Monday, November 11, 2013
Ethridge Native Laid To Rest
Family supporting Wreaths Across America program in honor of son
The family of an Ethridge native laid to rest November 1 is supporting an effort that honors our nation’s fallen veterans.
On active duty with the United States Coast Guard, Ethridge resident Nick Keough, age 25, had been 
awaiting deployment to Afghanistan at the time of his death. He was killed in a motorcycle crash on October 25, 2013 in Mobile, Alabama, where he had been stationed.
The Guard provided a military detail in Keough’s honor. The Patriot Guard Riders, of which he was a member, provided a seventy-mile escort from Heritage Funeral Home in Columbia to Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, where Keough was laid to rest.
Born in Weirton, West Virginia on December 25, 1987, he was the son of Ethridge residents Larry M. and Mary Anne Miles Keough. He was a Marine Science Technician 2nd Class.
In Keough’s honor his family is supporting the Wreaths Across America program. According to the organization’s website its mission, “To Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in December at veterans cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.” Their slogan, “Honoring our veterans one wreath at a time.”
The organization accepts donations throughout the year then uses those funds to purchase wreaths to place on the graves of fallen soldiers.
The local fundraising effort was increased tremendously last year when Frito Lay employee Diane Travis became involved in honor of her son, Jason Davis.
Frito Lay officials agreed to match all donations. Travis was also able to secure purchase of wreaths at $10 apiece, as compared to $15 through the organization’s website. Thanks to her efforts the organization was able to place 600 wreaths, up from 30 the year prior.
The wreaths are laid at the same time in cemeteries across the nation. This year’s event is scheduled to take place on December 14.
Anyone interested in contributing to the program in honor of Nick Keough, or another fallen veteran, may drop off contributions at the offices of the Lawrence County Advocate at 121 North Military Avenue. The deadline for matching funds through Frito Lay is December 2.
For additional information visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
