Army Captain Josh M. McClimans loved taking care of people so after graduating as a registered nurse, he decided he wanted to take care of soldiers. He once said, "I'm not a hero. I take care of heroes." He served in the Army for eight years including tours of Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Josh saved 86 soldiers lives by life fighting them to Germany where they could get the emergency care they needed.

Josh was an excellent father. He coached his sons' sports, was a Boy Scout Leader and a volunteer at their schools. He was the life of the party and always had something funny to say.

On April 22, 2011, Josh decided to head into work early. He was only 15 feet from the hospital when he was hit by a missile that was fired from Pakistan.

In the late 1960's, as war raged in Vietnam, Private First Class Bruce W. Carter enlisted in the Marines straight out of high school inspired by his many classmates who were also joining the military. Bruce was overseas for nine months when he covered a rocket grenade with his body before it detonated, which saved the lives of four of his comrades. He was 19 years old.

In 1969, President Richard Nixon posthumously awarded Bruce Carter the Congressional Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery. Bruce's sacrifice is also commemorated in the Virginia Gardens neighborhood where he grew up—N.W. 66th Avenue also bears his name. And in 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs designated Allapatah's VA Hospital the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center.

A 28-year veteran of the United States Military, Army Lieutenant Colonel Edmundo A. Lluberes had a strong desire to join the Armed Forces from the time he entered college. He first enlisted in the Air Force and later transferred to the Army. Throughout his lengthy military career, he earned various decorations including Defense and Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force and Joint Service Commendation Medals, and Air Force Achievement Medals among others. He performed operations all over the world including Spain, Somalia, Uganda, Haiti, Kenya, Kosovo and Colombia.

Ed had a heart and soul for serving others. He was a people person and showed compassion to everyone around him including his squadron–which he affectionately called "his boys." His leadership in the military included educating others to use their backgrounds in the armed forces to do good, including building schools, improving security and rebuilding after natural disasters.

Lieutenant Colonel Lluberes had been volunteering at the William Kling VA Clinic in Sunrise providing therapy to other soldiers when he tragically passed away in 2015 leaving behind his wife and three young daughters. He was only five months into his retirement from active duty military service.

Army Private First Class Brandon R. Sapp's goal in life was to become a member of SWAT. He felt the best way to achieve his goal was through military service. So he enlisted in May 2003 to fight for and protect all Americans.

Brandon was so honored to serve and make his family proud. He loved the feeling of doing something good and being a part of something important and meaningful. He shared an incredible camaraderie with his brothers in arms—his battle buddies, as he called them.

Brandon was a 50 caliber Gunner and an M-1/M-2 Bradley driver. On the night of August 15, 2004, while Brandon was driving the Bradley, he sensed something wasn't right. He changed course and when the Bradley hit an IED, Brandon was killed. He was the only fatality. Had he continued on the original route, his entire unit would've perished that night. For his bravery, Army Private First Class Brandon R. Sapp was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Brandon's family remembers him as an outgoing and funny young man who had a brave and generous soul. He was also an artist, a practical joker, and a sharpshooter; and through is sacrifice, he became a guardian angel.

Army Specialist Bernard Hill, Jr. turned his dream of becoming a soldier into reality after he got married. He took the leap in hopes of providing for his family. He loved the fact that as a soldier, he was making a difference in the world. He served for three years and 10 months.

Bernard was a quiet and loving man who adored his family. He wanted to be the best role model for his son. He enjoyed playing sports, video games and animation.

Bernard had been overseas for nine months when the Humvee he was traveling in became disabled and was struck by a semi-truck.

A 10-year veteran of the Army, Staff Sergeant Humberto Timoteo loved his country and wanted to serve. He enlisted at just 17 years of age with his parents' consent.

Humberto loved the brotherhood fostered by the day-to-day operations of the Army. He also enjoyed the opportunity to travel. Humberto was an amazing father and husband and had an enormous smile.

On June 5, 2004, while on patrol in Baghdad, Humberto's armored vehicle was hit by a road side bomb. He died doing what he loved to do. He served and fought to protect the country he felt had already given him so much.

Army Staff Sergeant Lyle D. Turnbull knew that he wanted to make a difference in his life and he wanted to work with technology. In 2002, he decided he would join the service. He felt passionate about taking care of his fellow soldiers and loved helping them even before he became a non commissioned officer. Almost his entire career was spent overseas.

Cancer has touched several members of Lyle's family including his grandmother. To show his support, Lyle signed up for a race while he was deployed in Kuwait. On October 18, 2013, Lyle ran that race crossing the finish line and then collapsing. Emergency responders were unable to revive him. Lyle was selfless person—until his very last breath.

After Lyle's death, many soldiers expressed stories of gratitude—of how Lyle had gone above and beyond to help them even if they'd just met.

Martin L. Gonzales, a 20-year veteran, decided to join the Air Force straight out of high school not only because of his love of country, but because he believed the military offered career opportunities. He also believed serving would make him a better man.

He was a "gentle giant" who loved the simple things in life. He would do anything to help his family and friends.

Martin enjoyed the different operations of which he was a part but especially providing humanitarian aid throughout the world. Once he had children of his own, Nathan and Kaitlyn, he felt pride about what he was doing. He was in the Air Force reserves when the attacks of September 11th occurred and rushed to become active duty because he didn't want his kids to grow up in a country consumed by terrorism and drugs.

Martin patrolled the oceans by air hunting for speed boats carrying drugs. When he flew his last mission, he was covering for one of his direct reports who was dealing with family issues. Martin died when his surveillance plane crashed in a mountainous region of Colombia. His brother says he could not fathom how many lives Martin touched until the day of his funeral.

It was Staff Sergeant David F. Horney, IV's brother-in-law Michael who inspired him to join the Air Force where he served valiantly for six years. David liked learning about other countries, getting an education through experience and being home with his family on leave. He enjoyed the companionship and dedication of his friends who also shared a passion for serving their country.

Although David was in the Air Force, the US Army awarded him a medal for successfully saving his fellow troops from enemy capture while on patrol in Iraq.

David survived four six-month tours in Iraq. He was back home in the United States and still on active duty when on January 16th, 2010, he was killed by a hit and run drunk driver just three miles from his home at Moody Air Force base.

When Army Sergeant Thomas A. Bohall was the first to cross the finish line of a regional marathon, the six-year veteran was congratulated by an Army Special Forces recruiter. In that moment, he knew he wanted to serve in the special forces.

He loved the camaraderie of his unit, the mental and physical toughness required of a member of an elite army unit and serving as a Pathfinder.

Thomas was an adventurous soul who never backed away from an opportunity to bask in the joy of life. He approached everything head on, with no fear, no excuses and no regrets.

On May 26, 2011, Thomas's Pathfinder was performing a mission in Afghanistan to clean out a building used to make IED's. He was the first one to exit the helicopter and the first of six of his unit killed by an IED, which was detonated remotely.

Sergeant Bohall lived with passion and died with courage. All who loved him agree he is more an inspiration today than ever before.

The desire to become a traveling nurse for the United States Army and help soldiers in need is what motivated Private First Class Ashley S. Williams to enlist in the Army. As a single parent of two young sons, Jaeden and Khalil, Ashley was determined to be successful. She believed joining the armed forces would help her achieve her goals.

In August 2008, Ashley was busy preparing for her deployment to Iraq. She took a standard physical exam and it revealed some devastating news: Ashley had cervical cancer.

For weeks, Ashley valiantly fought her disease. She endured chemotherapy, a hysterectomy, weight loss and debilitating pain. She was twice given a clean bill of health. But regrettably the cancer returned. On June 11, 2010, Ashley passed away. Her mother established the Ashley Williams Foundation to honor her commitment to nursing.

At the tender age of 18, Sergeant First Class Larry Vaquero enlisted in the United States Army because serving his country is something he had always wanted to do. His military career spanned almost 20 years and took him all around the world including Germany, Panama and South Korea to name a few. Serving the country and helping its people was a family affair as Larry later recruited his brother, Ian, to enlist.

Larry was a great father and was loved by many. He was also a typical big brother taking care of everyone around him. Larry's sister was so proud of him she says she would always bring her friends around whenever he came to visit—because she needed to make sure everyone knew him.

Late in his career, Larry focused on recruiting service members to join him in making the world a better and safer place. Army Sergeant First Class Larry Vaquero passed away on September 11, 2003.

As a child, Army Sergeant Kyle A. Henry wanted nothing more than to be a soldier and a firefighter. He did both. He served in the Army for 11 years. Upon returning from Iraq, he became a fire medic. He loved everything about serving in the military and was proud to wear the uniform.

Kyle was the kind of person who didn't need to know you to help you. As an only child, he delighted in playing pranks on his family. He was happy, funny and kind. He loved his dogs.

After 14 months serving in Iraq, Kyle returned home to South Florida. He was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder upon his return from Iraq. He sought treatment at the VA. But tragically, Kyle took his own life on October 31st, 2011.

A 16-year veteran of the Army, Staff Sergeant Lillian L. Clamens wanted to make a career in the Army to set an example for her family and make a better life for herself. She joined as an Administrative Specialist to ensure the needs of her fellow soldiers and their families were being met. She was responsible for processing soldiers' pay, leave, and promotions, a job she very much enjoyed.

Lillian was a joyful and selfless person, who was always willing to go the extra mile on behalf of her comrades. A magnetic personality with a radiant smile, Lillian was well liked in professional and personal circles.

In 2006, she was deployed to Iraq for a 12-month tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On October 10, 2007, Lillian was on her way to dinner with a group of other soldiers when the dining facility at Camp Victory came under a mortar attack. Thirty-eight soldiers were wounded and Lillian was one of two soldiers killed. She was two days shy of returning home to Miami.

In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, 23-year-old Daniel Jay Agami answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army at age 23. A handsome body builder and athlete, he was known as "The Hebrew Hammer" for being true to his Jewish faith and for excelling in every sport. He was a jokester, a good listener and well liked by people of all faith, colors and backgrounds. Daniel loved every minute of military life even in the most difficult times. He served for two years. He loved his Army brothers and they loved him. This camaraderie made life more bearable while serving in Iraq.

On June 21st, 2007, Daniel was driving a Bradley Gunner tank on a mission in [Adhamiyah] Iraq with four other soldiers and an interpreter. The tank hit an IED and exploded trapping Daniel in the tank's driver cage. He put up a struggle as stated in the book "They Fought for Each Other" by Kelly Kennedy written about Daniel's unit, which was the hardest hit unit in Iraq.

Daniel's funeral, which drew 2,000 people, was a testament to his extraordinary legacy. He wanted to serve his country on the front lines and he did that, proudly. His courageous and heroic sacrifice continues to inspire everyone who knew and loved him.

Even after going to school to become a pharmacy technician, Army Specialist Gerardo Campos wanted a career where he knew he would be pushed to his limits. He felt that joining the Army would help him achieve that so he enlisted in March 2010.

Gerardo's family describes him as "brave," having "a heart of gold," and "someone you would want on your team." He adored his daughter Isabella and wanted to make her proud. A family man, he enjoyed fishing and playing sports. Gerardo always pushed himself for better results. He wanted to be great at everything he did and never settled for being "okay."

In April 2012, Gerardo was deployed to Afghanistan and killed in June 2012 while on watchtower patrol by enemy small arms fire.

Private First Class Marius "Mario" Ferrero, a first generation Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, loved the United States—so much so that he joined the Army at age 22. He referred to his comrades as "new brothers" and was most proud of serving alongside them. He had a passion for films and hope to one day work in the film industry. He was good with computers and technology. His family describes him as pure, noble and trustworthy—an overall well-rounded kid.

Mario's grandfather passed away while he was serving overseas. He was allowed to return to Miami to be with his family for two weeks before returning to Iraq. The very next day, while on patrol, Mario was killed by an IED explosion on the side of the road. He served for less than a year from the start of boot camp until his death on November 18, 2007.

Army Specialist Christopher M. Nguyen served a total of eight years, two of which were spent overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. He enlisted because he wanted to make a difference for the country and for himself.

Chris's family describes him as selfless—a warm, funny and loving person who would give you the shirt off his back. His hobbies included cars, skateboarding and playing the guitar. He loved his battle buddies who he considered family. He also loved being a mentor and was proud of his accomplishments during his years of service.

After serving his tours, he came home with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but was misdiagnosed. He fell into a deep depression and on August 5, 2012, he committed suicide.

Army Sergeant Robert A. Wise joined the ROTC in high school and knew right then that he wanted to be a military officer. He signed up for the reserves before graduating high school. After the September 11th terrorist attacks and with America hurting, Robert was honored to be a member of the U.S. Army and protect the country he loved.

Robert enjoyed the camaraderie and structure military service provided. He was able to be the big brother to his fellow troops—a role he had always wanted. Robert understood his responsibilities and respected authority. He was a caring, fun, loving man who could draw you in with his unforgettable smile. His dedication inspired others to follow his example.

On the morning of November 12, 2003, Robert's unit was instructed to make an unscheduled patrol. He was sick that day but was not going to let his group go without him. Robert was usually the gunner, but since he was sick, he rode on the passenger side. His unit encountered an IED that detonated directly under their Humvee. Robert's three other comrades survived the blast.

William F. Ortega knew enlisting in the Navy would help him in his pursuit of a career in medicine. In 2008, he left for basic training in Chicago. As a medic, what he loved most was being able to keep everyone around him safe. To him, it was always about his brothers in arms, first, second and even last. If they were good, he, too, was good.

Navy Seaman Ortega deployed to Afghanistan in May of 2010. Just a month later, his family was informed he had been killed. They say they never knew the real story of why or how he passed away. They described him with a single word: angel.