General Motors Names Five New Military Hero Finalists
By: Stevie Hoey
November 7, 2011 9:39 am CT
On Friday, November 11, the nation will celebrate Veterans Day and honor the men and women who serve our country. The Driving the Midwest team is observing this holiday by once again spotlighting Illinois military heroes.
Our finalists were nominated thanks to their military service, support of family members currently serving our country and their unsung daily acts of heroics in their communities.
It is now up to you to decide the next Our Town, Our Heroes winner! Take a few moments to read about each finalist, and cast your vote for who inspires you the most. After the voting period, the finalist with the most votes, as well as his or her nominator, will receive a week-long loan of a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle.
Larry McCoy from Decatur, nominated by Craig McCoy
My father has always been my hero. I am proud to say my father served his entire career in the United States military. My dad enlisted in the military during the Vietnam War. He didn’t get drafted; he made a decision to put himself in harm’s way to protect his country. After Vietnam and his first enlistment, my father joined the Army National Guard and served the rest of his career there before retiring at the rank of first sergeant.
Our family has great military roots, and many of our relatives have served in multiple wars. I currently serve in the Army National Guard, and I would not be who I am today without his direction, guidance and wisdom. My dad is my hero and my role model as a soldier.
Stephen Bublitz from Decatur, nominated by Stephanie Bublitz
My father, Stephen Bublitz, was drafted into the Marines at the age of 19 during the Vietnam War. After receiving the draft letter, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps without hesitation. During his two years overseas, he led soldiers through mine fields, lived in fox holes and provided medical care and food to the Vietnamese. He risked his life in combat and watched his friends and fellow soldiers give the ultimate sacrifice beside him.
After his honorable discharge, he returned home and enlisted in the Seabees where he traveled to California, Puerto Rico and other areas to further serve our country. Though now retired, he is still very protective of our country and will always be a United States Marine.
Corey Griffin from Belleville, nominated by Tabatha Griffin
My husband Corey joined the Army in 2007 in an effort to support our family. He wanted to serve his country on the frontlines and was deployed to Iraq in 2009. After returning last December, he still manages to keep a smile on his face even after everything he has gone through. He is my hero for putting his life on the line not only for his country, but for our family as well.
Amanda Hunter from Alton, nominated by Thomas Hunter
My wife has been the most inspiring person to me since the day we met. She supported me while I was overseas and even left her family to live with me when I was stationed out of state. Her love, patience and support of my service to our country have never waivered. She is a hero for supporting me as a soldier and changing her life so we can live ours together.
Scott Johnson from Chicago, nominated by Jamie Johnson
My husband Scott Johnson is not only a soldier, but my hero. He has been in the Army for more than 13 years and has deployed to Iraq. He holds his soldiers and the Army in very high regard. Scott is also a hero here at home; he is the go-to man in our family and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
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Remember, only one vote per person per round! We actively monitor voting to ensure all votes follow the Our Town, Our Heroes Contest Rules.
Voting for this round of Our Town, Our Heroes ends at 6:00 P.M. CST on November 13, 2011. We will announce the winner and the winning hero’s nominator on November 14, so be sure to keep checking DrivingtheMidwest.com and follow us on Twitter @DrivingMidwest for real-time updates.
Remember, we’re always accepting nominations for Our Town, Our Heroes, so nominate YOUR hero today.
Tags: general motors, hero, Illinois, our heroes, our town, Veterans Day, vote
Go Corey!!
Friends will you please take a minute to vote for my dad as he is a finalist in this contest for being a HERO. He is our hero will you please help us get him the recognition that he deserves! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I nominated my dad, Larry McCoy, for Illinois Military Hero. Please vote for him, I would really appreciate it!
Vote for my friend Amanda! She is an amazing person
Good luck Mr. McCoy we’re hoping you win because you’re already a winner in our hearts
With Corey father of 4 beautiful girls and a heart of gold. He is the man that deserves the recognition!
Corey is a real American Hero!! Father of 4 beautiful girls and continues to be an inspiration even when away from his family. Always keep that smile & Thanks for the freedom I enjoy because of YOU!!!
We voted for you uncle Scott!!!! Love Braxton and Easton
Thank you very much Sherry! ~Laura
Good Luck Corey Griffin! When you make sacrifices for your country and especially your family, that is what defines a winner. You are already a winner. Best of Luck.
Scott good luck . Even if u don't win, u r still an american hero!!!!
Good luck Scott, and thank to all of you !!!
larry mccoy: they broke yhe mold on this guy,i've never told him this but he has always been my hero,i would have never survived my past if it wasn't for him. I love you, p.s. happy birthday
As far as Im concerned they are ALL American heros. Id like to thank them and all of there brothers and sisters in arms for defending the freedom I so love. GOD bless you all.
go corey thats all you baby you got this in the bag you are a hero in everyones eyes, put it in the bag baby from your brother troy
Good luck to my brother in law Corey!!!!
a year ago i found out i had a brother in law!….also found out he is an American Hero…god bless u Corey for serving our country…we love u and are so happy that u and ur family are apart came into our lives!
To Corey, Angela and I thank you for your service to America.
For those who have fought for it, freedom is a taste the protected will never know.
– Willie “Bo” Nelson, Mancelona, MI
Fighters By Day, Lovers By Night, Drunkards By Choice!
Semper Fidelis!
The quote was from:
L/Cpl Edwin L. “Tim” Craft, B Co 3rd AT’s, Khe Sanh Combat Base, February, 1968
Semper Fi.
Ok my friend's please go vote for Larry McCoy
he is one of my co-workers brother… Thank you!
I believe that everyone who serves our country will always be held up as HEROs, The families that sacrifice time with their loved ones, children sacrifice their fathers and mothers. Fathers and mothers sacrifice sons and daughters to keep us free are Heros as well…best of luck to you Amanda Hunter, you are a hero for your unwavering sacrifice so that your husband is able to protect his country. Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you so much mean a lot to me all the vote I receive
VOTE for SCOTT JOHNSON. Why? He has and on a daily basis, continues to sacrifice so much for you and your freedoms. He nearly died due to severe injuries in Iraq but didn't throw in the towel. Instead, he persevered and overcame his handicap in order to continue to serve the country he loves. He is very influential in molding and training soldiers into great leaders and individuals for our nation to be proud of. We are proud of you SFC Johnson for your selflessness and sacrifices! You have my vote and hopefully those who read about you.
Scott is AWESOME! He lives and breathes for those he serves as an army soldier. There is no one more deserving as he is. You're the best Scott….Good Luck!
Larry has spent a lifetime being a soldier. The 1st 4 years in the Army included a tour of duty to Vietnam. When he returned to Decatur, IL. he began working at the airport IL Army National Guard fulltime- for a total of 36 years retiring at 55. In his time served Germany, Panama, Puerto Rico, Ft. McCoy, Ft. Eustis, Corpus Christi Depot, Davidson Airfield, Ft. Knox, Ft. Vlovir, Okinawa,Ft. Leonard Wood were just a few of the places he served. Larry apreciates being nominated by his son Craig. We love you and know how important all this time spent was for our Freedom.
Larry has spent his working years as a career solider. The first 4 years in the ARMY with a tour of duty to VIETNAM. The years totaling 36 had stops in Okinawa, Puerta Rico, Panama, Germany, Davidson Airfield, Ft.Vleovir, Ft Leonard Wood, Ft. Campbell, Ft.Knox, Corpus Christi Depot, and Ft. McCoy to name just a few.
His full time job at the Illinois Army National Guard Support Facility in Decatur, IL. was as a Helicopter Technician. All the time going when needed wherever and raising a family. He greatly appreciates Craig
nominating him for this honor. And we supported him in keeping America FREE.
Looks like voting ended 4 1/2 hours ago, Congrats, Scott!
Looks like I missed the voting deadline but I still wanted to thank your family for all their service! I hope you win! Best Wishes