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Sculptor honors MoH nominee

Lei Hennessy-Owen never met Spc. Ross McGinnis, but she immediately knew what to do when she heard about how the 19-year-old covered a grenade with his body to save the lives of his fellow soldiers in Iraq.

The sculptor and artist created a 5-foot, 100-pound angel made of steel to honor the young soldier.

On Christmas Eve, she traveled from her home in Jennerstown, Pa., to present the sculpture to McGinnis' parents, Tom and Romayne, who live in Shippenville, Pa., about three hours away.

"These angels go to stories I hear about that I think are stories of the best examples of steadfast love," Hennessy-Owen said, "and that's definitely what Ross showed."

Hennessy-Owen presented the angel to the family during a Christmas Eve service at their church, St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

"Nobody there knew this lady before she got there, and [the angel] was a contribution from her from her heart," Tom McGinnis said.

He plans to have his son's name engraved on the angel, which will then be put in the church's memorial garden.

"It's something that will stay with the church for years and years to come and remind people of what Ross did," he said.

McGinnis, with 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, was killed Dec. 4 when he used his body to smother an explosive that landed in his Humvee. Four other soldiers escaped with minor injuries.

McGinnis has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. The review process can take more than a year. Meanwhile, he was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, the third highest award for valor and one that commanders in the field can approve on the spot.

Hennessy-Owen has also created angels for the family of Cpl. Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004, and former Pfc. Jessica Lynch, who was a prisoner of war at the beginning of the war in Iraq.

"The mission statement is, 'for all those who've fought their battles bravely,'" Hennessy-Owen said. "I just think it's so important to show steadfast love for others who're going through such hard times."

Hennessy-Owen has two sons in the military. Pfc. Jonas Owen is in Iraq, and Marine Lance Cpl. Jensen Perry has served in Iraq twice.

The ceremony at the McGinnis' church was moving, Hennessy-Owen said.

"Luckily, I kept my emotions together, but it's all worthwhile," she said. "I know they're proud of their son, and ... everybody that's got a son or daughter serving, I think we all have a common bond there."

Back to ‘Blood Brothers’

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REMEMBER: Spc. Ross McGinnis