Michigan Heroes Museum

Michigan Heroes Museum Michigan Heroes Museum's mission is to Honor, Respect, and Remember Michigan's citizens' personal contributions to our nation's military and space programs.
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Our mission is to educate and inspire people of all ages, nurture the memories of the men and women from Michigan who served in the armed forces during America’s foreign wars, and to support current members of our nation's military. We also honor the peacetime bravery of Michigan’s space pioneers and astronauts. Michigan's Own includes exhibits on Michigan's governors who have served in the armed

forces, the Polar Bear veterans (members of the American North Russia Expeditionary Force who fought on Russian soil during WW I), veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War of 1991, and the War on Terrorism. There are special exhibits to those who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. Michigan's Own is the home of the largest collection of Medals of Honor in the world. We also feature exhibits on Michigan's astronauts.

Today's hero is SSG Matthew J. Leach who is celebrating his 44th birthday in heaven with his fallen brothers.Matthew J. ...
09/01/2026

Today's hero is SSG Matthew J. Leach who is celebrating his 44th birthday in heaven with his fallen brothers.

Matthew J. Leach
Staff Sergeant, United States Army
September 1, 1982 – June 26, 2012
Age – 29
Ferndale, MI

Operation Enduring Freedom
1st Battalion, 334th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division (Leader Training) United States Army Reserve, Fraser, MI

Died of an undiagnosed illness

Matthew Leach was born in Texas and moved with his family to Pennsylvania and later to Ferndale.

Sara Leach said she and her husband attended elementary, junior high and school together, but didn’t start dating until after they graduated in 2000. They married in 2005.

After high school, Matthew Leach worked as a state certified auto body repair specialist at a collision shop in Ferndale. Family members described him as energetic, creative and someone who wanted to exce. They said he was an aavid hunter.

They said he joined the Army in 2003 because he wanted to serve his country after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

He served two tours, totaling 20 months in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division. Army Staff Sergeant Leach loved being a soldier. So much so that when tours of duty in Iraq ended, he signed up for a third in Afghanistan and planned to make the military his career.

After the second tour ended in 2008, he joined the Army Reserve and signed up for a one-year tour in Afghanistan, where he worked with robots. He was a member of the 1/334th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division, out of Fraser, MI.

He was found unresponsive in his bed June 26 at his base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the cause of death not readily apparent. His wife said he was in good health.

His wife said he had been in Afghanistan for about a month and that she got an email from him last week indicating he was happy to be there.

Two of his fellow soldiers remembered him with the following:

July 10, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah, Jack and the rest of SSG Leach's family. I will cherish the memories of Matt forever. Matt was a phenomenal NCO, but most importantly he was a great friend and family man. We had many great times at the unit as well as our extra missions at Custer. You will be truly missed my friend, until we meet again.....rest peacefully brother.
SGT Jonathan Goss

July 3, 2012
I met SSG Leach in the Robotics Repair course we went through just before his deployment to Afghanistan. In the the four weeks I spent with SSG Leach, I got to know him well. He really was an outstanding guy. One of those people you wish you could have more to do with on a regular basis. I will always remember him talking about his wife and son, and the pride he took in what he has done with his life. He was a very smart person who I actually enjoyed talking with, and learned from. I will never forget the person he was as well as an outstanding Soldier. I also will never forget the picture on his military I.D. Normally, people take a serious looking picture, were you look mean and "army like." SSG Leach's photo was much more "fun loving" with a big goofy smile. That picture is a small example of the kind of "just take it easy" and enjoy life mindset SSG Leach had. I apprciated that in him. Thanks again for the month SSG, and don't worry, I won't tell anyone about that Robot we drove into the side of the washer. The dent is still there my friend.....
John Cipolletti

Today's hero is Corporal Nicholas Manoukian who is spending his 42nd birthday in Heaven.Nicholas ManoukianCorporal, Unit...
08/31/2026

Today's hero is Corporal Nicholas Manoukian who is spending his 42nd birthday in Heaven.

Nicholas Manoukian
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
August 31, 1984-October 21, 2006
Age – 22

Lathrup Village, MI

Operation Iraqi Freedom
1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division,
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejuene, North Carolina

Killed in Ramadi Iraq while out on patrol during his second deployment.



Nick graduated from Kimball High School in 2003. A creative, loving young man, Nick lived his life to the fullest as an accomplished drummer, artist, and cook, who enjoyed sharing his talents with family and friends. He will always be remembered for his warm and loving heart, his strength of character, and a smile that would light up the room. After joining the Marines in 2004, Nick graduated boot camp at Parris Island and trained in Communication School at 29 Palms, California. He earned multiple awards including the Navy Achievement medal with V for Valor and a Purple Heart with a Gold Star. He was the only child of Mary and the late Isaac Manoukian.
Nick...His Marine brothers called him "Manny" ... Born in Westland Michigan on August 31st 1984 and resided in Lathrup Village ,Michigan. Nick was the only child of Mary and the late Isaac Manoukian. Nick was a vibrant and loving husband ,stepdad and son who was deeply loyal and devoted to his family and friends. His bright spirit ,humor and great hugs linger on in everyone who knew and loved him. Nick was a courageous warrior but also a kind, generous and soulful spirit who touched many hearts with his poetry, art, music and drums.

After 9-11 Nick wanted to join the Marines and be a part of the "few and the proud" .He told me that "One day I want to tell my children and grandchildren that I went to war to help protect them". Of course I tried to talk him out of it as I was very concerned being that Nick's father died when he was only 12 years old and Nick being my only child.

He told me he was planning on college afterward and one day having his own business.

Nick graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High school in 2003 and left for Parris Island in June 2004.He would finish his training for communications out in 29 Palms California in December 2004. His first deployment came shortly afterward. In March 2005 he deployed to Fallujah, Iraq with the 1/6 Marines H&S Co. Upon returning in October 2005 he reconnected with his high school sweetheart and they married in July 2006.Nick proposed to her by trying to celebrate all the Holidays that they would be apart from one another while he was in Iraq. He set up decorated stations around our house starting with Halloween and ending with sending his wife to be on an Easter Egg hunt in July to find her engagement ring. He was a very creative, romantic warrior.

They would only have a precious couple months together as Nick was redeployed to Ramadi Iraq in Sept 2006.On this deployment Nick would serve as his Lt's radio-man with Weapons Co. Upon arrival his unit would immediately encounter numerous firefights, ambushes and roadside bombs in Ramadi, Iraq. On October 9th 2006 Nick's humvee was hit by an IED and Nick was knocked unconscious suffering a level 3 concussion. He was given 2 days rest and put back out on patrol. On October 21,2006 (shortly after midnight Iraqi time) Nick's platoon was out on patrol doing a route clearing mission and his unit was attacked with an IED (improvised explosive device. Nick and two of his Marine brothers in the Humvee all lost their precious lives that night.

Some of Nick's decorations and awards include The Navy Achievement Medal with combat V for Valor, Purple Heart with gold star in lieu of 2 Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, War on Terrorism Expeditionary Meda , Combat Action ribbon, War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Medal.
Nick was remembered by fellow Marines with the following words.

It has been a while since I have wrote anything. I was in the Philippines on Oct 21, 2010 aiding with humanitarian for the typhoon that hit. I am sorry that I was unable to post on that day. I have had several thoughts and memories. I have left Camp Lejeune and now I’m in Okinawa. New line of Marines, could not and will not ever compare to you. You were the Marine and friend that all would love to have.
Semper Fi Brother
SSgt Hasbargen, Okinawa, Japan, October 25, 2010 | Okinawa

Manny,
I am sitting here in Ramadi, Iraq on this day 21 Oct 2009 assigned to a Military Transition Team training the Iraqi Army. I sit here and think about you everyday and those that you left behind. You were without a doubt the smartest and best Marine that walked into the Communications Platoon. Not many Marines would do what was asked of you. You didn't complain when we said we had to send someone to Weapons Company. We ended up giving a Marine that we knew we could handle the job. You will be missed and never forgotten.
Semper Fi SSgt Fredrick T. Hasbargen, 1st BN 6th Marines Communications Platoon

NICK
HEY BUDDY WHATS GOIN ON? WELL AS FOR ME NOT FEELING TO HAPPY TO KNOW IM NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO LAUGH WITH U ANYMORE. WHEN WE WERE IN IRAQ TOGETHER WAKING UP KNOWING I WAS GONNA BE ABLE TO TALK TO YOU AND JOKE AROUND WITH YOU IS WHAT KEPT ME GOING STRONG. I REMEMBER WHEN I BOUGHT THE NINTENDO DS CAUSE U HAD ONE AN WE WOULD SEND MESSAGES AND DRAW FUNNY STUFF BACK AND FORTH TO EACHOTHER. I REMEMBER WHEN WE WERE SEPERATED AND WHEN WE SAW EACHOTHER AGAIN HOW HAPPY WE WAS TO CHILL WITH EACHOTHER.YOU WERE A ME IN YOUR BODY AN I WAS A U IN MINE. ILL NEVER FORGET HOW WHEN WE GOT BACK U TRIED TO BE STRONG MAN AN CARRY ALL THOSE BAGS THEN TRIPPED OVER YOURSELF IN FRONT OF ALL THOSE PEOPLE,LOL WE WERE ALL LAUGHING. NICK IM SORRY THAT WHEN WE CAME BACK I DIDNT GET IN CONTACT WITH YOU AS MUCH BUT I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND I WAS TRYING TO MAKE UP TIME I MISSED WITH MY WIFE. I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE YOU ARE GONE AND EVERYDAY IM REMINDED OF YOU BY WHEN I STEP IN MY CAR AN SEE YOUR PICTURE ON MY DASH, AND THE CAR'S NAME IS NICK SO I THINK YOU WOULD LIKE IT.TO BE HONEST WITH YOU BRO YOU WERE THE ONLY FRIEND I COULD PROBABLY TRUST WITH MY LIFE AND I DID. YOU WERE A BROTHER TO ME AND ILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU LIKE ONE. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN AND ARE ABLE TO SAY,"QUE ONDA" TO EACHOTHER MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. LOVE YOU BRO BE SAFE&PROTECT YOUR WINGS.
CHRISTOPHER TORRES, January 17, 2007 | JACKSONVILLE, NC

Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps Reserve founded on this day in 1916!!! THANK YOU for all you do to defend and protec...
08/29/2026

Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps Reserve founded on this day in 1916!!! THANK YOU for all you do to defend and protect us! Honor. Respect. Remember.

08/29/2026

Today's hero is PFC Eric Hario who gave his life for our country 17 years ago today. Please say a prayer for him and his family.

Eric Hario
Private First Class, United States Army

December 9, 1989 – August 29, 2009
Age - 19

Monroe, Michigan

Operation Enduring Freedom
1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia

Died of wounds sustained when he was shot by enemy
forces Aug. 28 while conducting combat operations.


PFC Eric Hario was on his first deployment in support of the War on Terror.
After graduating from Monroe High School where he lettered in football and wrestling, Hario enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 2008. By enlisting after high school, Eric was following tradition. His father was in the Navy and his oldest brother, Robert Hario, is in the Army. Eric planned to stay in the service “for some time. He just wanted to be a Special Forces guy and wanted to be in the Army since he was about 5 years old.

He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning Ga., as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course there, he was assigned to the Ranger Indoctrination Program also at Fort Benning. Upon graduation from the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to Company A, 1st Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment in January 2009 where he served as a grenadier.

His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course and the Ranger Indoctrination Program. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

“He did not fight in vain. He did not die in vain,” said Chaplain Dave Bowles of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He described PFC Hario as a soldier who fought for his flag and country and who set a fine example for everyone. He was shot in the neck in the early stages of a fierce 20-hour firefight in a mountainous area of eastern Afghanistan, Army officials said. Chaplain Bowles said Pfc. Hario “gave 100 percent and then some as he served with America’s most elite infantry unit, the Army Rangers.”

“Pfc. Eric Hario is one of our nation’s heroes,” Col. Michael (Erik) Kurilla, 75th Regiment commander, told those attending the funeral. “He died fighting our nation’s enemies in the mountains of Afghanistan. He died while fighting an enemy that is “ideologically opposed to everything we stand for. Let us thank God that such men as Eric have lived.”

Mrs. Hario also described how she spoke with Eric on the phone the night before he went into the fateful battle. He had told her “no matter what happens, I love you all very much and, Mom, you are always in my heart.”

Eric was on top of the world serving as a Ranger. It had been his dream since elementary school. As he got older, he enjoyed playing video games with military themes and he had a large American flag hanging in his bedroom. Eric was committed to the Army and he had the knowledge and the confidence to be the very best.

On this day in 1984, Spc Holly J. McGeogh was born in Taylor, MI. At age 15 she decided she wanted to join the US Army....
08/29/2026

On this day in 1984, Spc Holly J. McGeogh was born in Taylor, MI. At age 15 she decided she wanted to join the US Army. She joined the Junior ROTC while in high school and joined the Army after graduation. On January 31, 2004, the vehicle in which she was riding ran over a roadside bomb, killing Spc McGeogh and two others. Rather than posting the same bio which appears in her display at the Michigan Heroes Museum, we choose to share stories Holly's mom shared. The first two are taken from Holly's page at the Gold Star Registry's website, and the second two she shared with us. To many Holly is a hero, and many of our visitors are truly moved by her story. To Paula, she's her daughter, "W***y", or "My Brave Little Soldier". We'd like to thank Paula for sharing these stories, as well as some of Holly's belongings with us. We are deeply honored to continue to Honor, Respect and Remember her.

"Holly loved the children in Iraq. She asked me to send candy all of the time so that she could give it to the children."

"Holly will always be my hero. I don't know where she got her courage and bravery from but she sure had a lot of both. I remember telling her during our first phone conversation when she was in Iraq. If I were her I would be lying in the middle of the desert crying "I want My Mom". She laughed at me. I was serious. She was not afraid at all. She was so very proud to serve our Country and I am so very proud of her. Holly gave the best hugs ever. Nothing like a hug from a Soldier."

"Holly loved Yellow cake. My mom decorated cakes. To Holly my mom was her "little grams" they were very close. My mom would make Holly a cake (decorated of course) and she would make this frosting that was Holly's favorite. I don't know what kind it was but it was not as sweet as the normal frosting. And Holly would always request my home made sloppy Joe's for her birthday dinner. I always tried to make both my kids birthday's as special as I could. Up through 2009 my mom would make Holly a birthday cake and take a piece to the cemetery and bury it at Holly's grave for her. I thought that was so awesome. My mom passed away in 2009 and now they are forever together."

"I would not let Holly take drivers training when she was old enough because she was getting in a little trouble and I told her I could not trust her. On her 16th birthday she had proven to me that she could be trusted again so we gave her a 16 birthday party and surprised her with a (old) car and a card that told her I trusted her and I would allow her (and pay for) drivers training. She told me it was her BESTEST Birthday ever. I think the car was a Honda Accord, old one. I remember it was white."

Honor. Respect. Remember.

Congratulations to our own Christina Koch, and her Artemis II crewmates, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen, ...
08/28/2026

Congratulations to our own Christina Koch, and her Artemis II crewmates, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen, on their receiving the Congressional Space Medal of Honor today! Only 34 Astronauts have ever been awarded this Medal, and only 17 lived to receive it. Christina is the third recipient from Michigan, following Roger Chaffee, who lost his life in the Apollo 1 fire in 1967, and Greg Jarvis, who lost his life on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986.

Stop by the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth to see Christina's display in our Astronaut Gallery. Honor. Respect. Remember.

Today's hero is PFC Shane W. Cantu who gave his life 14 years ago today for the country and military he so loved. Take ...
08/28/2026

Today's hero is PFC Shane W. Cantu who gave his life 14 years ago today for the country and military he so loved. Take a moment to thank him.

Shane W. Cantu
Private First Class, United States Army
October 25, 1991 – August 28, 2012
Age – 20
Corunna, MI

1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade
Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy

Killed after insurgents threw an explosive over a base wall.

Cantu joined the military after graduating from Corunna High School because he loved being part of a team. That’s what he really wanted to do. He was a three-year football starter at the mid-Michigan high school. His coach remembered him as the hardest working kid he ever coached. He was a winner — in more ways than just winning or losing a game. … He gave everything his all, and everybody wanted to follow him. That’s just who he was. He had a heart of gold, and his smile lit up the room.

His mother Jennifer Clarke remembered him. “My son PFC Shane Cantu was a 3 year starter for Corunna High School Varsity Football. Shane loved football, if they would him pitch a tent on the field, he would have. Shane has an awesome sense of humor, could always make people laugh, just bring you up when you’re feeling down. He liked being a part of a team and that’s why he joined the Army. He took his Army position very serious knowing that his fellow brothers in arms depended on him also. The community tells me my son is a HERO, my son has always been MY HERO.”

In time, Shane, who his mother described as always having “been a character,” due to his outgoing personality, fell in love with football, playing the sport throughout his school years and developing a close connection to his coaches. After high school, like many young people, Shane didn’t have a focus on what he wanted to do in life. He tried college, which didn’t work for him. Following his mother’s advice as she witnessed him making some bad decisions, he entered into the military – loving the Army.

www.heroesofmichigantravelingmonument.com

The honors keep piling up for Grand Rapids native Astronaut Christina Koch. In April she was one of four crewmembers of...
08/27/2026

The honors keep piling up for Grand Rapids native Astronaut Christina Koch. In April she was one of four crewmembers of Artemis II, the first humans to fly around the moon in over 50 years. This week North Carolina State University renamed Engineering Building II as Koch Hall. At the renaming ceremony, NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell said, “Today, students are hard at work in these buildings all around us. Each of them, chasing their dream. We may not know them all by name just yet. However, they will know the name of Christina Koch.... Her light will shine for them, like a beacon.”

Christina's display, including a t-shirt she wore in space and family photos she shared with us, can be seen in our Astronaut Gallery. Stop by when you're in Frankenmuth. We're open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Photos from NCSU's press release.

Today's hero is SGT Matthew K. Bylski who is celebrating his 26th birthday watching over his family from above. Please ...
08/26/2026

Today's hero is SGT Matthew K. Bylski who is celebrating his 26th birthday watching over his family from above. Please say his name and remember his sacrifice.

Matthew K. Bylski
Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
August 27, 2000 – December 12, 2023
Age – 23
Royal Oak, MI

Battalion Landing Team, 1/5 of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit,
Camp Pendleton, CA

Died in an amphibious combat vehicle training exercise at Camp Pendleton, CA

Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski, an amphibious combat vehicle crewman assigned to the Battalion Landing Team 1/5 of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, died in a rollover accident during training at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He had nearly five years of service and was known for his willingness to help others.

“He was so compassionate. He was always upbeat and would do anything he could to bring you out of a bad situation and put you in a better mindset,” his brother Josh Bylski said.

Bylski, who grew up in Royal Oak, Mich., died as he was serving as the vehicle commander of an amphibious combat vehicle at Camp Pendleton, according to the Marine Corps base. A rollover accident occurred as the vehicle with 14 other Marines inside was on land.
“The MEU — the Marines who lived, trained, and learned from Sgt. Bylski, mourn alongside his family and friends. The entire 15th MEU ‘Vanguard’ family is affected by his absence.”

Achieving the esteemed rank as sergeant, Matthew's journey in the Marines began in January 2019, a testament to his unwavering work ethic.

Bylski’s awards and decorations from the Marine Corps include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Matthew enlisted in January 2019 — shortly after his 2018 graduation from Hazel Park High School where he played baseball and football. He was a proud graduate of Hazel Park High School and his vibrant spirit shone through his athleticism and musical talents. His involvement in the marching band left a lasting impact on those who shared the field with him.

Beyond his dedication to duty, Matthew was a loving and caring soul. A fervent supporter of Detroit sports, he particularly cherished the Red Wings. In moments of leisure, he enjoyed sharing laughter with friends over a cold beer, embodying his passion for a good time. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As we mourn his untimely departure, let us celebrate the vibrant, hardworking, and compassionate person he was.

ATTENTION: Friends and supporters of the Michigan Heroes Museum! Frankenmuth Auto Fest is quickly approaching, which me...
08/25/2026

ATTENTION: Friends and supporters of the Michigan Heroes Museum! Frankenmuth Auto Fest is quickly approaching, which means we're looking for volunteers to help run our food trailer! The event runs Friday 9/11 - Sunday 9/13. We need help preparing and selling burgers, hot dogs, brats and beverages, and some setup and tear down assistance. All proceeds go back to our museum, where we Honor, Respect and Remember our state's military and space heroes. Click the link below to sign up. THANK YOU for your support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A45AFA62FA6F94-65183357-mhm2026

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1250 Weiss Street
Frankenmuth, MI
48734

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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+19896528005

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