Honoring Our Nation's Heroes, One Stone at a Time

At TACO, we are proud to employ several United States Military Veterans. This Veteran's Day, we want to pay tribute to those who served, and recognize the efforts of one team member, who is honoring his fellow Veterans in a unique way.

In February, Former Marine Sergeant Rey Gonzalez, a TACO Account Management Specialist who served in the military for 13 years, received a box from his long-time friend Donald Donaldson in Elyria, Ohio. Inside were 10 hand-painted rocks – each with its own distinct scene, such as the Battlefield Cross memorial, the US flag, specific branch seals or other depictions representative of the military.

Former Marine Sergeant Rey Gonzalez, a TACO Account Management Specialist who served in the military for 13 years.

Gonzalez, who volunteers for the Tennessee Honor Guard at military burials, began bringing a painted rock with him to each service. 

“I always carry a rock in my pocket,” explained Gonzalez. “If somebody has a memorial display at the funeral home, I’ll set one out for the family.” 

Eventually, Gonzalez began giving the painted stones from Donaldson to Veteran colleagues and other TACO team members with family who are Veterans or currently serving in the military.

Nicholas Essenmacher, TACO Warehouse Manager in Summerville, South Carolina, and Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Reserves, recently received a painted rock from Gonzalez and Donaldson.

Nicholas Essenmacher, TACO Warehouse Manager in Summerville, South Carolina, and Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Reserves.

“On August 24^th, I received this flat bottom rock from Rey’s friend,” explained Essenmacher, who has been with the Marines for 20 years – 12 years of active duty and 8 in the Reserves. “When Rey first told me about getting a painted rock, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But when I saw the iconic flag raise from the Iwo Jima war on it, I was highly impressed. The detail on this rock is incredible. I have it in my desk not only to remind me of the Marines who we’re lost during the war but the feel of support for the troops.”

Another colleague who received a stone is Andrew Davidson, Safety Coordinator/I.T. Assistant and Former Army Private First Class.

Former Army Private First Class Andrew Davidson, Safety Coordinator/I.T. Assistant.

“I thought the rock was one of the nicest things I have ever seen,” said Davidson, who served for 4 years in the National Guard. “I thought it was properly done to respect and honor the individuals receiving it, and I thought that the artist did such a great rendition of what they were trying to capture. I keep this at my desk to remind me of the ones who I served with as well as for the ones who currently serve. Some may see it as just a rock with a painting on it, but Vets can see it as a representation of their and all of their brothers ‘and sisters’ sacrifices.”

Peggy Sanders, TACO Customer Service Manager, received three painted stones from Gonzalez and Donaldson for members of her family who have served in the military – her son, Austin, and daughter-in-law, Belinda, both Navy Veterans, and brother-in-law Andrew, a recently Retired Army Green Beret, respectively. Sanders gave the stones to her son and daughter-in-law on Memorial Day and to her brother-in-law at his July retirement party after 20 years of service.

Customer Service Manager Peggy Sanders with stones for her son, daughter-in-law and brother-in-law, who are all Veterans.

“The rocks are a beautiful token to remember all the hard work and sacrifice they made on their journey in the service,” she said.

Gonzalez also distributed painted stones to Larnell Mitchell, RMA Coordinator and Former Marine, Mike Dishman, Inside Sales Representative and Air Force Veteran, Randy Norris, Quality Control Lead and Air Force Veteran, and Richard Branum, Purchasing Agent and Former Air Force Staff Sergeant, respectively. 

Mike Dishman, Inside Sales Representative and Air Force Veteran.

Larnell Mitchell, RMA Coordinator and Former Marine.

Randy Norris, Quality Control Lead and Air Force Veteran.

HR Coordinator Loren Bowman with her husband, Korey, a Former Specialist with the National Guard.

Bruce Engel, Former Army Staff Sergeant and Product Design Engineer at TACO Seating in Largo, FLorida.

In total, Gonzalez estimates he’s given out 50 rocks so far between TACO team members and the Honor Guard.

“You really get to see how people appreciate the Veterans,” Gonzalez added about his time with the Honor Guard. “Some people are real heroes. It’s an experience that I’m still going through.”

"I had this one made when we lost 13 Marines during the withdrawal of Afghanistan," said Gonzalez.

Thank you, Rey, for your service to your country and devotion to your fellow Veterans and their families. And thank you to all our TACO team members and their relatives who have served. 

If you’d like to request a painted stone from Rey and Donald for a Veteran, Active-Duty Military Personnel, a Gold Star Family or for a Veteran burial memorial display, please e-mail us at mkt@tacometals.com.