Local Hero Honored With Scholarship Fund Started in His Name

Lt. James Garvey wanted to be a pilot since he was 8-years-old. James, who grew up in Ridgefield, not only accomplished his dream by becoming an Apache helicopter pilot, but was also recognized for his heroism for his service in the U.S. Army.

After he passed away on  Nov.23. 2014 at the age of 24, one of his lifelong friends, Corey Lewin, wrote a song in which he shares his feelings about the moment at the airport when he saw the plane bringing his friend home, his memories of James and the loss that is felt by all James' family and friends.

The song is called "Passenger's Side" and it's Corey's tribute to is friend and our local hero. You can download it for free, but the hope is that the song will help to get the word out about the scholarship set up in James' name.

James' parents, Tamara and Bill Garvey, will present the first ROTC Scholarship Award in James' memory on May 8 at the University of New Haven.

So, while it is free to download, they ask that you consider donating to 1LT James A. Garvey Memorial ROTC Scholarship by purchasing the song. All monies collected from purchases of "Passenger's Side" will be donated to the scholarship, according to the song's download site.

To download "Passenger's Side", click here. You can also check out the Facebook page that has been set up to honor James, 1LT James Garvey: A True Legend.

James grew up in a neighborhood in Ridgefield and formed lifelong bonds with his childhood friends. They were all like family rather than friends. He attended UCONN on a US Army ROTC scholarship and graduated in 2012. After graduation, he was accepted into flight school .

In 2013, James was deployed to Afghanistan for nine months. He was the leader of a maintenance platoon and, as his family says, "He distinguished himself as a loyal soldier, comrade, and patriot." James also received recognition for his heroism.

His family cheered him on when he was deployed and cheer for his return. He spent time with both family and friends before returning to Fort Campbell, KY.

Unfortunately, 1st LT James Garvey was hit and killed by a car while we was walking on a road in Nashville, TN. James' family and friends welcomed him home for the last time at Danbury Airport on Nov. 28, 2014.

His family describes James as having an unforgettable and larger-than-life personality, which impacted everyone around him. He is remembered as having formed bonds with almost everyone he met.

On April 15, 2015 James' ashes were interred, with military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery. The plot overlooks the helicopter pad at the Pentagon.

On a personal note, I teared up multiple times reading 1st LT James Garvey's story. Thank you for your service. I will not forget your name.

Listen to Liz Kaye weekdays from 10-2 on 105.5 FM. You can listen online by clicking here or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.