Published: May 18, 2008 11:46 pm            

15 fallen Oklahoma soldiers to be added on Memorial Day to Veteran's Park Wall of Honor

Every year the numbers grow — the names of young men and women killed in action protecting their country.

This year another 15 fallen Oklahoma soldiers will be added to the Wall of Honor during the 8th Memorial Day celebration in Veteran’s Park at Enid Woodring Regional Airport.

The 10 a.m. program will feature the words of a fallen soldier, who will speak to the crowd from “beyond the wall.” Elaine Johns, director of the Wall of Honor said she has a monologue that will either be taped or read by someone out of sight. It will be a message from a fallen soldier to those still living. Those words will be featured this year, rather than a keynote speaker.

Soldiers to be honored this year include:

• Pfc. Thomas R. Leemhuis, Army, killed in action, June 21, 2007, in Iraq.

• Sgt. Ryan M. Wood, Army, killed in action, June 21, 2007, in Iraq.

• Spc. Derek Calhoun, Army, killed in action June 23, 2007, in Iraq.

• Cpl. Jeremy D. Allbaugh, Marines, killed in action July 5, 2007, in Iraq.

• Staff Sgt. Jack D. Richards Jr., Army, killed in action, July 29, 2007, in Iraq.

• Pfc. Jaron D. Holliday, Army, killed in action, Aug. 4, 2007, in Iraq.

• Staff Sgt. William D. Scates, Army, killed in action, Aug. 11, 2007, in Iraq.

• Sgt. 1st Class, Jeffrey Kettle, Army, killed in action, Aug. 12, 2007, in Afghanistan.

• Cpl. Bryan J. Scripsick, Marines, killed Sept. 6, 2007, in Iraq.

• Staff Sgt. Kevin R. Brown, Army, killed in action Sept. 25, 2007, in Iraq.

• Staff Sgt. Lillian Clamens, Army, killed in action, Oct. 10, 2007, in Iraq.

• Pvt. Cody M. Carver, Army, killed in action Oct. 30, 2007, in Iraq.

• Spc. Michael E. Phillips, Army, killed in action, Feb. 24, 2008, in Iraq.

• Capt. Torre R. Mallard, Army, killed in action March 24, 2008, in Iraq.

• Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake, Army, killed in action March 24, 2008, in Iraq.

• Sgt. William E. Allmon, Army, killed in action, April 12, 2008, in Iraq.

Former Enid Mayor Doug Frantz will emcee the program. Also recognized will be 149 Korean prisoners of war and missing in action. Last year Vietnam pow/mia’s were recognized and this year those from the Korean War who have been declared either missing in action or who died in captivity will be recognized.

Foremost on the program will be recognition of 15 Oklahomans, including Enid’s Staff Sgt. Christopher Hake. Thirteen families of the 15 killed will be present at the memorial presentation, including families of two who could not be here last year, Johns said.

Portraits of each of the 15 fallen soldiers will be presented to their families and all three Enid legislators will be there to help make presentations to the families.

This year volunteers from Vance Air Force Base made oak flag boxes to present to families.

Kiowa Black Leggins Society will return to perform a solemn ceremony honoring the dead.

A Gold Star family meal will be held Sunday evening. The meal is donated by Enid Civitan Club, which is preparing a barbecue.

Following the service Monday, North Enid Lions Club will organize a meal for the public in the Northwest Aero hangar at Enid Woodring Regional Airport.