16-years ago on December 14, 2006, Kingwood High School graduate, Lance Corporal Luke C. Yepsen was killed by enemy action in Al Anbar Province in Iraq.
 
During the week of December 14th each year, Kingwood Rotarians place American flags in the Yepsen's yard to honor Luke. 
 
Luke was a proud Marine, and each year near the anniversary of his tragic death, his fellow Marines come to Kingwood to visit with his mom and dad, Sheila and Gary Yepsen. It's a time to remember this brave American, and for his fellow Marines to share their stories and help heal the hearts of those that love Luke.
 
The Yepsen family said Luke had a "strong desire to serve the country. He wanted to fight for the things we hold dear and since he was strong and capable, and armed with his faith in God, he felt the need to protect us. That he lost his life so young at the age of 20 and so soon after being stationed in Iraq makes it all the more tragic."
 
Kingwood Rotarians will never forget this young hero, and to honor Luke, his family, his friends and those that served heroically alongside him, Kingwood Rotarians proudly place American flags in the Yepson's yard on all patriotic holidays, and on the days before and after December 14th.  This is our way to let the Yepsen family know that we honor the sacrifice their son made for us, and our great country.