Two fallen soldiers from Hersey to be honored
The families of two former John Hersey High School students who were killed in Iraq will be honored Monday by the local organization, God Bless the Troops.
Army Major Paul R. Syverson III, class of 1989, and Army Pfc. William R. Newgard, class of 2005, will be honored by the group. Their mission is to reach out to military heroes and their families, in recognition of their bravery, service and sacrifice. A major focus is to honor the families of fallen soldiers by commissioning original portraits and donating them, as a memorial, to the family.
Syverson was killed in action in June 2004 and Newgard in December 2006.
God Bless the Troops was founded by Mark Titre, son of Peter Titre, the first associate principal at Hersey High School. It has paid its respects to more than 500 families nationwide.
The ceremony will begin at noon Monday in the school's Peter J. Titre Community Room, 1900 E. Thomas St., Arlington Heights.
For more information contact Hersey Assistant Principal for Student Activities, John Novak, at (847) 718-4818.
Additionally, to honor Peter Titre's life and military service, God Bless The Troops is raffling its newest painting, “America's Valor” and all proceeds will go to support Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care.
Tickets are $5 each, and the winner will be announced Monday, the anniversary of Peter Titre's passing. Tickets are available by calling Mark Titre at (847) 867-1944.