The twilight was casting a warm glow through the trees at Elk Ridge Park on Sunday evening. A slight breeze caused the 101 flags that were lining the sidewalk to make the familiar flapping sound as community members gathered for the first and likely annual Heroes Tribute Patriotic Devotional, the capstone of a weekend tribute to members of the armed forces who gave their life in defense of their country. At the heart of this celebration and remembrance was the memory of Lance Corporal Michael J.
Allred, a young man who graduated Sky View High School and dreamed of one day coming home to Cache Valley to become a teacher. On Sept. 6, 2004, Lance Cpl.
Allred was killed serving his country in Iraq. He was only 23 years old, becoming the first of Cache Valley’s casualties during the War on Terror. Today, as the 20th anniversary of Allred’s death approaches, the Lance Corporal Michael J.
Allred Foundation is thriving. Allred’s parents, Brett and Zell Allred started the foundation as a way to channel their grief into something that would make a difference. In memory of Allred’s dream, the foundation raises money for $1,000 scholarships to be given to students who are applying to USU with big ambitions and dreams of their own.
So far, 91 students have been able to be a part of Allred’s legacy and receive the scholarship that bears his name. Every year, the foundation puts on a charity motorcycle ride called the “Michael J. Allred Ride for the Fallen.
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