Warrior(s) of the Week

On this Military Monday we honor and try to help a former Marine after the loss of his little boy. They are BOTH our Warriors of the Week.

Lance Corporal William Sanner (Billy) enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 2005 and served until 2010. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion 9th Marines known as the Walking Dead.

In 2008 he started his tour in Iraq in Ar Ramadi. His duties included foot patrols, convoys, training of Iraq police, and security events. While in Iraq, he guarded General Petraeus and provided security for Air Force One.

Billy also provided security during the earthquake in Haiti. He was part of a Joint Task Force with Navy Seals and the Navy Sea Bees.

But now, Billy, his wife, and his daughter have learned what  tragedy really is.

Their son Jason was born October 11, 2012, but died on September 10th of this year.

Billy and Heidi Sanner were high school sweethearts during their years at Howell High School, later married, and were excited with the birth of their beautiful daughter Arianna (now six years old).

After serving four years as a Marine, Billy and Heidi were blessed with another child, Jason. At the age of 11 months, Jason was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer) in his lung.

Jason spent three months at CHOP in Philadeplhia. and, even when he was released, there were many more trips there for treatments.

In July, The Francis Foundation sent Jason and his family to Disney, because Jason loved Mickey Mouse.The family cherishes the wonderful memories that were made there. Jason was a child that always had a smile on his face, even when he was sick from chemo.

Jason passed away at the age of 23 months. His passing has left the family in a financial hardship.

So the Brennan Stands Alone Foundation, which helps military families with medical bills

during times of tragedy and hardship, has stepped in to raise money for the Sanner family.

This Wednesday, October 15th, at the Ivy League, 5 East 3rd Street and Rt. 9 North in Howell, 15% of your bill will go to support the family. They will also hold a 50/50 from 3 pm to 9 pm, and raffle a TV. There will be food and drink specials and Happy Hour specials from 4 pm - 9 pm. PLEASE MENTION THE FUNDRAISER so that the money goes to benefit Corporal Sanner and his family via the Brennan Stands Alone Foundation.

You can also mail donations to: Mr. William Sanner, C/O Brennan Stands Alone Foundation, 10 Stratton Drive, Howell, NJ, 07731.