Carson, and a nine-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay. He was later assigned to the 709th Military Police Battalion, part of the 18th Military Police Brigade under the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, based in Hohenfels, Germany. He completed a 15-month deployment to Iraq and deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011. On July 5, 2011, while serving in Paktia Province, he was killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Leslie; his daughters, Kylie, Abigail, and Devan; and his extended family, friends, and comrades.