Just 18, Robert C. Burke was walking with his Marine Corps unit when they stumbled into an ambush in the tall grass on Go Noi Island in Vietnam.

Artillery fire from heavy mortars rained down on the unit, killing Burke’s captain and several platoon leaders. Realizing that key points of resistance had to be taken out for the unit to advance, Burke grabbed his machine gun and launched a series of one-man assaults against enemy fortifications, killing three North Vietnamese soldiers.

When his machine gun jammed, Burke grabbed a rifle and several hand grenades and continued his efforts to silence the hostile fire, killing several more North Vietnamese soldiers.

The story, told at a past Memorial Day event by retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Bryan C. Hult, is just one of millions about our servicemen and servicewomen.

There’s the story shared by the Evans family, in which three members — Maj. Gen. A.J. Evans, Col. Philip Brooks and Col. Richard G. Evans — served a combined 95 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force.

There’s the tale of Cpl. Elden Koon, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age 16 and served in Korea. Koon was wounded twice and awarded two Purple Hearts.

There’s the story of William “Bill” Hunt, who served three tours of duty in Vietnam — in 1962, 1964 and his final tour in 1966. On that third tour, he was declared missing in action. His body has yet to be found and brought home.

There’s the story of George Dong, 95, one of only a handful of Chinese American soldiers to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for his service.

These are just a few of the many stories we hope to share in Valor, a special publication that captures the stories and photographs of those who have served and have connections to Bonner and Boundary counties.

To honor our veterans, we’re asking for the public’s help in sharing photos, stories and service details. If known, please include any awards and recognitions they earned, such as the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Honor.

We want to share these stories and honor our servicemen and servicewomen before the tales are lost.

In addition, we’re gathering information on local service and military groups, veterans services, and resources available to veterans and their families.

Our goal is to pay special tribute to those who have served, with particular honor to those who have earned this country’s highest awards.

The publication will include photos of our veterans. All are invited to send a service photo of their family member who served, along with information on their branch of service, years of service and location of service. Stories and memories from their time in uniform are also welcomed and encouraged.

This keepsake publication will be published in the Nov. 6 editions of the Daily Bee and Bonners Ferry Herald.

Please send your photos and information by Oct. 15 to [email protected].