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When a roadside bomb killed a soldier and former student in Iraq in 2007, North Allegheny teacher Mark Wilson was deeply touched by the loss. That year he spent time in class conveying to his high school students the significance of the commitment made by those who serve in the United States Armed Services.

He took it a step further by establishing a fund with ÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø in honor of family members who had served in the military. The fund was established in memory of his wife Mary's stepfather, Col. Harold Kennedy, who served in North Africa. It also honors her mother Ruth and the wonderful relationship they shared. The couple was deeply devoted to each other. "It was a touching love story. He was the love of her life," recalls Mark.

Harold passed away in 1974 and Ruth died in 2006.

The fund also honors Mary's father, who served in WWII, and several of Mark's relatives who served in several wars. It supports charitable organizations that serve veterans of the United States Armed Forces, current U.S. military personnel and their families and animals that serve in support and service capacities for the U.S. military.