Fallen Heroes to be Honored with Barbecue

community residents will honor four former students who died during military service at the second annual Peter Navarro BBQ on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at , 17050 Clayton Road in Wildwood. 

Since 2006, a scholarship has been awarded to a senior Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) student at Lafayette in honor of U.S. Army SPC Navarro, a 2003 graduate. Organized by Lafayette’s AFJROTC and the Chesterfield American Legion Post 556, proceeds from this event will help establish scholarship funds in the memory of three other Rockwood graduates: 

• Army SPC Paul Varner, 2003
• Marines CLP Riley Baker, 2002
• Army SSGT Edward Forrest Jr., Rockwood Summit High School 2003

Cadet/Second Lieutenant Brendan Donahue, a junior at Lafayette, said in a Rockwood release this is a unique event because Rockwood’s high schools are taking time to honor former students who willingly served and died for our country. “As a student now, that sends me a powerful message regarding the choices we make in the future,” said Donahue. “It shows that we as students matter after graduation.” 

Menu options include hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst and pulled pork sandwiches cooked by Smokin’ Dave’s Championship BBQ. Prices range from $5 to $7, and include chips and a soda.

Donations also can be made to Lafayette High School, in care of AFJROTC. For additional details, contact Colonel Mike Berenc at 636-733-4100 or via email.

YOUR TURN: Please leave thoughts about your memories of these Rockwood graduates in the comments section here, or a message to their families.