"As some of you know The Fallen Soldiers Memorial was dedicated June 21, 2008. This was a great day for all of us involved with Step Up For Soldiers as well the members of the 30th Battalion North Carolina Army National Guard. We continue to make additions to the Fallen Soldier memorial walkway and garden with additional engraved pavers. The retired members of the 30th Battalion has purchased over 60 brick pavers, we will be opening this new section of the memorial garden as the weather breaks. Since we do all of the work with volunteers the working conditions has to be just right. Ed Donovan a retired New York City Police Officer is now the fallen Soldiers Memorial care taker and event coordinator, new pavers sections are being added in the memorial. Ed with the help of Jim Kotyk has an irrigation system being installed; we have our own deep water well that was donated. If you wish to have an engraved paver please contact us for further information and brick paver application sheet.

"It has been now a few years since I started Step Up For Soldiers (November 2004)."

"My idea was a simple one, to custom build wheelchair accessible ramps for two local National Guard Soldiers (1/120th Combined Arms Battalion, Wilmington N.C.) who returned home with the loss of their legs. Word spread quickly as to what I was doing and within a weeks time our local television and radio picked up the story as to what I was doing to help wounded soldiers in our area. With the help of these Television and radio programs, interviews and terrific coverage, the people of Wilmington, NC got behind our cause and have been a tremendous help ever since."

"Their help and continued support for Step Up For Soldiers has enabled us to construct two more wheelchair accessible ramps for two more of our nation's heroes returning from Combat. Building wheelchair ramps though, is not all we do; we are proud to help in all capacities and are looking for even more ways to be of assistance. Since November 2004, Step Up For Soldiers has helped returning Veterans in many ways, from home modification to personal transporters."

"When the 1/120th returned from Iraq, I had the distinct pleasure to meet the returning troops. Combat wounded veterans from the 1/120th returning from Iraq is what caused me to initiate Step Up For Soldiers and give something back to the brave men and women fighting for freedom. One year later, while greeting the 1/120th, I was honored to be asked to be a part of memorial garden which will honor four National Guard Soldiers killed in action. We have made significant strides toward the Fallen Soldier Memorial Garden site and have scheduled fundraising events to raise money and awareness. We marched in Wilmington's St. Patrick's Day Parade and have taken part in the Azalea Festival. With everyone's continued help and support this Memorial will be a great tribute to the fallen Soldiers of the 120th, as well as a precious gift to their families."