A few weeks ago while in Garretson watching my brother play freshman basketball, I stopped at a local bar and grill for dinner with my husband and mother.As I ate my food, I noticed a bulletin board on the wall full of photos, notes and maps. Upon further inspection, I figured out that the board was honoring area service members. It detailed where they were stationed, how they could be reached and photographs of them.Although some photos were typical military portraits, similar to school pictures, others were photos obviously taken by the young men and women on location.Those photos defiantly spoke a thousand words. A woman in fatigues standing in the middle of a dirt street watching school children cross is still vivid in my mind.Stumbling upon this bulletin board reminded me of a conversation I had this fall with Hills resident Wendell Erickson. He had mentioned how it would be nice if a local business would display a list of service members from our area.At the time, I was in a hurry to leave one event and get to a meeting, so I didn’t give the conversation much thought. But as I studied the faces and words on this particular evening, I discovered why such a display would be an asset to our community.I am still amazed when I get a call from an area family to report that their son or daughter has received a military award or even just graduated from basic training. I would be willing to bet that most families don’t even call – so that I have no idea how many of our residents or former residents are out in the world defending the great US of A.When I stop at Orv’s to get my gas, I can’t help but glance at the headlines of the Argus Leader. The war in the Middle East seems to deliver death on a regular basis.So far, the war hasn’t brought death to the doorsteps of our community – we are lucky. I feel we should honor our soldiers now, not wait until they return home or until tragedy strikes. Whether they are in the Middle East trying to rebuild a nation, training on American soil or maintaining the peace in a distant land, they deserve recognition.My goal in relaying this story to my readers is the hope that someone will step up and take the initiative to get a similar display started in our area.I think it is important for the children of our community to see just how many of their neighbors are a part of the American military, and I think it benefits everyone to see just where these former H-BC Patriots are today.Additionally, I believe with contact information posted in a public area, these brave volunteers would suddenly see an increase in their e-mail, in care packages and in prayers.Again, I challenge area businesses, organizations and residents to make a few phone calls and try to get something started.I would love to learn about these men and women. Chances are, I will not know any of them, but it would still be nice to learn their names.I am willing to use my pen, as editor of the Crescent, to help make this happen. If anyone wants to help me, please call me. Alternatively, if any area businesses have a few feet of space on their wall, I would be willing to buy the bulletin board.Support starts at home, and for now, these unknown area soldiers deserve our support. We can’t hug them or change the horrible situations they are in, but we can show them that we respect them and honor them for their sacrifices.Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561