This is the 5th one for Semper Fidelis America and VFW Post 4287 in OrlandoShe grew up in Minneapolis, MN. the youngest of 5 siblings. Joined the Navy when she was 17 years old on July 28, 1999. Sharona's first duty was station aboard the USS Bataan Wasp-class amphibious assault ship see above photo based out of Norfolk, VA. She spent 4 years on sea duty, loved the experience of being out to sea, meeting other people from different backgrounds and traveling the world. In 2003 she decided to leave active duty and join the Naval Reserves to pursue other goals. Upon completion of associates of science, in radiologic technology she got her FL basic x-ray license in 2005. She also completed a bachelors of science, in management in 2008 from the University of Phoenix. In 2012 while on an active duty assignment to US Africa Command in Molesworth, England she started experiencing a lot of problems with her left foot and left leg. She was also struggling with extreme fatigue and weakness that she could not explain. After a cervical MRI showed inflammation in her spinal cord she went through a series of extensive blood work, brain scans, and optical nerve studies. Sharona was eventually diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and medically retired as Chief Petty Officer in June 2014.
Currently she lives in Orlando, FL with her daughter Taylor. As she fights through the challenges of PTSD and coping with this invisible disease she has found relief from the daily stressors by participating in adaptive sports and getting involved in the community to assist fellow veterans with transitioning and recovering. These types of activities allow Sharona to meet with fellow veterans that can relate to her situation and understand some of the challenges she faces everyday. Being able to connect with people that can truly understand some of what she is going through, interacting with people who share their personal stories and how they cope is far more therapeutic than going to any therapy sessions she has attended. Sharona looks forward to finding new opportunities and adventures with fellow veterans going forward with her healing process.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jeremiah Jackson, left, Air Force Master Sgt. Joe Deslauriers, center, and Army Master Sgt. Guertin, rear, begin the procession for a wreath laying ceremony at the Bellingham, Mass., war memorial, May 19, 2013. Master Sgt. Deslauriers, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron and Bellingham, Mass., native, received a Silver Star for gallantry in action.September 2012 Warrior in the Spotlight - MSGT Joe Deslauriers
(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Belena S. Marquez/Released)
Technical Sergeant Joseph R. Deslauriers was born in Bellingham, Massachusetts, a small town southwest of Boston. He is the son of Joseph and Muriel Deslauriers, and brother to Celeste. Joe attended Bellingham Junior as well as Bellingham Senior High Schools where he lettered in football and baseball. He graduated from high school on June 6th, 1996 and was accepted to Framingham State College (Mass) where he continued to play football.
After attending Framingham State College for one year, Joe returned back to Bellingham and decided to join the United States Air Force. His desire was to serve his country and to travel and so he joined the Air Force on February 18, 1998. After graduating basic training Joe attended technical training at Eglin Air Force Base Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) phase one and then went on to phase two of training at Indian Head, Maryland. Upon graduation of EOD technical training school, Joe was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Force Base, Germany. While stationed there, Joe deployed to Gioia de Colle, Italy for Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo campaign. He then returned to Germany for three more months where he then deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Southern Watch. After returning from Kuwait, he PCS’d to Osan Air Force Base, Republic of Korea where he served as an EOD technician. From Korea, Joe was transferred to Hurlburt Field, FL home of the US Air Force Special Operations Command where he is currently stationed. While stationed there, he has deployed to Iraq in support of OIF and to Afghanistan three times in support of OEF. Joe also has also deployed to Africa in support of AFSOC operations as well. Joe married his sweetheart Lisa on 13 Nov 2010 and deployed to his last OEF tour a few months later
While on his last deployment in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, Joe was conducting route clearance operations for a US Marine Combat Engineer Battalion when 3 IED blasts occurred. During the post blast investigation, Joe stepped on a pressure plate in an area which had already been swept and deemed clear. He had walked over the area on four different occasions and was returning to his vehicle when the blast occurred. His injuries were catastrophic Joe received an amputation of both legs above the knees and an amputation of his left arm below the elbow. Additionally, Joe also suffered from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and is now suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Jan 14, 2013
On Saturday Semper Fidelis held a fundraiser for a Green Beret, double amputee at the VFW Post 4287 in Orlando. Mary Ingrassia arranged the event and all of her hard work paid off. Everyone had a great time and over $10,000 was raised for Josh's recovery.
Jan 19, 2014
Last night proved beyond a doubt that when people come together for a common cause, mountains are moved out of the way!
Last year, Mary Ingrassia heard about a Green Beret double amputee Josh Burnette and decided to do something to help him. Semper Fidelis America President John Murphy has always been about team work. Just ask any of the veterans groups in Central Florida and they will tell you how active he and his wife Teresa are. Doug Pattelena, Commander VFW Post 4287 also knows this. Because they worked together, Josh knew how much he was loved with a fabulous night of appreciation, fun and over $10,000 in donations for his future.
Durning the event Mary heard about another young combat wounded hero, Bo Reichenbach. Bo, a Navy SEAL, lost both of his legs in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. It was his time to be star of the show at the VFW.
Even Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer sent a proclamation declaring Bo Reichenbach Day!
Jan. 18, 2015
Marine Cpl. Adam Devine was honored by a huge crowd on January 17th at the VFW Post 4287 in Orlando, sponsored by Semper Fidelis America. Adam was wounded in Afghanistan. This is from the motorcycle escort thru the streets of Orlando.
