Founder, Donald Fedorko was featured on Talking with Heroes on March 13, 2010 hosted by Bob Calvert.

“Donald Fedorko started the Living Patriot Initiative after his brother-in-law, a Marine Colonel, gave him an American flag that he flew over Camp Fallujah, Iraq, on the 5th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Seeing the flag in a dark, wood box didn’t seem appropriate. So, that evening he built a transparent flag display case that he calls a Prism.

The American flag, a worldwide symbol of freedom and liberty that belongs to all American citizens, can now be displayed in all of its radiant glory. For two years Fedorko kept his Prism and flag in his firesafe. But, after friends, family and neighbors saw the Prism, they too wanted one for their flag. The Living Patriot Initiative and the Prism were born.”

The mission of St. Louis-based Living Patriot is to say “thank you” to every living veteran and first responder through the gift of a full-sized, folded American flag housed in a beautifully crafted, clear case called a Prism.

The Living Patriot Initiative is just one of the nominated projects that can be voted on at www.refresheverything.com during the month of March. It will compete in the $250,000 grant category and can be linked to Facebook for easy voting. If Living Patriot wins, it plans on using the grant money to employ disabled Veterans and to continue to improve and support its mission, to honor current patriots, educate future patriots and support causes with a patriotic mission.

The Pepsi Refresh Project accepts submissions from organizations that will have a positive impact in the community. Visitors to the website may vote up to 10 times a day for their favorite idea. Submissions cover a variety of categories ranging from health and education to the arts and environment.

Living Patriot owner Donald J. Fedorko hopes that the camaraderie that veterans and first responders share, and the gratitude of the American people, will result in his proposal staying in the lead during the month-long grant competition.

“I am thankful for everyone’s support so far, and I love what my operation does,” Fedorko says. “It allows us to say thank you to our heroes by giving them Prisms and allows Americans to proudly display their own flag in its full luminous glory. I am excited and thankful for the opportunity that Pepsi is giving us.”

In addition to voting at www.refresheverything.com, people can learn more about The Living Patriot Initiative at www.LivingPatriot.com

The first Prism with flag flown over Iraq

Living Patriot Initiative news release on Thankyouforyourservice.us

It was the tiny grains of sand sifting through the folds of an American flag that inspired Don Fedorko to start the Living Patriot Initiative. Now his life’s mission is to say “thank you” to every military veteran and first responder by giving each one of them one of his Living Patriot Prisms with American flag.

Official press release for the launch of the Living Patriot Initiative as picked up on stltoday.com.

Fedorko launched his Living Patriot website on October 16, 2009. “While we will continue to design and make new products, our ultimate goal is to provide jobs for former, disabled and retired military men and women at our manufacturing and assembly facility right here in St. Louis,” says Fedorko. “What could be better than products built for patriots, by patriots?”

Living Patriot founder Don Fedorko was featured with the Living Patriot Initiative on KMOV in St. Louis last month.

“As Thanksgiving approaches, many Americans are thinking of loved ones far away serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. At the same time, a St. Louisan is taking a gamble. He’s starting a new business to honor those veterans and more. That’s “good news for a change.”"

You can find the story and video on the KMOV web site.

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Association has found a unique way to honor the memory and the lives of our fighting men and women throughout the duration of our countries existence. Through Art.

“The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Association has commissioned internationally-recognized artist Charles Gilbert Kapsner to design and paint canvases depicting the history of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard. Five 8 x 10-foot oil canvases will be hung in the cemetery’s committal hall to represent all who served, commemorating their sacrifices in all wars, rather than eulogizing a particular war. Beyond being a memorial to our nation’s fighting men and women, the paintings will serve as an educational tool to help future generations understand our history and the vital role our military plays in maintaining our freedom and democracy.”

As we consider ourselves to be artists, we truly appreciate the power of art to communicate and honor. Artwork, when carefully considered and rendered can move the very core of ourselves and open doors to considerations of new ideas and challenge conventions, or, it can soothe and relax and provide a moment of repose. We love the efforts of the State of Minnesota as they use this medium to honor our Patriots.

The project is being administered through a partnering arrangement with the Initiative Foundation, a charitable nonprofit Foundation with headquarters in Little Falls, MN. If you would like to offer a donation you may send it to The Initiative Foundation, 405 First Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.

If you happen to be in Central Minnesota in February, you can see the artwork at the Franklin Arts Center in an exhibit sponsored by the Crossing Arts Alliance. Exhibition and reception at The Crossing’s Q Gallery, 1001 Kingwood St. #222, Brainerd, MN 56401. Exhibition: Jan 21 to Feb 13, Tues and Th from 10 to 4 and Sat, Feb 13 from 10 to 2, or by appt 218.833.0416. Reception: Fri, Jan 29 from 5 to 8.

I can remember visiting Washington D.C. as a kid. I think I was 10. I remember the planes hanging from the ceiling in the Air and Space Museum, the view from the top of the Washington Monument and the overwhelming figure of President Lincoln as he sits stately in his place along the mall. I also remember the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame. I remember asking my brothers over and over again how they made that thing stay lit. My memories are scattered and broken and inspire me to return with my children now that they are old enough to appreciate it.

While browsing the internet, I came across another fan of America’s National Capital in Ben Stein. He also talks about the beauty and majesty of the place and it’s monuments, but he adds that the highlight for him is the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. http://www.uso.org/usoonpatrol/article_home-of-the-brave.html

“But if you want to see the very most spectacular display in our national capital, you should go as I do, many times a year, to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This immense hospital complex has something that you cannot see even at Arlington National Cemetery: It has a living, breathing collection of the finest, bravest, most magnificent souls on the earth.” – Ben Stein

We are in awe at the bravery and dedication of our fighting men and women in the armed services who dedicate their lives to preserving the ideals of this country. We are also grateful for those in the public eye who take a moment and give a little of themselves to support and bring recognition to these selfless servants of freedom. Our hats are off to Ben Stein and his efforts. But more so, we honor, as he does, those who provide the blanket of security that allows all of us life, liberty and the pursuit.

When there is a crisis somewhere around the globe our military men and women dawn the appropriate hat and go to work. We hear a lot nowadays about Iraq and Afghanistan, as we probably should, but I love to hear stories of when America’s finest take off the combat helmet and wear a hat of a totally different make.

A few months ago, the Joint Task Force-Bravo Medical Element performed a Medical Civil Action Program, or MEDCAP, treating 2,987 people in several different cities affected by the El Salvador mudslides. We were so caught up by the health care debate, Guantanamo Bay and Christmas shopping that the story of the natural disaster in El Salvador went widely unnoticed.

The U.S. Army medical team responding to the crisis was only 10 strong, but they impacted the health and well-being of thousands. It’s easy to see the theaters where we have sent hundreds of thousands of soldiers to fight and sacrifice allowing these others to work in anonymity and without fanfare. There were no engagements to be won. No hilltops or city blocks to be taken from the enemy. There wasn’t any reason to even draw a weapon. But there was real work done. The United States Army demonstrated again its compassion and commitment to peace and health, not on national television or for any political purpose, but rather because it was the human thing to do.

Way to be Army Strong JTF-Bravo

We have recently heard about the charity Building Homes for Heroes.  This organization collects donations from individuals and corporations in order to help disabled and severely wounded veterans as they try and rebuild their lives.

“Building Homes for Heroes is committed to supporting these extraordinary men and women, with a goal to build homes for families in dire need. We believe that it’s our responsibility to support those who have been called upon to make the ultimate personal sacrifice — to protect and safeguard our country by fighting America’s War on Terror.”

We are thankful for so many who do so much to help!  But there is SO much more that needs to be done.  As a society, it is our responsibility to remember those who have served our country and provided the security which we all enjoy!  Each of these warriors also have families and loved ones that have sacrificed for us.  Let’s do all that we can to support them.  If every person in this country took just a little time and donated a little money to help these charities, a great work could be accomplished.

So, for the Holidays, we at Living Patriot would like to encourage everyone to identify a charity in their local area that is directly helping our troops or our veterans and give them a little gift, write a paragraph or two about what you have given and how feel about those that serve, seal it in an envelope and put it on your Christmas Tree.  Then, after all the gifts have been opened, before everyone runs off with their new toys, and there is a quiet moment, open that envelope and share that last gift as a memorial to those who provide the blanket of freedom under which we all sleep.

Rep. Jackson is a highly decorated pilot who flew over 600 combat missions, is the recipient of 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 33 air medals and most recently was awarded the Legion of Merit. Rep. Jackson’s resume is long and distinguished, but we want to highlight the work he has done, and continues to do to help Veterans and represent them in government.

On this day, I salute my Mom’s Dad, who stormed the beaches at Normandy and now lives a peaceful life in Idaho.  I remember my Dad’s Dad who also served in the Army during WWII and passed away when I was a teenager.  I honor my wife’s Dad who served in the Navy in Korea, my wife’s brother who served as a Marine in Desert Storm, my own Father who served as a member of the Idaho National Guard and I look forward to being the proud parent of a USAF cadet in the ROTC next year as my oldest daughter prepares to serve her country.

This is my place in the chain of sacrifice.  Each of us, whether we know it or not, find our place somewhere among the links of steel forged in the furnace of sacrifice.  I for one am proud of my position.  I look to these individuals who have committed to principles that are greater than themselves and have sworn to defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  Whether we choose to honor or demean these, they are responsible for your freedom to do so.  I choose to honor.  I choose to honor them and the principles they uphold.

In the middle of the night we sleep in peace because they have chosen to take a weapon and stand guard.  And they say to each of us, “sleep well, I will not let anything harm you on my watch, and if I can’t, I will die trying.”   As the motto of the United States Marine Corp so succinctly states:  “Semper Fidelis,” or “Always Faithful.”  That is something worthy of our remembrance and respect.

Let us know your place in the chain of sacrifice by leaving a comment to this post telling us who you celebrate on Veterans Day.

These events remind me of another tragic loss a little over a year ago when the crew of the bombing flight RAIDR 21 didn’t return from a training mission. One of my closest friends from childhood, when speaking at the one year anniversary of this loss in July, Lt. Col. Tyrell Chamberlain said:

“When RAIDR 21 didn’t return from their mission a year ago, we were all stunned. For some time, we worked through our feelings of loss, of grief, and of sacrifice. The tragic loss took our breath away and made us pause – and question…At the root of many of the answers we found the common theme: the men on RAIDR 21 gave their lives flying the aircraft they loved, serving their country, and demonstrating our common strength and resolve to protect our people and our way of life…They knew in their heart, that success lies in serving others, and pursuing a cause greater than ourselves…Continuing to fly and fight is just one way we honor the Airmen of RAIDR 21. We remember them by projecting airpower around the world to remind our adversaries and potential adversaries of the power and commitment of our great nation. We remember them by continuing our mission of vigilance, and providing the umbrella of deterrence to their families and ours.”

Like the members of that squadron, who honor their loved and lost by continuing their mission, so to will the brave men and women of Fort Hood go forth and continue to protect this great country.  We honor them for them for the lives they have led, and we remember them for the sacrifice they have made.

In April of 2008 two Marines, Corporal Yale and Lance Corporal Haerter, from separate units stood guard at the Entry Control Point  of Joint Security Station Nasser in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  A suicide bomber, intent on running the barricade and setting off his deadly cargo inside the station where 50 other Marines and Iraqi Policemen were going about their duties, sped towards the two sentry’s.  Working as a team, despite never training together, these two soldiers stood their ground and fired on the oncoming vehicle.  Their training and precise fire stopped the suicide bomber from breaking through and saved the lives of those behind.

During this engagement, both Marines lost their lives.

The following is an excerpt from the speech given by the Secretary of the Navy at the Navy Cross Presentation Ceremony honoring these men at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quanitco Virginia, February 20, 2009:

” As they have always done, our Marines are committed to doing that which our Nation has asked them to do, all the way through to its end.  We Americans can best honor our heroes’ service by ensuring that their sacrifice was not made in vain… they chose to leave these things behind and devote themselves instead to the calling of their country.  They gave their lives as they lived them, for truths as emphatic as they are simple:  Brotherhood.  Loyalty.  Devotion.  Sacrifice.”

Here is to our fallen friends, fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters and daughters.  May we never forget, nor forsake the cause for which they have so valiantly fought and gave their lives for.

What a beautiful reminder of the chain of sacrifice that follows every U.S. Soldier into battle. We are quick to recognize the sacrifice of the individuals, but every soldier is a link in a chain of sacrifice that extends before them and behind them. As Senator Dole so eloquently state in his speech at the dedication of the National WWII Memorial;

“As we meet here today, young Americans are risking their lives in liberty’s defense. They are the latest link in a chain of sacrifice older than America itself. After all, if we met the test of our times, it was because we drew inspiration from those who had gone before, including the giants of history who are enshrined on this Mall, from Washington, who fathered America with his sword and ennobled it with his character… from Jefferson, whose pen gave eloquent voice to our noblest aspirations…from Lincoln, who preserved the Union and struck the chains from our countrymen…and from Franklin Roosevelt, who presided over a global coalition to rescue humanity from those who had put the soul itself in bondage. Each of these presidents was a soldier of freedom. And in the defining event of the 20th century, their cause became our cause. On distant fields and fathomless oceans, the skies over half the planet and in 10,000 communities on the home front, we did far more than avenge Pearl Harbor. The citizen soldiers who answered liberty’s call fought not for territory, but for justice, not for plunder, but to liberate enslaved peoples around the world. “

Today I saw an article written on the www.nbcphiladelphia.com web page called “Little Soldier Girl ‘Didn’t Want to Let Go’” which was a heartfelt reminder of the price of our freedom, not just with the lives of the soldiers who carry a weapon, but with the sacrifice of those they leave behind.

We at Living Patriot are personally invested through the service of those whom we love and cherish.  We want to proclaim to all our fellow citizens that we support our military service personnel, our police forces, our fire protection crews and all other who sacrifice their time, freedoms, and are willing to sacrifice their lives, as Abraham Lincoln declared “upon the altar of freedom.”

In the following months and years this blog will be dedicated to these men and women and our efforts to honor and support them.  We look forward to sharing our journey with you and we hope that you come back often to hear inspiring stories of sacrifice and dedication from around the globe.

Living Patriot