Edna and Michael Higgins are one of 65 families in the United States who received a visit from the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Memorial Torch Motorcycle Riders who have been traveling across the country since July 14th.
The group is escorting the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Flame from Eugene, Oregon to the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC., and on Saturday morning they stopped in Basom to honor Army Master Sgt. Charles L. Higgins who passed away in June of 2017. He was 37 years old.
Family and friends were on hand for the impromptu memorial service that was held in front of the Higgins home on Church street. Parents Edna and Michael Higgins were presented with a Memorial Plaque of Distinguished Service and an enlarged photo of their fallen hero who has not been forgotten.
Edna prepared a photo collage, a keepsake jar and a can of her son’s favorite beer signed by family members and friends to be displayed at the closing ceremony.
“In the future we hope to display the trinkets collected from fallen soldier’s families over the years on a shelf in Eugene, Oregon,” says Warren Williamson, Executive Director.
“Its something we are extremely proud of, all the items are different.”
Williamson says he did not serve in the military, but his dad and uncle did and he really wanted to do something to make a difference.
“This is just my way of creating something that is going to make a long lasting impact across the country to honor our fallen heroes.”
The group has been making the cross country trip for the past 10 years and has honored a total of 860 service members during that time. This year they made two stops in WNY, honoring a service member in East Aurora before showing up in Basom on Saturday morning.
Army Master Sgt.Charles L. Higgins enlisted into the United States Army in July of 1999 as an Aviation Operations Specialist. He was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska for four years serving in B Co 4th BN 123rd Aviation Regiment. MSG Higgins then served with the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) in February of 2004, serving in the 827th Engineer Company until September of 2005. He transferred to the 152nd Engineer Company in September 2006, where he became a Construction Equipment Supervisor. He served in various assignments, ranging from squad leader to platoon sergeant/operations sergeant until transferring out of the unit in October 2016. His last assignment was as the operations sergeant for the 153rd Troop Command (Brigade).
His achievements include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal x2, Army Achievement Medal x6, Army Good Conduct Medal x4, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon x3, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Aviation Badge, Driver/Mechanics Badge, and NYS Humane Service to NYS Medal x3.
He responded to numerous disasters within NYS during his time with the NYARNG to include Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy, and the November 2014 Snow Storm to name a few. In addition, he was instrumental in the success of the 152nd Engineer Company throughout numerous difficult training events over his 10 years with the company, to include joint overseas events, which resulted in his Company being among the most highly trained in the state.
The riders plan to arrive in Washington DC on August 4th where the Memorial Flame will be extinguished in a closing ceremony at 2:00p.m.. The ride will end with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and all Goldstar Families will by recognized.
To view the closing ceremony and follow the group follow them on Facebook at Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest.