| You can contact us through the form below or feel free to contact Bill Tomko Founder/President at 724-735-2966 or email at WT@ZOOMINTERNET.NET. The foundation is run by the families who act as our board. Also, please view others posted comments about our site or the foundation by scrolling down the page. |
| YOUR COMMENTS |
| What a fitting way to spend Flag Day 2014, at Rochester High School, honoring our Western Pennsylvania Fallen Heroes and their Families. There was a gentle breeze waving each flag as the individual names were read. Thank You for everyone who helped and took part. The arrival of the Motorcycles and their lap around the field was another highlight. |
Bonnie - 6/15/2014 |
| I was honored to see my husbands name on your list of the rememebered fallen heroes. Thank you all ever so much. My son and I will forever be eternally grateful to organizations like yours that keep the memory of our special Hero and now guardian angel, 1LT Demetrius Frison, alive. |
Mikki Frison - 1/28/2013 |
| The Titusville American Legion Riders are proud to be a part of this honorable event bring in Erie, Crawford and Venango counties, also thanks to Titusville police Dept, Venango County Sheriff Dept, and the City of Franklin Police Dept for getting us safely from Titusville to Franklin. |
Bill Carr - 6/28/2011 |
| Thank you to the WPFFH for allowing our organization, 10th Pennsylvania, the honor of being present at your ceremony and firing the 21 gun salute. I was also honored to read the names of the fallen heroes for 2007 and our Captain for reading the poem, "The Final Inspection". Our organization was quite humbled by the response of those present for the ceremony and the impact that this ceremony can have on your life. Mr. Tomko, it has been an honor working with such an excellent coordinator. More people should be coming out to this ceremony to support the fallen and their families. It will touch your life. |
Ken Hoffman - 6/12/2010 |
| Today as we rode for the FALLEN Heroes Ride 2011 and ceremony Thank you again for the Blessed day as the sun shined upon us and for all that put the hard work into making it a success THANK YOU! I am a cousin to Sgt Nicholas Tomko and it is always so emotional to hear his name and all the other Fallen Heroes. I am proud to all the family members who stand up an read the names and to all the wonderful poems, singing, bag pipes, dove release, 21 gun salute, taps, good food after and to Franklin for welcoming us to your city fine job done! This was my 4th year there and I can't wait for 2012 to be here! I also would like to the Trevor who I spoke to at the staging area for the special trinket he gave me. Thank you and God Bless! |
Karen Texter- 6/11/2011 |
| I was Honored to say The Pledge of Allegiance and to resight the poem. I think that the whole thing went well. I thought it was amazing that everyone got to join the circle. It was very meaningful. Thank you Bill Tomko for a great ceremony. |
Amanda Redfoot - 7/11/2010 |
| I think all in all it was a very good ceremony. I think it went over very well. I espicially enjoyed the funny car with all the names of the fallen MARINES and I was HONERED to be part of the NATIVE AMERICAN CEREMONY. It was very moving and heart felt great job to all who were a part of it and GOD BLESS. |
Keith Redfoot - 7/11/2010 |
| Good afternoon. We want to thank you for a wonderful day. It was a shame that the ROTC and other military personel were not able to make it to such a important dedication to our fallen HEROS. We recognize and appreciate all work that you do to coordinate such a meaningful event. Our family will continue to support the Western Pa fallen Heros. Thanks again. |
Carol Morgain, Janet Waag and Family - 7/3/2010 |
| I thought it was a very good ceremony. I was surprised at the number of thank yous and bear hugs I got when the vets and their families left the circle. The one that was on crutches filled my heart with joy as he went around the circle. |
Thunder Bear - 7/3/2010 |
| Great tribute to our fallen & their families, keep it simple but honorable. |
Dotty Mariner - 6/28/2010 |
| Just a short note to thank you for your hard work with program last
Saturday, I doubt many know how much work this is. The frustration of trying
to get support for a war so many want to forget must be difficult. I see two
more local boys were lost over the weekend.
I was honored to take part in this event but it really tugs at my heart. |
Bill Baker - 6/16/2010 |
| Just to let you know, I was the bike leading the procession that had the triple flag mount. The American Legion Riders of Post 159, Mercer,Pa. were very, very honored to lead the prosession through town to the College. We are looking forward to next year. |
Jeff Smegal - 6/16/2010 |
| I would like to thank all that took part of our 5th Annual Memorial/Honor Ride/Ceremony. I want to thank all of our County Ride Coordinators and all of those that rode and brought their Respect, Honor and Dignity to Honor our Fallen and Families. I also want thank the families members that found the strenght to read names of the Fallen as they would read the name of their loved one and all of those that took part in this Honoring. I want to thank all: Fueled by the Fallen for being able to take part on such a short notice (Great Job),People of the Forest (Excellent Job of Honor), Slippery Rock Police Department, Slippery Rock VFD, Mayor of Slippery Rock,Campbell Bus Lines Slippery Rock, Butler County Sheiff Department, Ken and Wilma Texter for cooking for our picnic, Conresswoman Katy Dahlkemper. We hope all will always continue to support our efforts to NEVER LET OUR FALLEN OR FAMILIES BE FORGOTTEN. God Bless all of you. |
Bill Tomko - 6/13/2010 |
| I want to thank Bill Tomko for making me and my husband aware of your
foundation and all you do for families. As the author of a new book: Surviving the
Folded Flag: Parents of war share stories of coping courage & faith, a book of 25 GS
families including several from PA, I would be honored to help support your
foundation through Surviving the Folded Flag my first book Heart of a Hawk: One
family's sacrifice & journey toward healing. To know how I can provide support,
please contact me at heartofahawk@msn.com for more info about our family, go to: www.heartofahawk.com. |
Deborah & David Tainsh (GS Parents Sgt Patrick Tainsh) - 6/6/2010 |
| I think all the work put into the ride and all that goes on is just Fantastic. I Felt very Honored to be able to carry the Fallen Heros Flag on my bike last year in 2009.I know it takes a lot of hard work by a lot of people to pull this off. For all those who have died and served, I"m sure I can say for them Thank You Very Much. All should be proud Of the way it comes off. It is a real tear jerker, I will say that. |
Paul Lehman (Father of SFC Ken Lehman) - 1/27/2010 |
| I would like to thank Bill Tomko Founder-President of W.
Pa. Families of Fallen Heroes Foundation...especially the Families at
the home front ,Praying and waiting for a safe return!Having a chance
to view ,and be part of Honor Riders at the Hickory High School
Stadium in Hermitage,Pa. June 2009. Experiencing what are Men and Women in The Military Give us.They Will Never-Never be Forgotten,Because of there Gift to the World!!! Their Gift Of Freedom... * |
Paul Gaudino - 7/26/2009 |
| Hello, my name is Ernie D. Parshall Jr. i was the Beaver county cordinator for the honor ride we had this year!! I'm also the cousin of SGT. NICKOLAS TOMKO who passed away in duty in 2003. This was my first year to be a cordinator!! What a incredible experience it was to be part of Western Pennsylvania Families of Fallen Heroes Foundation to be able to honor my cousin and his fellow soldiers!! it will be my honor to pass the word along about our foundation and what we do and what we are about!!!!!!!!! |
Ernie D. Parshall Jr. (cousin of Sgt Nicholas Tomko) - 7/24/2009 |
| I found this page while looking for information on the fallen hero's from home that I am glad to call Brothers In Arms, and it brought a tear to my eye to see that a foundation has been set up to support those families. I am still serving on Active Duty, and heaven forbid something happens to me over there, I am glad to see that a support group has be in place for my family! Take pride in all that you do and we will miss you "Walleye"! |
PFC Michael C. Richards - 7/24/2009 |
| It was an honor to have my own starting leg this year for the ride, I
can't wait until next year. The ceremony gets me emotional every year and the
thought that everyone pulls together for the Fallen Families is enough to make us feel not alone. The pictures after are inspirational to show others who could not attend what they missed in hopes they join us next year. |
Jennifer Morrow (cousin of Sgt Nicholas Tomko)
- 7/20/2009 |
| The ceremony was great. I was honored to participate. It certainly raised
a lot of emotions, but that was very good. I am looking forward to being there next year. I do not want to miss it. |
Pastor Jim McCaulley (Father of SFC Randy McCaulley) - 7/16/2009 |
| I would like to thank Bill Tomko and everyone that was involed in the Fallen Hero`s memorial and Honor Ride on June,13.For an exellent job. It warms my heart that our true Fallen Hero`s are never forgotten. Thank You for letting me be a part of a wonderful Ceremony. Everyone did such a great job. I will see you all next year!!! |
Doug Maseth (Father of SSG Ryan Maseth) - 7/12/2009 |
| I would like to thank so many that helped in making our 4th annual event possible. Hickory High School, The 107th Feild Artillary, Hillbilly Hog Roasters, Kraynak's Florist, All our ride coordinators, Doves of Love Inc., All the Police and Fire Departments, V.E.T.S Honor Guard of Franklin, and Skydive Pennsylvania and the Paratroopers that donated their cost. God Bless all of you and we hope you'll be there for years to come to Remember and Honor our Fallen and Families. |
Bill Tomko - 7/10/2009 |
| Unfortunately we know more fallen this year but are grateful that the foundation keeps the focus on the families. God bless you for all your hard work It's much appreciated. |
Dotty Mariner - 7/10/2009 |
| Thank you for the Fourth Annual Memorial and Honor Ride Ceremony. What an honor it is to remember our fallen soldiers and their families from Western PA. My heart goes out to all who gave of their time and made this event possible. It was truly honoring to attend this event. Thank you and God Bless. |
Cheryl Harris (Mother of SSG Ryan Maseth) - 7/6/2009 |
| I would like to say many thanks for a job well done on the 4th
Annual Memorial Ride & Ceremony. To all that have put hours of time and
effort to make all things come together.May GOD BLESS YOU! I have attended 2
of the rides and I can't wait till next year. Once again meeting new people
and seeing the ones from past years it is a blessing to know that so many
people care and take the day to all come together to "Respect and Honor" our FALLEN HEROES! I also would like to say many THANKS to Dixie Peterson for given me the comfort of her words and gentle touch after reading the names of 2003. All there is left to say is " I will see you all next year!" |
Karen Texter (cousin of SGT. Nicholas Tomko) - 6/14/2009 |
| I never knew of this group or that my son, PFC Stephen P Snowberger III was remembered on it. Thank you so much for caring. I live in North Carolina and they do nothing to honor their fallen. I should know, I have been living here since before my son was killed in Baghdad. |
Deborah Brown - 9/12/2008 |
| Very impressive website! What you are doing is far more than we are with
prayer shawls, but we're all trying to relieve these poor people who have
such a heavy load on their shoulders! I want to help our fallen soldiers' families, there are many Americans who want to do that, but we don't know what to do. It is a honorable thing to look toward their futures and try to help educate the young children toward college, or a task as simple as mowing a famliy's lawn! Thank you for doing what you are doing! I shall share your website address with the 195 prayer shawl groups to go see! Best wishes! |
Cozette Haggerty - 8/27/2008 |
| While I welcomed the opportunity to contribute in a very small way to this event I had no idea the enormity of the sacrifice in lives from local families. I left feeling proud to be an American but somewhat ashamed that I had previously taken this all for granted. This event should be mandatory for anyone who wakes up and takes a breath of freedom. God bless you all. |
Pa. Doves of Love, Bill and Cheri Baker - 8/28/2008 |
| THE WEBSITE IS REALLY TAKING OFF!!!!!!!!!!!! It is really nice to see pictures from the events on the website. I am just very glad to be of help to you Bill. You are a wonderful person and I can tell you that you do make a difference. |
Russ Culbertson, father of Cpl. Russell G. Culbertson, III
- 7/17/2008 |
| Great tribute ceremony this year. God held off the weather too! Thanks for keeping the memories alive. |
Dotty Mariner - 7/14/2008 |
| Thank you so much for having Chloe be a part of your program last Saturday.
You did a wonderful job putting together the day. It was heart-wrenching at
times, but through all the tears, everyone in attendance would not have missed it for the world. Keep up the good work of honoring the fallen so that we never forget them and what they have given. |
Tara Pizor
- 7/1/2008 |
| The Western Pennsylvania Families of Fallen Heroes annual bike ride was really cool to watch the bikes go by. It showed a lot of respect to the families that had loved ones killed in Iraq. The ceremony in Hermitage was really neat. I was very honored to say the Pledge of the Allegence in front of everyone. I really liked meeting the Millitary men. My favorate thing that I got to do was meet the Marine. It was a very touching moment for everyone. To bad the Paratroopers couldn't make it. We wouldn't be here today if we didn't fight for our freedom. God bless America! |
Amanda - 6/30/2008 |
| I was at the ceremonies this year at Hermitage and it was very nice. I'll be at the next one if I'm able. Even though it rained that day it still turned out great. I think more people should take notice in this cause, if it wasnt for the men and women fighting for our country, we would not be able to live the way we do. Thank you and God Bless. |
Keith Redfoot - 6/30/2008 |
| To each and every one of you that braved the weather to be there for us I can't say enough for what it meant for our families. All of those that came out to ride through the rain you are the brave and from my heart I Thank You, For You are our Strength. You showed Great Respect and Honor towards our Fallen and their Families. Words are just words but knowing that you were there is more than words can speak. God Bless. |
Bill Tomko, Uncle of Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko, KIA Iraq 11-9-03 - 6/17/2008 |
| The Fallen Hero Ride 2008 may have started with a rainy day but the sun came out and what a great day it turned into. I could not have met a better group of friends. God bless our fallen soldiers and their families. You are my heroes. |
Don Clayton - 6/15/2008 |
| May the wind blow your hair, The sun brighten your smile, And the feel of freedom be with you and GOD protects us all from tragedy! Lets ride and remember our fellow military guys on this day! |
Karen L. Texter,
Cousin of Nicholas Tomko - 5/31/2008 |
| I am the Father of a Fallen Hero,Spc.George A.Mitchell Jr.,KIA
4-7-2003 in Baghdad,he served with the 3RD.ID.,HHC,2ND.BRIGADE COMBAT
TEAM,my son returned to the Army on his 35th Birthday,5-20-2002 to serve
eight more years so he could retire and return to Iraq to finish the job
that was not finished during the Gulf War.What I have seen and read on this
web site,that all who are taking part in the rememberence of the fallen should all be remembered themselves for keeping the memories alive for our families. |
George A Mitchell Sr. - 4/30/2008 |
| I think this ride is for a very good cause and more people should stand up and get involved in the ride and what it stands for. To few people understand whats going on out there in this world. I will show my support as well as I can for as long as I'm able. Whether I'm along the road as the riders are driving by or I'm putting out the word about the ride or particapation in the ride in any way. |
Keith Redfoot - 3/4/2008 |
| To all from the Western Pa. Families Foundation. I want to thank you for your kindness in our time of deep sorrow. |
The Maseth Family - 2/27/2008 |
| I enjoyed to honor these great heroes. A hero is someone who is willing to give up his/her life for others freedom. I will honor these heroes always and thank you to the families of these great heroes. Our prayers are with you. |
Don Clayton - 12/24/2007 |
| I love the ride it is truly a great jester it is thoughtful and kind. May GOD bless you ! |
Freddie M. Jackson - 9/10/2007 |
We Remember Them
In the rising of the sun |
Pam Adams - 8/6/2007 |
| I am humbled and honored to always be a part of this ride - the day was
wonderful - all the speakers from the families to military touched my heart. Jeff's
songs at Franklin went right to the heart and were so very well done and as always
the Hermitage service was very moving. God Bless all of you! . |
J. Peterson - 7/8/2007 |
| I just wanted to comment on the wonderful tribute that was prepared for all of the families of the fallen. It was a beautiful ceremony and I was glad to be apart of it. It was also nice to see so many people that had not lost someone still come out and show their support. It is events like this that make me more proud to be an American. |
Pamela K. Toczylowski, Sister of Major Jeffrey P. Toczylowski, Special Forces, ARMY - 7/5/2007 |
| I just wanted to say it was an honor to be a part of this ride. Honoring our Fallen and their Familes to let them know that we care that the sacrifice they gave to keep our freedom will not be forgotten. I met a few of the family members on June 9, 2007 and to alI, I just want to say THANK YOU . |
Ron Rumbaugh - 7/3/2007 |
| Thanks to all, for your support towards our healing. We can never forget our fallen or their families, for all of what they they gave will be forgotten. |
Bill
Tomko Founder-President of W. PA. Families of Fallen Heroes Foundation
& Uncle of Sgt Nicholas A. Tomko - 6/28/2007 |
| I want to thank all involved for having the memorial ride. It was done with care, respect, and love. My husband and I were very glad we went. |
Peggy Buryj, Proud Mom of Spc Jesse Buryj, KIA May 5th, 2004. - 6/27/2007 |
| Such ceremonies help me cope with my loss of my son. It makes me stronger in a way, and I think it makes other parents stronger too. |
Jack Tomko father of
Sgt Nicholas A. Tomko KIA Baghdad Iraq 11-9-03 - 6/27/2007 |
| Thank-you for sponsoring the memorial ride and for the honor of participating. Your involvement in honoring those of us who have lost a loved one in Iraq is truly appreciated. We had never been to the memorial itself and discovered it was both beautiful and extremely emotional. I urge anyone who has not gone to see it to do so. Thank-you again and we will see you for the 3rd annual ride next year. The website is coming along great. Thank-you for that also. |
Denise Culbertson, mother of Cpl. Russell G. Culbertson, III
- 6/20/2007 |
| To all who were involved with the ride I give my congratulations on a job well done. It was an honor to ride with you all. I will be proud to help out in any way I can for next years event. |
Jesse Mercure - 6/12/2007 |
| I have read this site, I cried when I read what the fallen have written about them. I Wish I had a motorcycle, after visiting this site. |
misti1251@yahoo.com - 6/4/2007 |
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