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In Memory Of for Rick Balmer, Military Spouse or Family, Honored by City Cemetery of South Bend, IN

To Remember is to Honor: A Special Tribute to Rick Balmer This year, as the Wreaths Across America South Bend City of Cemetery (Schuyler Colfax NSDAR Chapter), reached a historic milestone: 70% wreath sponsorship (by far the highest amount we have ever raised in sponsorships). We believe this wasn't just luck; we believe we an incredible guardian watching over our efforts. Today, we are humbled to announce a major donation made in loving memory of man who was the heartbeat of the veteran community in Michiana. Rick Balmer: The Man Who Had Our "6" This past July, we lost Rick Balmer in a tragic motorcycle accident. Though Rick never wore the uniform, everyone who met him assumed he was a veteran because of his unwavering servant’s heart. Following the loss of his nephew, Air Force Tech Sgt. Ryan Balmer (KIA 2007), Rick dedicated his life to supporting veterans. He was a force of nature who had just retired, eager to spend his days doing even more good. To many of us, he was more than a committee member; he was a father figure who stepped in during our darkest times. Rick was the man you trusted to have your back, no matter what. Why "Remember Me"? The national theme for Wreaths Across America is "Remember Me." It was inspired by a simple line from a movie: “Maybe they don’t forget about you, but they forget to remember you.” We refuse to forget to remember. We often speak of "veterans" as a group, but our mission is about the individual. It’s about the father who never met his grandchild, the young recruit who saw too much, and the advocates like Jason and Rick who made it their life's work to ensure no name was ever forgotten. Our Promise As we look toward the 250th anniversary of our nation, "Remember Me" is our battle cry. By donating our yearly fundraiser funds in the names of Jason Rhodes and Rick Balmer, we are ensuring their stories continue to be told. They left this earth far too early, but their legacy is visible in every wreath placed at Fairview Cemetery.