MELBOURNE | What Susan Spillers, GySgt. Jonathan Gifford, Father Eamon Tobin and more than 150 others have in common other than being part of the Flags for Heroes display at Ascension Parish, is their love of neighbor and selfless service. Their witness stands as a beacon of patriotism and faith.
It is the second year the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Martin B. Power Council 14573 erects its Flags for Heroes on the parish campus. Unlike other traditional flag displays, to be eligible one does not have to be a veteran or deceased. More than a fundraiser, “Flags for Heroes connects with the concept of patriotism by dedicating a United States flag to a personal hero and displaying that flag for over a week surrounding the 4th of July,” explained Grand Knight José Montes.
A person may sponsor their hero, whether he is Catholic or not, veteran or not, and who serves or served in any vocation – priest, teacher, first responder, veteran, doctor, or other. David AmRhein assisted in the coordination of the event and sorting the heroes, their plaques and medallions. “There’s one common denominator among them and that is service – service to family, service to country, and most importantly service to God,” he said. “That’s what resonated with me when I looked at how this program impacts the sponsors who are recognizing their loved ones for their service.”
On the Ascension campus, 162 flags stand as one in unity as the body of Christ, as brothers and sisters who love their country, and the proceeds help fulfill the needs of various charities.
Wayne Hosburgh sponsored his younger sister, Susan Spillers. Spillers is a local teacher of 30 years mostly working with children with disabilities. Hosburgh, who spent 25 years in the Air Force, acknowledges his sister has gifts he doesn’t. Frequenting her classroom to talk about his military experience, he noted, “I love the way she interacted with the children in the school. Although she’s only 4’10” she manages those kids like a TI (military training instructor). Teachers don’t get the kind of recognition they should get,” he said. So he wanted her to know he appreciates her.
“You’re one of my heroes,” he told her when he called to let her know he’d sponsored a flag in her honor. Spillers began crying. “I wanted her to know that people see her, recognize her, and people care for her,” said Hosburgh.
Spillers, a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus in Indialantic, could not have children of her own, but her brother believes she was a mother to all her students. “She has probably the purest heart I know,” he said.
Geraldine Blanchard honored Father Eamon Tobin, former pastor of Ascension Parish who died in 2021. Blanchard and her family came to the U.S. from Oman in the Middle East in 1995. The following year Father Tobin was assigned to Ascension and became a mentor to Blanchard. “He had such a soothing effect for me after many years in the Middle East where, although we could go to church, it was not as we have it here. I was able to get rekindled in my faith thanks to Father Tobin. And he was always there for us,” she said. Often sharing her worry that her children were not as devoted, she said Father Tobin “would always remind me I was on the right track, always guiding me and staying focused on the goal.”
Remembering her beloved pastor she said, “Father Tobin was quiet and peaceful, but when he spoke, you always listened. His homilies were always to the point. He was always very understanding and ready to listen to you. He would calm me. He was the epitome of what a priest should be. He was always getting the message across – quietly, peacefully, but firmly.”
Renee Jurgensen honored her husband, Paul, a former Navy corpsman who served in Vietnam and died in 2009 and her son, Scott, a Brevard county assistant fire chief. In a heartfelt letter, she invited her son to the opening ceremony Sunday, June 29, asking him to accept the honor. “He had no idea when I invited him to this event of where he was going or what he would be a part of! So, to say it was an emotional event understates the evening,” said Jurgensen. Both of Scott’s grandfathers and great grandfathers served in the military.
Among those recognized is Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Gifford. His brother Matthew described him as, “probably the most decorated Marine of this century.” “He is the only U.S. Marine to have a street in Arlington National Cemetery named after him,” he said. GySgt. Gifford also has a training center at Camp LeJeune named after him with his 12-foot statue in front.
Gifford gave his life to save others while on his last tour in Afghanistan. “John was the guy that, no matter what the situation was, no matter the circumstance you were in, he was always there for you,” said Matthew. “Even if he had to drive through the night, he would be at your doorstep in the morning. It means everything that he is still remembered for his sacrifice and what he did for his country. And it’s not just him. It’s those who came before and those that have gone after him.” Like the Jurgensens, his grandfather and great grandfather also served in the military.
Although the family was non-denominational Christian, the Gifford children attended Melbourne Central Catholic High School. Matthew recalled his brother was inconsistent in the practice of his faith, but before his last tour, he recommitted himself to it. “I reflect on it quite a bit,” Matthew said emotionally. “It’s almost as if he knew.”
Gifford deployed five different times to Afghanistan following 9/11. Every time he said goodbye, Matthew would tell him he loved him. His brother would respond, “I’ll see you when I get back.” The last time his words were, “I love you too!”
Gifford died in 2012 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with his young daughter who died the year before him. He is survived by his wife, Lesa, and their five boys.
The Flags for Heroes display at Ascension Parish represents the family of God, and recognizes the dignity of every human being, acknowledging everyone has something to contribute. The display will be up until July 6.
By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, July 3, 2025