Our Warriors and their Legacy

Born on the 4th of July

It only seems natural that being born on the 4th of July you would be a true Patriot and care more about the country than most. Well, that was true about Sgt. John Franklin Hamilton, destined to serve our country in the U.S Marine Corp. John was born on July 4, 1982, in Edmore, MI. He was the son of Robin and Nola Hamilton. John was the youngest of four, having brothers and a sister. Growing up John was an outdoors kid, hunting, fishing, and spending much of his weekends at the Drag strip and racetrack with his family. John’s parents both worked as a Paramedic and an EMT, He spent every weekend running around at some event while his parents were out making sure the racers and the athletes were safe. I believe that’s why John had such a passion for sports and for the racetrack. John enjoyed anything that involved sports and competition, especially Football and racing. He was a graduate of Harrison High School the Class of 2001. He may not have had a 4.0 GPA, but what he did have was a class that was very close and spent a lot of time together, just hanging out giving each other nick names like “Hambone”, for John and cheering
each other on in sports and anything else they had going. In February 2000 While in High School John Proudly Signed up for the Marines After Many Talks with one of his greatest Mentors MSGT Carlstrom. Knowing that it was somewhat of a Destiney to serve his country, John marched off to boot camp. While there, the attack of September 11dth happened and he found himself soon serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Hamilton was a part of Company 1st Battalion 24th Marines. While serving overseas he found
himself in many battles with his fellow marines. A few Marines he even went to high school with.

While overseas John and his Battalion went through many challenges and a few devastating
losses of their very close Brothers. While serving John received medals of Valor from the things they endeavored. The awards included, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement of Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense service ribbon, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Ribbon with a star, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Ribbon with an “M” device.
After returning home, John settled into everyday life, enjoying time with his family and trying to decide his path forward after going through a divorce. While going through his own struggles in life John found hope in helping some of his fellow marines and saving their lives, by stopping them from Suicide and many of them from going down the wrong path.
He decided then to become his own boss and start a Landscaping business that later helped him design and build Freedom Park in Harrison, Michigan. John enjoyed helping coach his sons Jayven and Talan in football, basketball, and baseball. John reacquainted with a high school friend, started dating and later married. John got married to Sarah Browne Hamilton on August 15th, 2020, in Harrison, Mi. John and Sarah enjoyed going on trips, Going to Concerts and just hanging out together. He loved watching and coaching his boys over the years and was very.

Born on the 4th of July proud of them and all their accomplishments. He also enjoyed, Golfing, hunting, and fishing with his friends and family. Hambone was up for just about anything. John was an entrepreneur for the last 14 years and was not scared to take any risks. He partnered with fellow Veteran starting a PPE company, Trading Commodities and still running his
landscaping company. Over the last 5 years John spent time Volunteering as an associate for the F.E.W “Foundation for Exceptional Warriors”, Where he enjoyed sharing adventures and bonding with other veterans and guiding them to a better future. For his enduring service to fellow Exceptional Warriors John was recognized with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the White House. He was also a member of VFW Post 1075 in Harrison, Michigan. Without any hesitation He would be right there if anyone needed help. John found passion racing with his race Family at the Drag Strip. John with his Team of fellow veteran’s started the No Tread Racing team. The guys found
an outlet that they all needed to help them cope and come together to support one another. The No Tread Racing team was in the process of getting a car built for other veterans to experience riding in a car next to them, going down the track and giving them an adrenaline rush they couldn’t get anywhere else. The guys were hoping to get the car for the 2023 season, but then John came down with Melanoma and started his battle with Cancer. The hope is to still fill his Legacy and finish what they started. John surrounded himself with some amazing people who comforted him throughout his battle with his illness. Always carrying a smile on his face trying to hide the harsh truth and reality of his
ailments. He always stayed upbeat and positive throughout the treatments. He was a kind and
caring man loved by many. Family and friends that were there supporting John got to witness the true testament, brotherhood, and the bonds the Marines formed over the years and clearly have never been broken, as they were right there by his side until the end. Marine and Veteran Brothers poured in by the dozens from all over the country banning together showing love,
respect, support, and razing one another right to the end. A true patriot that was born on the 4th of July Passed on September 30th , 2022, that ended his battle with Cancer.

Legacy Coffee was started in memory of John Hamilton by his family and friends to keep John's Legacy alive; giving back was John’s purpose, and it’s Legacy Coffee’s Purpose too.