Pocono News Section

Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Set for New Milford

Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Set for New Milford - Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 6:30PM EST

NEW MILFORD, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- Families and fellow soldiers of six National Guardsmen killed in Iraq gathered here Sunday for the groundbreaking for a memorial. It took place at the New Milford Readiness Center, home to Bravo Company, First Battalion, 109th Infantry.
"Some of the guys that are here were with our boys," said Bill Evans, whose son, SPC William Evans was killed in Iraq.

Phelan Piehota was a medic with the Bravo Company in Iraq. He worked on Evans when he was killed.

"It's pretty much the most permanent memory of your life," said Piehota of Iraq.

Now, he's getting a permanent memorial in honor of his fellow soldiers' sacrifice. Cynthia Slebodnik's son, SGT Eric Slebodnik, was also killed in September 2005. She's pleased with the plans for the memorial.

"Eric's name is mentioned places, but not where fellow soldiers can come and say good-bye and reflect on who they were," said Slebodnik.

Evans and Slebodnik were killed in action, as were SSG George Pugliese, SSG Daniel Arnold, SPC Lee Weigand, and PFC Oliver Brown.

"There is definitely a human cost, and we should be mindful of what that is," said Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Judah Whitney. "And this will stand as a remembrance to that cause, an example of it."

"I've been wanting something like this, something I can go to to reconnect or get closure," added Piehota.

The Bravo Company Fallen Soldiers' Memorial is set for dedication on September 27th, four years after the men lost their lives for our freedom.

"He was very proud to be part of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, this company, and proud to serve his country," added Slebodnik.

The Family Readiness Group is raising money for the memorial, which will be built in stages as donations come in. If you'd like to donate to the memorial fund, you can write a check to FRG (Family Readiness Group) and mail it to the home of Bill Evans. The address is 3211 DuBois Street, Hallstead, PA, 18822.