AMHERST, N.Y. -- Michael Lammerts knew it all about the Eagles. Names, numbers, statistics ... he lives and breathed Eagles football when he wasn't serving the country with the United States Army in Afghanistan.
"He loved everything about them," said his mother, Kendra Sparks. "They could do no wrong."
Mr. Lammert died in the spring of wounds suffered from small arms fire in Faryab province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. A native of nearby Towanda, N.Y., Mr. Lammert was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team stationed in Baumholder, Germany.
Shortly after his death, Sparks contacted the Eagles and April, who coached with the Bills from 2004-2009, jumped in.
"It was just the right thing to do. He was a great fan with a wonderful family that loved him very much," said April.
"He could tell you the life story of an Eagles player from the time he was 12 years old," said Sparks. "He knew everything about them. When he was overseas, he followed them the best he could. I have been in touch with the organization since April, May, and we thought about some ideas of what we could do to remember Michael. It really came together and I'm thankful for that. We all appreciate what the Eagles have done to remember a great fan."
