The organization, Tribute to the Fallen Soldiers, motorcycles from coast to coast to honor Fallen Soldiers. The organization chose to honor Mason Webber, the son of Donald Webber and Tonya Grefe on Monday.

The Tribute to the Fallen Soldiers organization started in Oregon and finished at Arlington National Cemetery. The group came to the American Legion and stopped by Webber’s bench to do a special ceremony. The Honor Guard also was there to do a 21 Gun Salute.

“The American Legion has graciously let us host it there at Mason’s bench along the path by the Freedom Rock,” Grefe said.

She said Webber’s bench is where the family held a celebration of life, as well as another benefit ride, in honor of her son, to help other families of fallen soldiers.

Webber, 22, of Marion, was a Bradley Fighter mechanic, who died on Sept. 5, 2019 at Fort Hood Army Military Base in Killeen, Texas.

“He was killed because an NCO failed to use the proper equipment while having his soldiers working under the hood of the engine. Normally, the lid is supposed to attach to a crane with a hook, but instead he ordered them to use a strap that wasn’t rated to hold that much weight,” Grefe said, “My son was unaware of this because he happened to walk by and the NCO had him come take a look to see why the hood wouldn’t close. While Mason was underneath, the strap broke and the hood came crashing down killing my son instantly, causing blunt force trauma to the head.”

Grefe said Mason was an extremely cheerful and caring person.

“My son was a shining light in everyone’s world. He made friends out of strangers and was always trying to cheer people up. He was very laid back and was the life of the party,” she said, “He cared deeply for his family, friends and had a soft spot for animals.

Grefe said the president of Tribute to the Fallen Soldiers found her on Facebook through several military pages and asked if Webber could be a part of their coast-to-coast tribute to fallen soldiers.

“We are deeply honored that they are doing this for my son,” she said, “The main thing a grieving mother wants is to never have her child be forgotten. Getting his name out there really means so much to us.”

Grefe said the grieving process has been difficult but the family is persevering through it all.

“The first year of grieving was all a blur of paperwork and decision making, and just trying to figure out how to move forward. Now we all just take it day by day, but the hole that was left behind remains the same,” she said.

Similar to the families of Army Cpl. Pat Tillman and Pfc. Lavena Johnson, Grefe is calling for changes to be made to ensure the safety of our soldiers.

“There is so much anger toward the Army because his death was totally preventable and my son should still be here. Changes really need to be made about the safety of our soldiers. I’ve been really outspoken about it,” Grefe said, “It’s nearly impossible to get that accomplished though. Leadership is too protected.”

Contact Marquetta Evans at 641-753-6611 or mevans@timesrepublican.com.