On Memorial Day, as the nation pauses to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, my thoughts turn to Fred Fillbrook, a remarkable figure whose life embodied service, community, and resilience. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and the founder of the Mill Creek View newspaper in Mill Creek, Washington, Fillbrook’s legacy resonates deeply, especially on this solemn day of remembrance.
Fred Fillbrook’s journey began in Detroit, Michigan, where he was born in 1937. At 18, he joined the Army, driven by a sense of duty that had been shaped by his family’s military history. His service with the 82nd Airborne, an elite paratrooper unit, took him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for jump school and later to Fort Sherman in Panama for jungle warfare training. Fillbrook completed 38 jumps, a testament to his courage and commitment. His military experience was not just a chapter in his life but a cornerstone of his identity, reflected in his lifelong dedication to honoring veterans. Memorial Day, for Fillbrook, was more than a holiday; it was a call to remember those, like his uncle Jack Rogers and cousin who died during World War II, who never returned home.
After his active duty and eight years in the Army Reserve, Fillbrook settled in Mill Creek, Washington, where he left an indelible mark on the community. In 1991, he founded the Mill Creek View, a biweekly newspaper that became a vital voice for local news and stories. As publisher and senior editor, Fillbrook championed transparency and community engagement, even when it sparked controversy, as seen in his 1995 lawsuit against a rival paper over a disputed article. His commitment to truth and integrity in journalism mirrored the discipline he carried from his military days.
Fillbrook’s passion for veterans’ recognition shone brightly in Mill Creek. He co-founded the city’s Veterans Day Parade, revitalizing a tradition he felt had been overlooked, and co-established the Veterans Monument in Library Park, where names of his ancestors are etched. These efforts ensured that the sacrifices of service members were never forgotten. On Memorial Day, I imagine Fillbrook at the monument, camera in hand, capturing moments of reverence during the annual ceremony, which he helped shape into a community touchstone.
His contributions extended beyond veterans’ advocacy. Fillbrook was a community activist, a member of Amvets and the American Legion, and even a karaoke enthusiast, bringing joy to those around him. When he passed away in February 2022 at 85, the Kiwanis Club and Mill Creek Chamber of Commerce dedicated a memorial bench to him at The Forum on Main Street, a fitting tribute to a man who worked tirelessly to make Mill Creek a place of pride.
This Memorial Day, as I reflect on Fred Fillbrook, I’m reminded of the power of one individual’s dedication. His service in the 82nd Airborne, his stewardship of the Mill Creek View, and his devotion to honoring fallen heroes embody the spirit of this day. Fillbrook’s life challenges us to remember, to serve, and to build communities that uphold the values for which so many gave everything.
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
