FORT HOOD, Texas - As members of the Fort Hood community paused in awe March 18, at the Clear Creek Post Exchange - the former U.S. Navy intelligence specialist wrote.
"I memorized the rank, first and last name of every service member who's given their life in Afghanistan in chronological order," said Ron White Jr., now a memory trainer. "I'm writing them out to say you're not forgotten.
White joined the Navy reserves following the 9/11 attacks and served from 2002-2010. In 2007, he was deployed to Afghanistan, said the Fort Worth, Texas, native.
"When I returned from Afghanistan, I realized that the average person on the street doesn't have an idea of the scope and sacrifice our service members make," said White.
White a two-time victor in the USA memory championship and holds the record for being the fastest person to memorize a deck of cards. White said he decided to put his skill to better use.
"Now when someone walks by, the average reaction is wow, I had no idea it was that much," said White. "And that's what I want them to say.
For the last year, White has traveled to many different locations including the Alamo, a Willie Nelson Concert and Times Square, all funded by White.
The crowd of on-lookers grew, as service members, family and retirees stop and pay their tribute to their loved ones.
"It is very often that a family member will stop and wait, sometimes for hours, until their hero's name is written out," said Ron White Sr., former U.S. Army military policeman and White's father.
David Embree, Defense Contractor from Albuquerque, N. M., found his friend Travis Grogan, a U.S. Army pilot of Oklahoma, on the wall.
"I knew him many years ago," said Embree. "All of us [who knew him then] remember him and it's bittersweet. You couldn't ask for a nicer guy. He was a great father and loved his wife."
"I'm just glad that they do this to honor the service members," said Embree.
Laura Samuel, a custodian for the PX fought back tears as she remembered her friend, John Andrade.
"I remember him being excited as he prepared to enlist; he served in the Army for a few months," said Samuel.
Similar to the Vietnam memorial in Washington, D.C., this black portable wall is 7 feet high by 52 feet long with roughly 2,300 names, which usually takes about 10 hours to complete, said the younger White.
"Currently, he has the board maxed out," said the elder White. "Since he started this, there have been more deaths so he will soon have to add another panel."
When all is said and done, the younger White hopes to travel to 25 major cities all to guard the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, said the elder White.
"We appreciate all of the service members," said the elder White. "For who they are and for what they're doing for us."
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