ABC 7 honors active duty members this holiday

Courtesy: Lana L. Poneleit-Knight

Eddie Mlavsky

I'd like for you to meet my cousin Eddie Mlavsky and his wife Samantha and their son David. Both Eddie and Samantha serve in the US Army and Eddie is a SGT. Just 2 weeks ago Eddie was deployed to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for the next 9 months. Eddie will be missing his son's very first Christmas so he can keep our country safe. Eddie grew up here on the suncoast until his father, David, was killed in a car accident in 2002 and at that time he moved to St. Pete with his mother. His step-mother, Kerry and little sister, Jessica still live here in Sarasota with the rest of our family. We love Eddie and are so proud of the man he has become.

Courtesy: Debbie Bowers

MSGT Troy Bowers

My son MSGT Troy Bowers grew up in Sarasota and graduated in 1991 from Sarasota High.  He is currently in Afghanistan.

Courtesy: Gen Marsden

Paul Holt

Paul Holt , US Army. With his Brother Brad Holt, his nephews Cody & Tyler Holt. We love & miss you Paul! Merry Christmas! XoX

Courtesy: Joyce Rich

Sgt Brandon Rich

Sgt. Brandon Rich of the Army 320th out of St. Petersburg just left Sunday from Ft. Bliss to go to Afghanistan.  This is the 2nd year in a row the he will be away from his family, which includes 7-year-old Brandon and 3-year-old Conner.  Last year he was in Iraq.

Courtesy: Danielle Monroe

SFC Kenneth Edward Monroe of the US Army

My wonderful husband, SFC Kenneth Edward Monroe of the US Army, on October 15, 2012 carrying our daughter Ayla at one month old. This was the day he left for Kuwait until August 2012. He has served our country for 31 years and counting. We love and miss you Daddy!!!!! Love, Mommy and Ayla

Courtesy: Calie Woike

Specialist James Woike

This is my husband, Specialist James Woike.  He's been gone since October, but actually just left last night for Afghanistan. We love & miss him! He has a one year old little boy named Logan.

Courtesy: Daniel Tucci

PFC Joseph Tucci

PFC Joseph Tucci, serving at Bamberg ,Germany.  Love and miss you son.

Courtesy: Natalie Silver

USS Farragut DDG 99

Luckily, my husband BM2(SW) Travis Silver was able to come home to be with us this Christmas because we are transferring to a new base, but all of his shipmates on USS FARRAGUT DDG 99 are still out to sea, deployed since June. They are our Navy Family. The Silver family wishes all those sailors and everyone away from family this holiday season a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Go Navy!

CPL Lance Biddle

This is CPL Lance Biddle. Lance is still overseas. He will be home sometime mid year 2013. Not only is he serving our country, he is also running a business while away. Lance owns a private security locally which is Statewide Protection Associates out of Palmetto.