This page is dedicated to those who have been honored by family, friends etc. by way of the Thomas Township “Hometown Heroes” banner project.  Thomas Township and the Downtown Development Authority is proud to display the banners of those residents, past and present, who have served or are currently serving the United States of America.

                                                                         

WILLIAM BOELK

ARMY-AIR FORCE    STAFF SERGEANT

JUNE 1942-DECEMBER 1945

WORLD WAR II

 

My father, my hero!!

–Honored by:  Judy Fanning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   MARK FANNING    

  UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS    SERGEANT 

  1995-2002

 

 Mark has always been a great person.  From a young age he was always focused on goals, always striving to be the best.   He is a loyal and loving son, father, husband, brother, uncle and friend.  Anyone that has the pleasure of knowing him is better because of him.

–Honored by:  Judy Fanning                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 

  MARTIN HUMPHREY

  ARMY  E3

  APRIL 20, 1976-JANUARY 10, 1979 

  KOREAN 

 

 Marty is a proud American who enlisted in the Army at the age of 17.  He is a great man who has your back which makes him a great friend as well!

 –Honored by:  American Gasser Hot Rod Shop     

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ROBERT PAHSSEN

  UNITED STATES MARINE   PRIVATE FIRST CLASS

  1951-1954 

  KOREAN WAR     

 

Our father was a proud Marine.  While serving our country he received the following medals; National Defense, Korean Service with 1 star, and the United Nations Service Medal.  Bob was a honest and humble man.  He was a loving father, grandpa and a dear friend to everyone.  Bob passed away September 24, 1983 at the young age of 50.  Gone but never forgotten.

–Honored by: Rick Pahssen       

 

 

 

 

  DAVID A. SOMMERS  

  UNITED STATES AIR FORCE   SERGEANT

  MAY 1969-MAY 1973 

  VIETNAM 

 

 I nominate my husband.  Long before we were married he proudly served in the Air Force.  He completed a tour in Vietnam as a combat photographer where he flew hundreds of hours documenting the Air Force role in the war.  He earned an Air Medal and Commendation Medal.  He then served two years with the air demonstration team, the Thunderbirds where he traveled the United States representing the Air Force.  Ever since we have been married he has continued serving his community in various roles that was instilled in him during service to his country.

–Honored by:  Edith Sommers               

 

 

 

     FLORENZIO M. ORNELAS

     ARMY          SP4-E-4

     DEC. 8, 1964-AUG. 21, 1966 

     VIETNAM

 

 I would like my spouse, Florenzio to be included in your “Heroes” banner program because he volunteered to go to Vietnam.  He was very honored to serve his country.  His family is very proud of him and feel he deserves to be included because he grew up in Shields and Saginaw.  He did pass away on June 26, 2020.   

–Honored by:  Darlene Ornelas       

 

 

 

 

ARTHUR D NOEY

U.S. NAVY           LT. COMMANDER

1971-1991   

VIETNAM

 

Art Noey is proud to have served his country.  He joined the U.S. Navy in 1963 and served for 28 years, three of those years were active duty.  He was deployed aboard USS Midway and spent the better part of 1971 in Vietnam.  In 1991, Lt. Commander Noey retired from the U.S. Navy, having thoroughly enjoyed his time getting to travel to places such as the Philippines and Japan being among his favorites.  He credits the Navy with teaching him discipline.  Today he owns and operates 3 Maytag stores between Saginaw and Frankenmuth.

-Honored by:  Paige Breece 

 

 

 

                   ROBERT EVEN

                   NAVY     TORPEDOMAN’S MATE-THIRD CLASS USNR

                   JUNE 15, 1943-MARCH 15, 1946

                   WORLD WAR II         

 

My father served his country starting at age 17.  He was a resident of Thomas Township and also a business owner.  He owned Paul Bunyan Meat Products.  

-Honored by:  Ann Pahssen 

 

 

 

 

             FRANK ORNELAS

             U. S. ARMY

             1952-1954

             KOREAN WAR

 

My Grandfather is a strong man.  His desire to give back to the community.  He currently serves as the Michigan State Commander for the American GI Forum and assists with military funerals as a chaplain.

-Honored by:  Alex Ornelas