Kevin Ryan and Nick Brown from St Augustine Prep, Richland, are seen with Airforce Master Sgt. William Riiff, kneeling. Standing, from left, are Marine Master Sgt John Palastro, Army/Aircorp Shep Freedman, Army Ralph Villalabel, Sgt. Tom Milorey and Army James Eustace.
Two seniors of St. Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, recently honored a school graduate who gave his life for his country.
As part of the requirements for graduation from St. Augustine, seniors must complete a Caritas service project, and they chose one that honors members of the armed forces, including a Prep graduate who died in Afghanistan.
Students Kevin Ryan and Nick Brown volunteered at the AMVETS Post 77 in Mantua to help the aging veterans beautify and maintain the property, as well as assist them in making May 18, Armed Forces Day, a success. The two students also took part in the celebration.
As part of their project, the two purchased and inscribed a paver to be dedicated in the memory of Sal Corma II, a 2004 Prep graduate who gave his life for his country in Afghanistan on April 29, 2010.
At the age of 24, as 1st Lieutenant, he was killed while marking a roadside bomb, after ordering 19 men to take cover.
Sal’s mother, Trudy, was present for the dedication.