Cheyenne Yost of Clio, Michigan, Raises Money to Build Her Soldier Father a Memorial in His Hometown

Two years ago, Clio teen Cheyenne Yost, then 13, lost her father in an explosion in Iraq. The details of the explosion that killed Master Sgt. Anthony Yost are still unknown, but is believed that he was searching out one of Iraq's most dangerous terrorists.

Cheyenne wants one thing for Christmas, to be able to visit her dad closer to home. He is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Now, Millington locals are coming together to raise money and build a memorial to remind the locals and the country of his service. They're hoping to raise $10,000 by the holiday season by series of fundraising events.

If the money is raised, locals plan to build it downtown in Yost's hometown of Millington in front of the Cemetery by early 2008. Though family members won't be visiting him at the memorial, it is a place where he can be remembered.

"We always had strawberry milkshakes and bacon cheeseburgers together," Cheyenne recalls. "I think about him a lot. He's a hero."

Georgeann Ricketts of Flushing, MI got wind of the fundraising efforts and was touched by their story. Georgeann has had major roles in fundraising benefits and recalls their asking for help a compelling story. Ricketts has taken part in many local efforts including raising $10,000 for a young girl who was fighting cancer.

Fundraising events will take place in Waterford, MI at the Boomers Roadhouse. Starting on November 10th, three events will take place accepting donations including a CD release party. On a December 22nd event, Yost will be honored by guards. Whistle Stop Cafe in Clio also is planning fundraising events that cost $20 with 25 % of all sales being donated towards the memorial. November 24th, the cafe promises an acoustic session for the CD release "Concrete Rodeo" being released days later at Boomers.

Yost was leading an assault after receiving distress calls from police. Rocketfire from US helicopters were also not able to stop the terror group. A hidden bomb exploded and took down the house they were attempting to clear. The explosion killed Yost and other soldiers who accompanied him. Seven insurgents were found dead with a collection of explosives and mines. Yost took down three of al-Zarqawi's officers and injured al-Zarqawi as well. News reports worldwide, including one in the Times of London, revealed Yost's wife Joann was not aware of the gunfight as the military only informed he had been killed in a bombing. More information on the bombing and Yost's heroic death can be found on his memorial website.

Yost has a permanent place at the Frankenmuth Museum, showcasing his medals and uniform.

For more information on the fundraising, contact Georgeann Ricketts at georgeannr@hotmail.com.