Legacies Alive

06/02/2026

Our team is gearing up for our Annual 4th of July Gold Star Family picnic and we wanted to let you know, if you wanted to update your Legacies apparel the order deadline is JUNE 7, 2026.

Follow this link to see what is available: https://legaciesalivespring2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/

05/30/2026

Today marks the 21st angelversary of Capt Derek M. Argel, U.S. Air Force.

Derek was raised in Lompoc, California, where he showed remarkable determination and athleticism from an early age. Passionate about water sports—especially water polo—he began attending high school practices in fifth grade. He graduated from Cabrillo High School in 1995 as a standout on the water polo team and earned league MVP honors. Inspired by his grandfather, a World War II Marine, he was also driven to serve in the military. To strengthen his chances of attending the United States Air Force Academy, he enrolled in two preparatory schools after high school.

In 1997, Derek was admitted to the Air Force Academy, where he earned all-conference honors as a four-year letterman on the water polo team. After graduating in 2001, he entered the combat control training pipeline and earned the red beret of a special tactics officer in 2003. He was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and deployed to Iraq in February 2005. In this elite role, he coordinated air support for ground missions, working alongside Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. On May 30, 2005, Derek was killed during a training mission in eastern Diyala Province, when an Iraqi Air Force aircraft crashed.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Wendy; his son, Logan; and the many family members, friends, and comrades who continue to honor his memory.

05/26/2026

Today marks the 15th angelversary of SSG Edward D. Mills, Jr., U.S. Army.

Edward grew up in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Union High School in 2000, where he ran track. A devoted football fan, he especially loved Notre Dame and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Friends and family remember him as a natural leader—humble, selfless, and always putting others first. His passion for military history, nurtured by reading extensively and watching the History Channel with his grandfather, a World War II veteran, reflected his deep sense of responsibility and purpose.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in January 2005. After completing basic training, he was assigned to Fox Company (Pathfinder), 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On May 26, 2011, during his third deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Edward was killed by an improvised explosive device while conducting a dismounted patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.

05/25/2026

"We don't know them all, but we owe them all"

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Today marks the 14th angelversary of SGT Leevon J. Ritter, U.S. Army.

Leevon was raised in LeClaire, Iowa, and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in nearby Bettendorf in 2006. He wrestled, played baseball, and was known for his curiosity and mechanical skill—often taking things apart and putting them back together. After earning his driver’s license, he bought an S10 pickup and often gave friends rides to school to spare them long bus trips.

After graduation, Leevon enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as an M1A2 Abrams tank crewman with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. He deployed to Iraq twice: from November 2007 to January 2009, and again from September 2010 to January 2011. While stationed at Fort Hood, he pursued his passion for building and racing cars and motorcycles at local tracks. Leevon died on May 22, 2012, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and comrades.

05/22/2026

Today marks the 17th angelversary for SGT Jacob A. T***s, U.S. Army.

Jacob grew up in Pulaski Township, Pennsylvania, where he led an active life snowboarding, swimming, bowling, and riding bikes. At New Brighton High School, he ran track and field—competing in hurdles, high jump, pole vault, and cross-country—and also played baseball. He was active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating in 2005, Jacob enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed basic and advanced individual training as a combat engineer at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In October 2006, he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, for a 15-month tour with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based at Fort Bliss, Texas. In June 2008, he was reassigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, at Fort Drum, New York.

Jacob died on May 22, 2009, in a tragic fall. His legacy endures through his family, friends, and comrades.

05/18/2026

Sometimes news is best shared straight from our Gold Star family ⭐️ and this, is one of those times.

!!

This Memorial Day weekend, Drew's name will be on Graham Rahal's car at the Indianapolis 500.

Through Riding With Rahal, a program of the Graham & Courtney Rahal Foundation , his name will race 500 miles at the greatest spectacle in racing. Along with a very generous donation going to our partners at Legacies Alive to support this year’s Army/Navy game.

We're grateful to United Rentals for hosting us at the race, and to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for putting Drew's name on the car.

It's a fitting weekend for it. The Indy 500 and Memorial Day have shared a track for over a century. Now Drew rides with them.

Green flag drops Sunday, May 24.