Gilbert AZ – This morning I attended a gathering of Veterans where Congressman Matt Salmon paid tribute to Army Specialist Wyatt J Martin of Mesa, Arizona.

Specialist Martin gave his life for his country on December 12, 2014, he was 22 years old. As a member of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan, Wyatt was one of two soldiers killed that day.

In a brief but moving ceremony, Congressman Salmon presented Specialist Wyatt J Martin’s family with a flag that had flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington DC.

I originally planned to attend Salmon’s Third ‘Annual Salute to Veterans Resource Clinic just to see what it was about. As founder of AZVHV (Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans) and Phoenix Chapter President of VAREP (Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals), I’m always researching additional sources of assistance for local Veterans. I found Congressman Salmon’s Resource Clinic informative, but maybe more importantly, relevant.

The focus of this year’s clinic was VA medical resources, with officials from Veterans Administration in attendance, and break-away conferences to discuss personal issues one-on-one.

I was glad I attended for so many reasons, but in particular for the flag ceremony, a sobering reminder that Memorial Day is so much more than a long weekend.

This Memorial Day, as always, I’ll be thinking about all who gave their lives. But you know how when you put a face to a name, you are far more likely to remember that name? This Memorial Day I know I won’t be able to get the name of Specialist Wyatt J Martin out of my head, because I can now place the faces of a family to that name. Rest in peace Spc. Martin. You will not be forgotten.