SGT Norman Tollett died on April 28, 2007, during his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was a 1994 graduate of Elyria Catholic High School and co-captain of the Panthers football team.

He joined the military at the age of 27 after visiting Ground Zero.

“He would never forget the sites, the sound and smell of the entire atmosphere around the towers, “explains Miller.

Tollett told his mother why he wanted to go into the Army: “If I could take the place of a young husband or a father with young children at home that will be my contribution.”