(from The Heigl Foundation)
In memory of Frederick John Debus and in conjunction with the Los Angeles Animal Alliance’s Fall 5000 Super Adoption Program, the Heigl Foundation is offering a “warm-hearted” gift for veterans in honor of their service to our great country.
There are 22.7 million Veterans in our country today. Every one of them deserves our generous thanks for defending our liberty and preserving our freedom. Every one of them provided an unimaginable sacrifice. Every one of them is special.
Lieutenant Commander Frederick John Debus. January 4, 1920 - January 15, 2011
One very special veteran is Frederick John Debus. He served his country in World War II nobly and honorably, devoting the next 40 years of his life to the Navy Reserve, where he attained the rank of lieutenant commander. He continued to place service above self by volunteering several days a week at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Buffalo, NY, serving his fellow troopers for more than 25 years.
Uncle Jack, as he was known affectionately, was also very fond of both cats and dogs. So much so that he wrote a poem that spoke of his warm and reverent relationship with them, which, at his request, was placed on his funeral card:
Say this of him,
That he loved animals
Don’t add that this was
A good thing or a fine tribute
Rather say that he considered
It a great gift for which
He is eternally thankful.
Frederick John Debus – In Memoriam
To honor him, his service to our country, and his love for animals in a very special way, The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation has donated $30,000 to the Los Angeles Animal Alliance’s Fall 5000 Super Adoption Program. Through this program, any veteran may adopt, at no cost, a pet from a local participating shelter in the Greater Los Angeles area. The program begins November 4 and concludes on January 30, 2012.
It is a small token of our appreciation to the legion of heroes who have given so much. Their collective sacrifice is the reason we are still the greatest place on earth to live.
