Sgt. Erik Hanno, U.S. Army

Name: Sgt. Erik Hanno, U.S. Army.

Age: 25.

Deployment: Afghanistan.

His story: Sgt. Hanno is on his second tour of duty, having already served a year in Iraq. He's been in Afghanistan since August and is scheduled to return for R & R in March. Hanno previously worked in construction, but when the work slowed down and he got laid off, he signed up to serve his country. Hanno, who serves in the 4th Infantry Division, 166th Armored, is stationed out of Colorado and is taking college courses there in criminal justice.

Personally: If it's an outdoors activity, Hanno loves it -- fishing, snowboarding, four-wheeling, you name it. He also loves his Kawasaki Ninja, although he's "looking at Harleys," says his wife, Stacy. She recently got her motorcycle license and gets to take the Ninja in that case. The Hannos, who both went to and , met through a mutual friend while fishing off Anna Maria Island. They have been married for almost five years and have two children -- Kaylie, 3, and Teagan, 8 months. Stacy and the kids are living with family in Bradenton while Erik's overseas and Stacy works toward a degree in nursing, but they're thinking of settling in Colorado.

Want to know how you can help support Erik and other local troops like him serving overseas, as well as their families? Contact Bradenton-based Manasota Operation Troop Support (MOTS) at 941-782-0748 or MOTSFL@gmail.com.