July 1, 2014 - City crews today installed 16 banners along West Jefferson Boulevard as part of the Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.

The banners that were placed today honor:
Staff Sergeant Allissa C. Barnhorst, United States Army Reserve and Fort Wayne Police Department
Staff Sergeant Mark Barnhorst, United States Army Reserve
Technical Sergeant Jeremy Chandler, United States Air Force Reserve
Lance Corporal Austin G. Dunakin, United State Marine Corps
Staff Sergeant Benjamin H. Fischer, United States Army
Lieutenant Junior Grade Christopher T. Gerber, United States Navy
Master Sergeant Annette L. Graham, United States Air Force
Staff Sergeant Cody Gull, United States Army
Lance Corporal Gabriel Jacobson, United States Marine Corps
Second Lieutenant Cody Miller, United States Army
Gunner Mate Jacob Miller, United States Navy
Second Class Petty Officer Mark Miller II, United States Navy
Sergeant Michael Mitchell, United States Marine Corps
Lance Corporal David Grames Sanchez, United States Marine Corps
Private First Class Austin P. Vorndran, United States Army
First Lieutenant Benedict Frank Zilka III, United States Army

Mayor Tom Henry announced the program in May when the first banner was placed in honor of Command Sergeant Major Brian Kiess, who is an actively deployed member of the United States Army Reserve and works in the City’s Division of Public Works.

Family and friends of deployed military personnel are encouraged to complete an application at www.cityoffortwayne.org/bluestarbanner. Once the applications are reviewed, banners will be made and displayed on light poles along West Jefferson Boulevard from the Time Corners area to Swinney Park. Banners will be displayed through November and then removed during the winter months. Banners will be displayed each April-November.

Individuals or companies interested in making a donation to the Blue Star Banner program by being a sponsor may contact Karen Richards, Mayor's Office, (260) 427-2146 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..