Tag: United States Marine Corps

  • [Video Report] The 13th running of the Captain Seth Mitchel Hero 5K

    [Video Report] The 13th running of the Captain Seth Mitchel Hero 5K

    Loveland Magazine Editor in Chief, David Miller has attended and reported on every running of the Capt Seth MitchelHero 5K. (Photo by Connie Mitchell)

    Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, October 15 in Historic Downtown the 13th running of the Capt Seth Mitchel Hero 5K was held in Nisbet Park and along the Loveland Bike Trail and Little Miami River.

    The annual walk and run are to honor a local and national veteran hero who grew up here in Loveland.

    Seth Mitchell, a Captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009 in a mission he volunteered for. Mitchell contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers.  He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, and a leader in the Marines.

    In other words, Seth was a hero for all.

    A group of Seth Mitchell’s high school classmates and friends, who miss their friend and want to keep his memory alive organize the races. The result has been a very sustaining scholarship memorial fund.

    After the race, David Miller said, “I didn’t meet Connie and Steve Mitchell until after their son’s death, and my favorite part of attending this race each year is to renew a friendship that has developed. They mostly keep the grief that of course is always there just under the surface, and come each year helping the rest of us heal. They are inspiring people and I know where Seth got his moral code, discipline, and sense of service to others”

    In the LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you can hear from two of the organizers, Seth’s father, and two of the most recent graduates who received scholarships.

    Eric Schroeder was the top male finisher with a time of 19:37. Kyle Kehling finished in second place at 20:17 and Greg Carpinello finished in 20:39.

    The top female racer was Averee Martin with a time of 26:25. Kathryn Mackin finished in second place at 31:48 and Shaina Mackin finished in 31:48.


    Your support of the 5K and the scholarship funding has provided scholarships for worthy Loveland High School seniors since 2010. Over 20 students have received scholarship funding and book stipends or gifts since our initial 5k in 2010. Our 5k team, Loveland High School, and of course the recipients and their families thank you.

    Meet the 2022 Scholarship Winners

    The Let Us Never Forget Seth Mitchell Scholarship ($3500.00) was awarded to Lindsey Barry. Lindsey has a lot in common with Seth. While Lindsey has great academic results, like Seth she had her struggles along the way. Overcoming obstacles is a great character trait and one the scholarship team values. One letter of recommendation stated that Lindsey is very “dependable, reliable and responsible”. While these may not be “flashy” character traits, they form a sound base for success in any life function. Another recommendation letter stated that Lindsey “works hard to achieve her goals”. That was very much like Seth also. In our interview with Lindsey she said: “I want to live life like Seth, a life of service, kindness and humility”.  Lindsey will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall.
    The Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship ($3500.00)  was presented to Baylee Bronner. Baylee is a lifelong Loveland resident and her uncle Don and Seth were friends in high school. Baylee and her family know a lot about Seth. Baylee has shown great perseverance in her life and has overcome many obstacles to achieve her dream of attending Xavier University. But as Baylee said in her interview, “My biggest mentality in life is to focus on the positive and not focus on regrets”. In spite of hurdles in life, she has moved forward in a positive manner. In letters of recommendation, Baylee was described as “most reliable, hardworking” and having “kindness and loyalty”. These qualities served Seth well and they will for Baylee also. Baylee served on the Hope Squad during her years at LHS and the mentors there described her as having a “gift for leadership”. No doubt Baylee will use this gift in her future pursuits.

    Because of your generosity, the scholarship team provided 3 additional applicants with $500.00 each as gifts toward their next step in life.

    Thank you again for your support of the Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K


    The Mitchell Family – Pete & Marina Patterson – Emerick Crown & Bridge Lab, Inc. – Schottmiller’s Auto Body – Randolph Cloud – Mollie Emerick – The Cook Family – The Carpinello Family – The Sobb Family – Keith & Allie Summey – Mark Stewart – Loveland Cross Country Teams – Frank & Maggie Wyatt – The Millers-Rapid City, SD – Bill & Barbara Morrow – Mark O’Rourke – Joe Horst – American Cold Storage Systems – Tim Daughton – Keith & Alli Summey – The Bivens Family – James Turner – Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP – John Spinello – Ronnie and JoAnn Johnson – Rachael & John Hickox – Brian Jogerst – Jerry and Leslie Gough – Karen Lencoski – Wes C. Addle – Sue Peterson – Adam Miller – IronGate Partners – The Lessner Family – Dwight & Julie Hunter – Carol and Jum Horst – Julie Powers Caños – Jeff Wick – Scott Brock – The Cranfords – The Prenger Family – Andrea Distasi – Philip Reale – Kathleen Berwanger – Jane Weirich – Laura & Bob Stennett – Maeve Gardner – John and Emily McConnell – Tom & Melissa Primm – Betsy & Don Licata – Tim and Kelly Byler – Dan Wahby – Michael & Lauren Currin – Paul Albrecht – Brad Southerland – Bill Matthews – Marie Cull – Francesca Plendl – Bill and Sherri Pitchford – Marcia Morgan – David Abbott – Christine Weason – Lois and Jerry Zito – Casual Pint-Loveland Station – Landen Square McDonald’s – John Walraven-In Memory of James Esker, US Army

    SPONSORS

    The Mitchell Family – Pete & Marina Patterson – Emerick Crown & Bridge Lab, Inc. – Schottmiller’s Auto Body – Randolph Cloud – Mollie Emerick – The Cook Family – The Carpinello Family – The Sobb Family – Keith & Allie Summey – Mark Stewart – Loveland Cross Country Teams – Frank & Maggie Wyatt – The Millers-Rapid City, SD – Bill & Barbara Morrow – Mark O’Rourke – Joe Horst – American Cold Storage Systems – Tim Daughton – Keith & Alli Summey – The Bivens Family – James Turner – Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP – John Spinello – Ronnie and JoAnn Johnson – Rachael & John Hickox – Brian Jogerst – Jerry and Leslie Gough – Karen Lencoski – Wes C. Addle – Sue Peterson – Adam Miller – IronGate Partners – The Lessner Family – Dwight & Julie Hunter – Carol and Jum Horst – Julie Powers Caños – Jeff Wick – Scott Brock – The Cranfords – The Prenger Family – Andrea Distasi – Philip Reale – Kathleen Berwanger – Jane Weirich – Laura & Bob Stennett – Maeve Gardner – John and Emily McConnell – Tom & Melissa Primm – Betsy & Don Licata – Tim and Kelly Byler – Dan Wahby – Michael & Lauren Currin – Paul Albrecht – Brad Southerland – Bill Matthews – Marie Cull – Francesca Plendl – Bill and Sherri Pitchford – Marcia Morgan – David Abbott – Christine Weason – Lois and Jerry Zito – Casual Pint-Loveland Station – Landen Square McDonald’s – John Walraven-In Memory of James Esker, US Army – The Loveland Schools Foundation

  • Learn how wounded Vet Joshua Sust will receive “Freedom” with a new home in Mainville

    Learn how wounded Vet Joshua Sust will receive “Freedom” with a new home in Mainville

    by David Miller

    Joshua Sust knew he needed to make a big life change when he found himself getting into the wrong crowd in high school. Motivated to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks, Josh enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman in hopes to better his future and make a difference.

    On November 12, 2011, during his deployment to Musa Quala, Afghanistan with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Cpl Sust was on patrol when his vehicle drove over a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED). The blast ejected Josh out of the vehicle, resulting in severe damage to his left leg, left arm, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and hearing loss.

    For over three years, doctors attempted limb salvage on his left leg. During that time, Josh endured constant pain and a decreased quality of life. In August 2015, he made the life-changing decision to have an amputation below his left knee.

    Joshua Sust (Provided Photo – HFOT)

    Now medically retired, Joshua enjoys spending his days hunting and fishing. His time outdoors is a form of therapy and builds camaraderie with his friends. A huge Bengals football fan, he likes attending games whenever he can. He also motivates others with similar injuries as a member of the Amputee Coalition peer support effort.

    Cpl Sust was on patrol when his vehicle drove over a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED).
    (Provided photo by Joshua Sust)

    Joshua posted the above photo on his FaceBook page this last November 12 and said:

     
     Confucius once said “ You have two lives.
     The second one begins when you realize
     you only have one.” 
     
     For me that realization was 9 years ago
     today. Also known as my Big Bang. 
     
     A lot has happened since then. 
     
     My biggest take away has just been to
     grow as a person. Try to show with
     action no matter who we are, where
     we come from or what happened to us
     does not define who we are.
     The greatest gift we have is time.
     Eventually it’s going to run out for all of
     us. When it does I just want to be
     remembered as a good person. 
     
     Enjoy this life, it’s the only one we
     have to live.
     

    Joshua will soon receive the freedom he describes in the video above when he moves into his new home on Zoar Road in Maineville. The digs are being custom-built for him by Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). The home is being built by Michalson Homes of Milford.

    “What that means to me is freedom of movement. I no longer have to think about my next step or if I can use a wheelchair,” said Joshua “At my current home I have to either wear my prosthesis or use crutches because the doorways and hallways are not wide enough.”

    Joshua’s home will be a handicap accessible home. Meaning the doorways are wider, grab bars in the shower, a roll-in shower in the master bedroom, and, hardwood floors on a single slab.

    Provided Photo – HFOT

    Joshua says that receiving a Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) home will be a game-changer. He is friends with several HFOT Veterans and has been inspired by their journey. He has witnessed the difference a specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home has made in their lives. In his current home, Joshua often gets discouraged because he cannot use a wheelchair and is forced to use a crutch for everything, including going downstairs to do laundry. With freedom and independence, the home will provide him, he will have more time and energy to host Amputee Coalition Peer Support groups in his home. Originally from Cincinnati, Joshua is choosing to remain in Ohio to be close to family and friends.

    “The neighborhood I will move into can be summed up with being peaceful,” said Joshua. “I am currently in Colerain. I am an avid hunter and fisherman. The idea for moving near Loveland was country living with peace and quiet that I do not currently have.” He does not have a move-in date currently, but he said he is just amazed at the progress that has been completed since September.

    The paying it forward motto of Joshua’s is, “I just do that as much as I can either financially or just helping people out. I’ve been blessed with a lot in life and it would be very selfish of me to just take and not give back as much as I can” He said that he is just trying to be a good human.

    Recent progress on Joshua’s new home (Provided Photo – HFOT)

    HFOT will be holding the community kick off on January 9th at the Loveland VFW.

    There will also be a volunteer day where people in the community come and help with landscaping and laying sod. Joshua has been told that it might have to be after the “key ceremony” due to Covid 19 restrictions.

    “The most important part I’m looking forward to is having my family over for the holidays. Or cookouts in the summer. I just want to share this amazing blessing with the ones I love,” said Joshua.

    Joshua feels grateful to receive a specially adapted custom home and said about Homes For Our Troops, “First and foremost thank you all for this amazing life-changing gift. Without your donations, none of this would be possible. I will not take this for granted and will pay it forward every way I can. You gave me freedom and independence. It is men and women like you that make this country so great.”

    DONATE TO THIS VETERAN’S PROJECT

    *VIRTUAL EVENT* COMMUNITY KICKOFF

    Please join us on Zoom as we kick off the building of Cpl Joshua Sust’s specially adapted custom home!

    Date: Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021
    Time: 10 a.m. EST

     CLICK HERE TO RSVP

    For more information on how to get involved in this project contact our Community Outreach Department at coc@hfotusa.org.

  • Seth Mitchell Hero 5K starts October 1st

    Seth Mitchell Hero 5K starts October 1st

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2020 Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K originally scheduled for October 10  is now be a VIRTUAL event taking place throughout the month of October and throughout the world. 

    Our local team of Damien Cook, Marisa Sobb, Mollie Schrichten and Greg Carpinello (recently moved to Portland, OR) have developed an event that should be fun for all. Additionally they have a new website and link to the event.

    To review the Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K please link to: www.sethmitchellhero5k.org.


    Register Now

    All proceeds benefit the Capt. Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship through Loveland Schools Foundation.

    Meet the 2020 Scholarship Winners

    Jordan Collins (above left) is the 2020 recipient and she has a spirit similar to Seth. She was/is involved in many theatrical and musical productions, is a National Honor Society member, volunteers through Mom’s Hope and works part time. Jordan will be paying a large part of her college costs. She has a “do something” attitude, a strong work ethic and knows no stranger, being kind to all. She is not afraid to fail in the pursuit of her dreams and is strong in the face of adversity. She hopes to pursue her theatrical dreams at Syracuse University.

    Caroline Ginder (above right) is the 2020 recipient of the Memorial Scholarship. Caroline was described by one of her references a “being self motivated and goal oriented…and a fine example of caring more about their teammate than herself”. She participated in many school events such as Tiger’s Inc., soccer, NEST and is a National Honor Society member. Caroline will attend Ohio State University where she will pursue medicine. She hopes to someday be a part of Doctors Without Borders. Like Jordan, Caroline is paying a share of her college costs.

    About Seth Mitchell

    Captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009.  Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers.  He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines.

    In other words, Seth was a hero for all.

    We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s high school classmates, who miss our friend and want to keep his memory alive.  We represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship.  As we organize this 5k Race and the scholarship memorial fund, we are motivated by one enduring inspiration: to live each day a little more honorably, kindly, and humbly… just like Seth.