Eight fallen soldiers honored at Capitol
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The nonprofit Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund honored eight soldiers, including four who were killed in action, during a ceremony today Friday at the State Capitol.
Fund organizers began raising money four years ago to provide financial gifts to men and women who've served in the military since September 11, 2001. The grants range from $500 for those who served in a combat zone to $5,000 to the families of fallen soldiers.
One of this year's casualties was Benjamin Kopp of Rosemount, who died in July after a combat mission in Afghanistan. His mother, Jill Stephenson, said she's been donating to the fund for two years. She described her grant as a blessing.
"And I feel really honored to know that Minnesota remembers the fallen soldiers and their families and they're not going to be forgotten," Stephenson said. "That's been made very clear to me. And it means the world to know that."
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The military appreciation fund has now awarded more than 8,500 grants in Minnesota totaling more than $5 million.
Recipients of MMAF Grants on Sept. 11 Include:
Corporal Benjamin Kopp: Killed In Action, Rosemount, served as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. CPL Kopp died on July 18, 2009 of wounds sustained during a combat mission on July 10. CPL Kopp conducted two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His family will receive a $5,000 grant from MMAF.
Specialist Daniel Drevnick: Killed In Action, Woodbury, served in Iraq with the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard. SPC Drevnick died on July 16, 2009 of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire. His family will receive a $5,000 grant from MMAF.
Specialist James Wertish: Killed In Action, Olivia, served in Iraq with the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard. SPC Wertish died on July 16, 2009 of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire. His family will receive a $5,000 grant from MMAF.
Specialist Carlos Wilcox: Killed In Action, Cottage Grove, served in Iraq in the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard. SPC Wilcox died on July 16, 2009 of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire. His family will receive a $5,000 grant from MMAF.
Corporal Benjamin Mauser: Purple Heart recipient, Burnsville, served in Iraq with the First Battalion, 7th Marines as part of the United States 1st Marine Division from June 2004 to October 2004. CPL Mauser was injured on July 15, 2004 when he was hit by shrapnel on the right side of his face. He will receive a $2,000 grant from MMAF.
Sergeant Alan Verly: Bloomington, served in Iraq with the United States Marine Corp from August to December 2006. He will receive a $500 grant from MMAF.
Specialist Peter Tellin: Spring Valley, served in Iraq with the A. Company 834th ASB of the Army National Guard from August 2008 to May 2009. He will receive a $500 grant from MMAF.
Specialist Brian Pevito: Coon Rapids, served in Iraq with the 353rd Transportation Company of the Army Reserves from October 2008 to July 2009. He will receive a $500 grant from MMAF.
