CONGERS, NY — In a heartfelt Memorial Day tradition, Boy Scout Troop 29 of Congers placed American flags on the graves of veterans and first responders at Gethsemane Cemetery. Their efforts honored the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Among those remembered was U.S. Army Corporal Justin Garcia, a native of Valley Cottage, NY, whose legacy continues to inspire the Rockland County community.

Justin Garcia was born on July 26, 1980, in Queens, NY. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2003 with a degree in criminal justice. Fulfilling a childhood dream, he enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation.

While attending college, Justin met his future wife, Michelle. They married in July 2005 at St. Paul’s Church in Congers. Less than a year later, he deployed to Iraq as part of the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

On November 14, 2006, while riding in a Humvee during combat operations in Baghdad, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated next to the vehicle. Justin and a fellow soldier were killed in the blast. He was just 26 years old.

That Father’s Day, just months before his death, Justin learned he was going to be a father. His son was born three months and two days after Justin’s passing.

Despite losing both parents as a teenager, Justin remained focused on building a better future. He was determined to give his children the love and support he had once lost. His courage, sacrifice, and deep sense of duty reflect the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“We will never forget Cpl. Justin Garcia,” said a local scout leader. “It’s important that our young people understand the cost of freedom and take time to honor those who gave everything for it.”

Through their Memorial Day tribute, Troop 29 shows that remembering our fallen heroes is more than a gesture—it’s a lasting promise to keep their stories alive.

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Today we recognize John from SweetGuy Ice Cream Truck for his quick actions that helped reunite a missing child with his family.

Full story from John:
*“15 years in the ice cream truck has taught me to ALWAYS be on the lookout for kids in the road. Never did I think that would be tested the way it was tonight.

Around 8:30 p.m. on Route 9W, I saw something no one wants to see—a barefoot 2-year-old in a diaper, alone and running down the side of the road. I was terrified, but it was clear the little boy was even more scared.

I quickly pulled the truck across the road to block traffic and ran after him—forgot how fast those little legs can move! When I caught up, I found he was nonverbal and immediately called the Haverstraw Police Department.

Thank you to HPD for your quick response. They were able to reunite the boy with his father before I left. I’m just so grateful I was there. Not only did my experience help me notice him in time, but sadly, not a single other car stopped. Dozens of people drove past a clearly dangerous situation. I don’t even think anyone else called 911—HPD said mine was the first they heard of it.

It felt like an eternity between jumping out of the truck and getting help, but in the end, I’m just thankful that boy is safe.”*

Thank you, John, for your courage, quick thinking, and for always keeping kids’ safety top of mind—even after your shift is over. You’re a true hometown hero.