Local soldier tribute goes 'viral'

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - When News 4 posted pictures on WIVB.com and our Facebook pages of Western New Yorkers who have served and are serving in our nation's military as a Veteran's Day tribute we had no idea that one of those photos would go 'viral.'

The mother of Specialist Ian J. Yannantouno sent us his photo with a brief note that explained he had a very tentative start in life.  Ian was born two months premature and not given much chance of survival.  But now, Heidi Schwartz told News 4's Jacquie Walker, he is healthy and strong, he chose to enlist in the Army National Guard , and will celebrate his 21st birthday Friday while serving in Afghanistan.

PHOTO GALLERY | View more photos of Ian, shared by his mother

It seems the combination of Ian's bravery and commitment, and his upcoming birthday, touched a chord with News 4 fans.  Less than a week after his story was first posted, 26,000 people have viewed his story on Jacquie Walker's Facebook page , 3,000 people have 'liked' it, and 300 people have sent him birthday wishes and kind comments.

With this enthusiastic interest in Ian's service to our country, Jacquie reached out to both Ian and his mother, Heidi Schwartz of East Otto, NY, for more information.  Heidi shared Ian's own words of why he serves. "I don't serve in the Army for government or politics, I do it for our country's people.  They deserve better and I believe in them," he told her.

The youngest of five children, Ian was only 17 when he enlisted in the Army National Guard while still attending Holland High School.  He went right from high school to basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.  His drills and training with the Guard continued thereafter, and included deployment downstate after Hurricane Irene left severe flooding and prompted evacuations.

A year ago Ian volunteered for deployment to Kuwait, but his assignment soon changed to Afghanistan.  Now active Army, Specialist Yannantuono is with Bravo Company, 427th Brigade Support Battalion assigned to support the drawing down of troops in Afghanistan.  He believes he will be coming home early next year .  He hopes to go to college and become a police officer, while remaining in the Army National Guard.

Specialist Yannantouno is hopeful there will be ice cream in the 'chow hall' for his 21st birthday on Friday.  He will soon learn that his large family, including his sister Chelsea, threw a 'surprise party' for him back home last weekend.  His family sent him a video of the event and a care package full of presents.

VIDEO | You can watch his family's video here

Ian's mother describes him as one of the most "selfless, honest, and caring" young men you will ever meet.  News 4 wants to wish Specialist Ian Yannantouono a very happy 21st birthday.  We wish him a secure and successful mission and, we thank him for the sacrifices he is making to keep our nation strong.

If you would like to send your good wishes to Specialist Ian Yannantouono you can do so on Jacquie Walker's Facebook page .