In Memory
I've spent a lot of time the past week or so thinking about what to post for Memorial Day. I did a lot of research. I found a lot of stories about great men and women who gave their lives for this nation. I also found stories about great men and women who served this nation and died after they retired. All of their stories and the stories of legions I didn't read about matter. The stories matter to the families of those who have past on and they are such an integral part of our great nation and why it continues to be so great. No matter what I attempted to write it seemed so inadequate.
I was struck by what MCQ at Blackfive wrote
"Memorial Day is about those who gave up their tomorrows for our today. They’re the men and women who forever gave up the chance to see and hold the child born while they were at war. The chance to again caress their husband or wife and tell them they love them. The chance to hold their mother's hand and bask in her sweet smile one last time. Or to stare in pure awe at their first grandchild.
They gave it all in the service of their country, and it is our job as citizens of this great land to remember them and their sacrifice. So the next time you are near a national cemetery, take some time and stop in with your family and spend a moment with the heroes who are buried there.
They are all someone you should know."
There are many Fallen Heroes and their families I have been thinking about more than usual the past few days. I've also been thinking about their Battles Buddies. I wish I knew how to do more, say more and write more than I am here. More to comfort them. More to honor the lives of those given for this great nation. I'm not how it's ever possible to do that. They all know who they are. I just hope they know how much I genuinely care about all of them and that the memory of their loved ones will always be in my thoughts.
I'll be attending Memorial Day Services at the West Tennessee National Cemetery on Monday. I've decided that while I will be thinking of many this year I want to specifically remember SFC Matthew Blaskowski and SGT Joshua Brennan whose families I have become very close to. Both of these men made a tremendous impact on all they met and all they served with. They, like so many, are sorely missed.
Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
SFC Matthew D. Blaskowski was born on 5 March 1980 in Levering, Michigan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 17 November 1998.
After SFC Blaskowski completed Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he reported to his first duty station at Fort Drum, New York. Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division (Light) as a Rifleman and Scout, he was later assigned as a Team Leader in 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry in the same Division. After completing Airborne School in 2002, he reported to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy and was assigned to 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK.
SFC Blaskowski served in multiple green tab leadership positions in The ROCK – Battle Company as a Team Leader, HHC as the Battalion Assistant Operations Sergeant, Chosen Company as a Rifle and Weapons Squad Leader during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VI where he was awarded for Valor, and most recently as the Platoon Sergeant of 1st Platoon, Battle Company during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.
SFC Blaskowski awards include: Silver Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (3), Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Basic Parachutist Badge. SFC Blaskoski has been submitted for the Bronze Star Medal for Service and the Purple Heart, Second Award.
Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
SGT Joshua Charles Brennan was born on 30 May 1985 in El Paso, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 25 September 2003.
During his time in service SGT Joshua Brennan completed Basic Infantry Training, Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 15 March 2004, he reported to Vicenza, Italy where he became a Paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Assigned to Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK – SGT Brennan was first a rifleman and then an Assistant M240 Machine Gunner in 1st Platoon. Promoted to Team Leader, SGT Brennan deployed and served with distinction during bothVI and VIII. SGT Brennan was undoubtely one of the finest Noncommissioned Officers in Battle Company. He always led from the front.
SGT Brennan’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart(2), Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Prior to his death, SGT Brennan was submitted for the Bronze Star Medal for Valor for his actions on 07 August 2007. For his service during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, SGT Brennan has been submitted for the Bronze Star Medal for Service.
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