CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - During recent Memorial weekend celebrations, one Carmichael family sponsored its own veteran tribute. For nine years, former football coach Mark "Coach" Soto and his wife Teresa have honored four young men who died in service with their son Josh Soto’s Marine unit in Afghanistan.

The heroes were: Lance Corporals Victor Dew; Phillip Vinnedge; Joseph Rodewald and Corporal Justin Cain. Victor Dew attended Granite Bay High School during the time Mark Soto coached its football teams. After the 2010 tragedy, Soto was asked to eulogize Victor at his Roseville funeral. “In his unit, 25 men died,” recalls Soto. “Their losses were historic.” With two sons in uniform at the time, the Sotos decided Victor Dew and his three comrades should not be forgotten. The couple has helped form a national non-profit to educate students, coaches and communities about the needs of military veterans.

On the home front, they annually remind neighbors that Memorial Day should honor sacrifices. “The day is not about parties and barbecues,” explains Teresa. “It should be about remembering and honoring those who gave everything for us.” Each Memorial Day, their front-yard banner displays pictures of the four lost infantrymen and a “never forget” legend.

“People stop, they honk their horns,” reports Soto. “Some even salute as they drive down Jan Drive. Many thank us. But it was these men and countless others who sacrificed. We do this to thank them.”