This week we as a nation pay tribute to our heroes who defend our health, our property and our very freedom. We are fortunate enough to be able to bring our readers the story of two very incredible and very different stories of two of those heroes. We celebrate the service of a local hero who died in service to our country 50 years ago on June 3. We also are privileged to share the story of a sailor and, later, an airwoman who served for 33 years. We are proud to be trusted to tell these stories and we hope we do them well. Thank you to all who made it possible for us to bring you a little closer to the lives of those who served.