One evening two months ago, our family received word that our son, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Sky Mote, was killed in combat in Afghanistan. A group of Marines stood on our porch and in the dim light we didn't know which branch of the service they were from. We didn't know which son we had lost. Since that confusing moment one thing became clear: People in this community care. They care not only for those who have given their lives but also for those who have and continue to serve this country.
On behalf of our family, we would like to thank everyone for all the support. We have not had a chance or a forum yet to do that.
We would like to thank all the members of this community that have been a part of Sky's life – his friends and their parents, his teachers at Silva Valley, Rolling Hills and Union Mine High School; his Cub Scout, 4-H, and Civil Air Patrol leaders; his cross country, track, soccer, baseball and football camp coaches. You know who you are. You did a great job. Thank you.
We would like to thank everyone in this community who sent letters and packages to our sons during their deployments. This includes students and teachers of the Buckeye Union School District, the El Dorado County Board of Realtors, the Blue Star Mothers, Golden Spoke bike shop, Beretta Physical Therapy, many friends and individuals and the El Dorado group that even sent Christmas trees abroad. Your packages of drink mixes, socks, jerky, etc. were greatly appreciated.
Additionally, we would like to add a thank-you for all the law enforcement, fire, explosive ordinance disposal and other emergency services personnel who participated in Sky's arrival home. A special thank-you to the Friends of the El Dorado County Veterans Monument and the pilots of the fly-by salute led by flight leader Chuck Wahl in honor of our son.
We would like to personally encourage the community to come out to the Veterans Day celebration at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument on Nov. 11 at 11 am. We will honor those from our community who currently serve the cause of freedom and those who have in the past, including Sky. He will be honored with a dedication of a granite bench that will forever stand as a reminder of his sacrifice.
– Russell and Marcia Mote, El Dorado
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