Excitement over an anticipated homecoming reunion turned to horror for West Leechburg’s Natalie Schmidt when she received life-changing news in 2012.
Her husband, Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Schmidt, was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan five days before their 3-year-old son Aiden’s birthday.
Jonathan Schmidt, then 28, had been scheduled to return to their North Carolina home that month.
“I remember the doorbell ringing and looking out of the window. I didn’t recognize the car, and when I answered the door and saw the dress blues, I knew exactly why they were there,” Natalie Schmidt said.
Natalie intends to honor her late husband with a veterans banner along Main Street in West Leechburg.
She and fellow West Leechburg residents Marcia Cole, Laurie Hoffer, Stacie Nowikowski and Rita Soulier have organized a new veterans banner committee and are accepting orders for the double-sided banners. Organizers said Main Street can accommodate 30 banners.
“After Leechburg started their banner project, several West Leechburg residents wanted to honor the veterans of West Leechburg,” Hoffer said.
Banners may be purchased by West Leechburg residents or families of veterans who reside or previously resided in the borough. The program also is open to Allegheny Township residents along Piper Road.
Organizers hopes to hold a dedication service during Memorial Day weekend.
“He will always be remembered,” Natalie Schmidt said of her late husband. “This banner project is important to me because it’s another way to remember and honor my late husband and show our son how important his sacrifice was.”
She added: “Aiden doesn’t have many memories of his dad or growing up in a military family so it’s a way to connect him to our life here.”
Council approved Main Street as the sole area for the banners, unless sales warrant adding additional streets.
Hoffer said requests for specific locations along Main Street are not guaranteed.
Customers will receive a proof of their banner before printing. Proof of military service might be required.
Hoffer said she was moved to pitch in after hearing Natalie’s story.
“I got involved to help Natalie, and I think her husband should be honored in our community,” Hoffer said.
Hoffer said seven orders have been placed. A link to order a banner can be found on the Facebook page West Leechburg Borough News, Events and Happenings.
Jason Oliver of the Gilpin-based Black Lab Tree and Landscape Service will hang the banners.
“He has graciously volunteered to hang our banners for no charge, and he is licensed, insured and owns a bucket truck,” Hoffer said.
Council received permission from First Energy Corp. this month to hang the banners on their utility poles.
“I think it’s great, and I can’t wait to see them go up,” West Leechburg Mayor Jim Gallucci said.
