Area man makes it his mission to show appreciation to Northeast Indiana's soldiers
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Below, the crowd stands at attention as the color guard presents the flag during the local Military Appreciation Day festivities in 2007.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Rick Stephens is on a one man mission to show his appreciation for those serving in the military -- something he's been hard at work doing for the past eight years. 
Stephens, an employee of Northeastern REMC in Whitley County, is planning the eighth annual Military Appreciation Day event on a particularly fitting date this year -- September 11.
Between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight at the Allen County Fairgrounds, Stephens and a group of volunteers have a lot planned. A proclamation from Governor Mitch Daniels will be read, several guest speakers will give addresses and a wide variety of entertainment will take place. The popular Whitley County band Huckleberry Blue will perform along with Deuce, Urban Legend and Dan Nightingale. Other performers will include the Fort Wayne Police Department Bagpipers and the Fort Wayne Area Community Band.
The Parkview Samaritan helicopter will visit and Skydive Fort Wayne will do a demonstration.
The Color Guard from the 1st/293rd Infantry as well as the American Legion and Patriot Guard Riders will also participate.
Members of the Churubusco VFW will be selling pork burgers, grilled chicken, beer and beverages.
Stephens became interested in making a point of regularly thanking servicemen and women for their commitment to their country when his son returned from active duty in Iraq.
"When they came back that year we had a party," he said. "Now, we open it up to all soldiers and veterans. It is for everybody now."
"Every veteran and soldier here in Whitley County is invited to this," said Stephens.
Stephens said he is in awe of their sacrifices and he feels drawn to bringing people together to show appreciation for those who've put their lives on the line. "I just have such a connection with those men and women," he said.
Stephens said the all ages event is free and is meant to show respect for soldiers in Northeast Indiana and beyond.
"We will need about 100 volunteers that day who are willing to hold flags," Stephens said. Flags will be provided, but if you can bring a few more, that would be helpful too.
"This is a neat thing to be part of," he said.
For more information about the event, visit www.militaryappreciationparty.org