2008 Honoree - Army Cpl. Aaron M Griner

Army Corporal Aaron M. Griner, age 24, died June 28, 2006 in Musa Qala, Afghanistan, while in support of Operation Mountain Thrust, when his vehicle struck a mine during combat operations. Aaron was was a health care specialist assigned to Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Fort Drum, New York

A native of Tampa, former student at Tampa Bay Tech, and an avid soccer player at Town N' Country's Hanley Complex, Griner entered the Army in February 2004 and completed basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. After completing advanced individual training to be a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he was assigned to Fort Drum in September 2004. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 'V' Device, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Medic Badge.

Aaron is survived by his wife Amanda and their young son Austin of New York; his mother Anita Bridges of Atlanta; two sisters, Annie VanHorn of Brandon and Megan Griner of Atlanta Georgia; and his father Ernest Griner of Tampa. Aarons family will ride in the Honorees car leading the parade.