by Kristin Shea

Unadilla Township has chosen to honor the township’s Hometown Heroes in a unique and distinguished manner starting this year. At the intersection of M-36 and Main Street in Gregory, a number of banners have been hung with pride from the tops of utility poles.

According to Merriam-Webster, the word “hero” can be defined in a few different ways: 1) an illustrious warrior or soldier, 2) a person who shows great courage, 3) a person admired for achievements and noble qualities. 

In Unadilla’s case, each banner features the name and photo of a local military veteran who served our country in a selfless and heroic way, and some of them were killed in action while doing so. 

Psychologists Dr. Zeno Franco and Dr. Philip Zimbardo, co-authors of “The Banality of Heroism,” agree that “Heroism can be a sudden, one-time act, or something that persists over a longer period of time. The core of heroism revolves around the individual’s commitment to a noble purpose and the willingness to accept the consequences of fighting for that purpose.” 

To the family members who sponsored the banners, these men will forever be remembered for accomplishing great things at great personal risk. The accolades given to these young men during their time in combat are a testament to their bravery, commitment and courage, important qualities we hope to embody in our own lives, as well as instill in future generations. 

The following men, listed alphabetically, are included in the 2026 charter group of Hometown Heroes banners currently on display: 

• SP4 AC Allen, US Army

• PFC Maurice John Biehn, USMC

• Pvt. Elwin Breniser, US Army

• PFC John Donohue, USMC (KIA)

• LCpl Charles “CJ” Gauthier, USMC

• Sgt. Jimmy Howton, US Army

• Sgt. Dustin Lanehart, USMC

• PFC James Loso, US Army 

• Pvt. Carl Manoogian, US Army

• SP4 Gordon Outwater, US Army

• SSG Robert Simons, US Army (KIA)

• SPC David Stoffer, US Army

• Pvt. Kenny Stoffer, US Navy

• Roland Stoffer, US Army

Donohue, Loso, Outwater, and Simons all earned Purple Hearts. Donohue and Simons were killed in action during the Vietnam Conflict and Biehn died while serving during that time in South Vietnam. Their names are featured on the township’s Gold Star Memorial located at the fire station in Gregory. The Memorial is a list of all the residents killed in action during the various wars and conflicts. 

Unadilla Township has created a venerable tradition with these banners, and will continue to add to the collection each year. Although only veterans are currently on display, the program would like to honor all of the Hometown Heroes, including law enforcement, nurses, and firefighters. Going forward, the township plans to put the banners up in the Spring, just before Memorial Day, and they will remain on display through Veteran’s Day in the fall. The permanent brackets that are used in the display were paid for by the township, and the fire department volunteered their time to install them. 

Amber Walker Smith, Deputy Clerk of Unadilla Township, had this to say. “We are absolutely thrilled to be facilitating this project for our veterans, first responders, and families. We hope that when the community drives through Gregory, the faces of these remarkable people will inspire those who see them to persevere with gratitude and good conscience. These banners also provide families with the opportunity to see their loved ones within the community again, a gift the township cannot pass up.”

If your family resides in the area and is interested in purchasing a banner, you can obtain a registration form at the Unadilla Township Hall, located at 126 Webb St. Gregory, MI 48137. The cost is $104.95. Any questions about the project can be directed to Amber at deputyclerk@twp.unadilla.mi.us.

All photos by Kristin Shea.