8 posts tagged “fort benning”
UPDATED: SEE NOTE ABOVE PHOTO OF PLAQUE
I was honored to be invited to attend the Airborne Graduation at Fort Benning yesterday, 2 October 2009. Gold Star father, Mike Brennan, invited me to join him, Joseph's parents and younger brother and another Uncle for the momentous occassion. It was more than an honor to be there.
Paratrooper SGT Josh Brennan, son of Mike and Michelle Brennan and Janice Gates, was a member of Battle Company, 173rd, 2-503 during OEF VIII. SGT Brennan died on 26 October 2007 from wounds sustained in an ambush the prior day.
The following plaque was recently dedicated at Josh's high school. It is inside a display case with items from Josh's high school years such as his football jersey.
UPDATE: I received an email this morning from SGT Brennan's father telling me that the plaque is being updated with additional and correcting information. Sal Giunta, Erik Gallardo, Frank Eckrode, Jr and a possible fourth Soldier were the ones who went forward to assist and rescue SGT Brennan.
Earlier this year Josh's cousin Joseph enlisted in the Army. After completing basic training he went to Airborne school. On Friday he graduated. After a few days of leave with his family PVT Joseph Brennan will join the 173rd, 2-503 Battle Company in Vicenza, Italy and will deploy with them later this year.
On Friday night SFC Jeremy Scribner and his wife, Sara, invited us over for a cookout. Jeremy served with Josh and they were great friends. We had a wonderful time, albeit short, and appreciate them having us over.
On Friday we attended the graduation. Terry and Lori Brennan (PVT Brennan's parents), Michael Brennan (Joseph's brother), Mike Brennan (Josh's dad and Joseph's uncle) and Joe Brennan (Josh and Joseph's uncle). Yeah, too many Michaels, Mikes, Joes and Josephs.
COL Bill Ostlund, Josh's Battalion Commander of the 2-503 and currently the Deputy Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment was invited to speak to Joseph's graduating class.
With permission of the Brennan family and COL Ostlund the following are his remarks:
"Distinguished guests, family, friends, and graduates of Airborne Class 43-09 – I am honored and humbled to be asked to speak to this class. I graduated on this field nearly 26 years ago; little has changed – and that’s a good thing.
Prior to beginning these short remarks, I’d ask all veterans in the audience to stand. I’d like to THANK YOU for your service and for not only doing your part for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY but for also inspiring another OR others to do their part. Shortly, Airborne School will ask previous PARATROOPERs to pin their protégé’s wings – in front of the formation, which is truly inspiring.
I was privileged to begin my career as an enlisted Airborne Ranger, which means I was trained by the best; in my latter years I was privileged to command PARATROOPERs in combat, which means I led the best our services and nation have to offer. PARATROOPERs of any service and any specialty are perfectly suited to be incredible trainers and incredible combat warriors. Our most elite – Army Rangers, Special Forces, Delta Operators, Navy SEALs, Air Force Para-Rescue and Combat Control Teams, and Marine Force Recon and Special Operators are Airborne qualified – PARATROOPERs first and foremost. The attention to detail required to exit an aircraft, with combat equipment, at night, into an ambiguous situation is instructive to say the least. It takes moxy.
Our Nation’s elite are expected to move quickly, with limited information, and accomplish the intent – always. Many times this means LGOPs – or little groups of PARATROOPERs – are figuring “it” out as they go along. They may not have everything they need and won’t have everything they want but they’ll do their very best and make our nation and allies more secure – always.
Since World War II our military history is replete with tens of thousands of stories of PARATROOPERS in action – heroically and selflessly bringing the fight to the enemy, to the enemies’ homeland and backyard, and living their lives for their fellow PARATROOPERs. I led such an organization that selflessly fought for a population that had never benefited from a central government and had historically aligned with the tyrant that did them the least harm.
The PARATROOPERS I led in Afghanistan consistently amazed friendly forces and enemy forces alike as they tenaciously conducted 9500 missions for the population and fought 1100 contacts with the enemy earning over 300 valor awards to include 3 Medal of Honor nominations a Distinguished Service Cross, 26 Silver Stars, and 90 Bronze Stars for Valor. One young leader had earned a Bronze Star on a previous Afghanistan tour; as a Sergeant Team Leader on his second Afghan tour he was shot through the calf in a close fight on the Abas Ghar Mountain in the Korengal Valley – this team leader refused MEDEVAC and led his team off of an 8,400 foot mountain through the valley floor, back to his base camp at 5,000 feet. On the night of 25 October 2007, just six weeks later, this team leader was the point man leading his platoon through the mountains and back to his combat outpost after a very intense five day operation that in effect transformed the Korengal Valley. The platoon was ambushed by numerous enemy arrayed in a close ambush – some within meters of the lead squad. The lead team leader was shot six times – the squad leader was knocked to the ground – three others were wounded, and the platoon medic was killed moving to treat his wounded comrades. The trail team leader moved through the ambush to secure his squad leader only to see his peer team leader being carried off by two Taliban. The trail team leader attempted to suppress the enemy with grenades and rifle fire as he fearlessly moved through the fire, killed one of the Taliban carrying off his peer and wounded the other then he secured his wounded peer and brought him to safety. The trail team leader was nominated for the Medal of Honor – the lead team leader was evacuated and died hours later. The trail Team Leader in this vignette is SGT Sal Giunta – he still serves in BATTLE Company, 2-503, 173rd ABCT in Vicenza, Italy. The lead team leader was SGT Josh Brennan a handsome, fit, proficient, heroic PARATROOPER. His dad, Mike, Uncle Joe, Aunt Lori, Uncle Terry, and Cousin Michael are present today. PVT Joe Brennan is one of the 365 graduating members of the class; I jumped with him Monday, and “cousin Joe” is enroute to BATTLE Company– to join SGT Brennan’s former unit, to include SGT Giunta and many other outstanding Paratroopers. I tell this story to our new PARATROOPERs – and more importantly to the Parents and Loved ones of our newest PARATROOPERs – as your PARATROOPER selflessly and courageously joined an elite fraternity. With this graduation they expand their family – and join men like SGT Giunta and SGT Brennan. Regardless of unit, service, or duration of service, they will leave this field a better service member and citizen. Like the thousands of PARATROOPERS that are currently deployed, they will be asked and tasked to do serious business for our nation – to do more with less – to figure it out in rugged, austere, contested terrain, in the dead of night, and they will do it with like minded warriors. Your PARATROOPER will need your continued support as you are also part of this new and expanded family. Whether they accept their service as a career or return to school or the family business, you can expect more from them and they can expect more from themselves – as they have faced the OPEN DOOR where one of three things can happen upon exit – they can get killed, they can get hurt, or they can land OK… These same three things go through our head when we roll outside the wire, move out on patrol, maneuver on the enemy, or face any other unknown hazard or challenge – which is why PARATROOPERS are well suited for the challenges of combat and the challenges of life. Parents, mentors, and inspirational others – you did good. Your investment is on the field to your front – and I’d venture your return is much higher than you could have ever hoped. To the PARATROOPERS of Class 43-09 – I’m proud to stand amongst you – congratulations – see you on the DROP ZONE! Thank you for your time – make Good Luck – Rangers Lead the Way!"
The Master of Ceremonies then called forward any current or former Paratrooper who had a family member in the graduating class. COL Ostlund walked over to escort the Brennan family out and PVT Joseph Brennan was asked to come forward. It was a very poignant moment as Mike watched Terry pin Josh's wings on Joseph.
Joseph had carried Josh's wings in his ACU pocket on each of his training jumps, too.
Godspeed Joseph. We are all so proud of you. I know Josh is damn proud of you and is looking over you and will keep you safe.
The Board of Directors
of the
173d Airborne Brigade
National Memorial Foundation
proudly announces that the
Dedication of the Memorial
will take place
at 10:00 A.M.
Tuesday, 1 June, 2010.
The Memorial is located at the
National Infantry Foundation
Museum and Soldier Center
(1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, Georgia).
For more information about the Dedication,
or to find out how to contact us, please visit the
173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation website at www.173dairbornememorial.org
To arrange for hotel accommodations, please go to www.visitcolumbusga.com and click on “Accommodations.”
The National Infantry Foundation and
The National Infantry Museum Staff
are extremely busy with their primary duties.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THEM
WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DEDICATION!
Directions to the National Infantry Museum
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
1775 Legacy Way
Columbus, Georgia 31903
From the north:
From Interstate 85 South, take exit 21 to I-185 South to Columbus. Take exit 1B and merge onto US 431/US 280/Victory Drive. Turn left onto Fort Benning Road and continue to park entrance.
From the south:
From Interstate 85 North, take exit 62 for US 431/US 280. Continue right toward Columbus US 431/US 280. Turn right onto County Road 27. Turn right onto Fort Benning Road and continue to park entrance.
Note: If you are using a GPS use the address 3800 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus, Georgia 31903
Although the Foundation plans to start construction of the Monument in July 2009, additional donations are needed to reach our fundraising goal.
Checks should be made out to the 173d Memorial Foundation and mailed to the Memorial Foundation, 1160 Lake Royale, Louisburg, NC 27549. Alternatively, if you would like to use a credit card to make a donation, please visit our website at www.173dairbornememorial.org and follow the simple instructions using Paypal. The Foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible and will be acknowledged.
I'm on my way to Florida for a wedding. I stopped over night in Columbus, GA to meet Finley Pike and Mia Queck. I've been wanting to meet and hold these little angels for weeks now. They are both the cutest, most precious little girls. Mia wasn't feeling so hot but she was still a sweetie and a real trooper. Finley "talks" all the time. Both of them have the best little grins and smiles.
I must say I was VERY impressed with how hands on these two dads are.
And "Uncle" Denton - be afraid, be VERY afraid!
Many thanks to the Quecks for having us over and cooking a delicious dinner. Thanks, as well, to the Pikes for bringing Finley over to visit. And it was great to see the Tompkins, too!
Now off to Florida for that wedding!
UPDATED BELOW with video of CPL Ayers' ceremony from Fox News as well as video of CPT Myer's, SGT Denton's and SFC Dwzik's Ceremony and additional links added at end of post.
RESPECT
HONOR
LOVE OF FELLOW MAN
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
AWARDS OF VALOR
This past weekend was about all of the above and so much more. It will be impossible for me to find words to fully describe the events. It will be equally as impossible for me to be able to describe the privilege of being able to sit back and watch the men of 2-503 and, more specifically of Chosen Company, interact with each other. I was privileged to sit for hours and listen to them remember all of their Fallen Brothers and to talk about the memories they have of them and about how much they miss them. When it came to the Awards of Valor for those who survived the Battle at Wanat EVERY SINGLE SOLDIER could have cared less about receiving an award. Why? Because they would rather their Brothers in Arms be here and because they were just "doing their jobs."
From the Columbus, GA ledger-enquirer:
“I’m excited and a little bit sad because of the guys that can’t be here,” Dzwik said. “But that’s also why this is important. It’s not, in my opinion, for me. It’s for my men. They fought very hard that day. They fought for each other, and I’m just glad to be here to represent them.”
According to Dzwik’s citation, the platoon sergeant directly engaged the enemy while also directing indirect fire. Additionally, Dzwik led reinforcements to a beleaguered Coalition Force Observation Post and then ensured that several casualties were evacuated.
----------------------------------------------
Myer said his award will serve as a reminder of what he and his brothers in arms endured on the battlefield that day. At the time of the attack on Wanat, Myer was serving as company commander for C Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade.
“I’d really say for all the guys I know that have gotten high level awards, the award itself doesn’t mean as much as what they’ve gone through, the people that they’ve been with as they went through it,” Myer said. “So it means more to me that there’s people here that were there with me that day.”
-----------------------------------------------
Denton was serving as a grenadier in C Company during the attack on Wanat, which is located in the Hindu Kush Mountains, adjacent to the Pakistan border. He said he was happy some of the guys from his old unit came out to Eubanks Field to witness his promotion from specialist to sergeant and the presentation of his award. Denton said the Silver Star is more for his fallen comrades.
“It’s more for the guys that didn’t come home,” he said. “It’s not just for me, it’s for everybody that was out there fighting that day.
“I didn’t want it,” Denton added. “I’m not going to lie. I was just doing my job just like everybody else.”
---------------------------------------------------
My pick for sweetest photo of the weekend below. CPT Myer's son Drew saluting as the National Anthem is played on Monday 30 March at the Airborne Walk at Fort Benning prior to the awards ceremony for CPT Myer, SGT Denton and SFC Dwzik
Most of us who were traveling in for the weekend's events arrived Saturday afternoon. Sky Soldiers flew in from WRAMC and drove in from Illinois, Florida, South Carolina and other parts of Georgia. There may have been others who traveled in but those are the ones I'm aware of. Saturday night COL Ostlund (former 173rd, 2-503 Battalion Commander during the deployment to Afghanistan and now Deputy Commander, 75th Ranger Regiment) and his wife, Heather, hosted a party at their house on Fort Benning. The rain FINALLY stopped in time for the party and a crowd of at least 50 showed up. Attendees included Vietnam Veterans of the 2-503, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of the 2-503, current members of the 2-503, Wounded Warriors from the recent Afghanistan deployment, Rangers, family and friends. The star of the show was COL Ostlund's 2 year old son Brenget. Regretfully I didn't take any photos that night.
For several hours everyone enjoyed the fellowship, told stories and remembered the Fallen. COL Ostlund gave a very touching speech about why everyone was there - to remember the Fallen and to reconnect. He reminded everyone that "Once a Sky Soldier, Always a Sky Soldier". He introduced us to Les Kapelka, a Vietnam Veteran of the 173rd, and his wife who had come from Eufaula, AL. Les is a member of VFW Post 5850 and Secretary-Treasurer of the VFW Southern Conference. It was such an honor to have them join the "younger" men and their families.
Around 21:00 several of the Soldiers, girlfriends and family members made their way back to the hotel where most of the out of towners where staying. A party ensued until around 0330 Sunday morning with about 30 or more people having a grand time. Rumor has it many others were at the Ostlund's until around the same time. What a night!
A few photos of the merriment at the hotel:
On Sunday 30 March 2009 everyone from the Fort Benning area traveled to Snellville, GA for the Silver Star Presentation and Celebration of Life Cermony for CPL Jonathan Ayers. We arrived to one of the greatest sights one could. The Patriot Guard Riders were standing in formation at the entrance to the Shiloh High School auditorium. There had to have been at least 100 great American Veterans and Patriots standing in two lines with American flags flying proudly in the breeze.
When this gentleman from the PRG was introducing CSM Meyers, COL Ostlund and CPT Myer (who was off camera) it was incredibly moving. At one point when he was thanking them and their Soldiers for doing what they do to protect this nation and our freedom he had to pause momentarily because of his emotion. That, my friends, is what these amazing Patriots (many of whom are Veterans) are all about. The Patriot Guard Riders do what the do so well and so respectfully at their own expense and on their own time. Definitely National Treasures in my book.
We made our way into the Auditorium and took our seats. Not long after that the Patriot Guard Riders entered the building and completely surrounded the auditorium as they stood with their flags. If you haven't seen a sight like this it's impossible to explain it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a photo of the entire auditorium. This is the best I could do from my seat:
There were around 50 Sky Soldiers in attendance in their Class A uniforms and a few others in civilian clothes due to either 1) being out of the Army now or 2) their Class A uniforms being in transit from their prior duty station and unavailable for them to wear. It was an impressive sight. The members of Chosen Company (5 of whom in attendance were at Wanat with CPL Ayers that fateful day 13 July 2008) were seated together on the front row center. All of the other Sky Soldiers and their spouses/signficant others were seated together on the front rows on the right of the auditorium. A true brotherhood.
COL Ostlund and CPT Myers both participated in the ceremony. Jim Hanson from Blackfive.net captured their remarks on video:
The ceremony was a true celebraton of CPL Ayers' life. In my opinion Brig Gen Joseph Schroedel "stole the show" with his many uplifting and humorous remarks about CPL Ayers and his family. CPL Ayers' mother, Suzanne; his father, Bill; and his brother Josh also shared many great remarks and stories with us. Please take the time to watch the video and listen to a little about CLP Ayers and those who served with him.
And I would be completely remise if I didn't mention the Shiloh High School Air Force Junior ROTC members. Their participation in the program was done with exceptional dignity, honor and precision. It was more than evident during the program that they has spent countless hours practicing all of their duties. A big HOOAH (sorry, don't know the Air Force one) for a job WELL DONE. CPL Ayers was a member of the Shiloh High School Junior ROTC program and was instrumental in their program receiving many awards and top honors during his tenure.
After Brig Gen Schroedel finished his remarks the members of 2-503 Chosen Company marched onto the stage to stand behind the family as CPL Ayers' family was awarded his Silver Star posthumously.
UPDATE: From Fox News:
Prior to leaving Snellville several of the Soldiers who had served with CPL Ayers (many during the Battle at Wanat) along with their family members went to pay their respects at CPL Ayers' grave. It was the first opportunity they had to do so since many had been Wounded and were in the hospital and others were either still in Afghanistan or redeploying back to Italy at the time of his funeral.
After the Celebration of CPL Ayers' life we traveled back to the Fort Benning area and relaxed in preparation for Monday's events. Here are a couple of photos of the relaxing time we had:
It is impossible to describe what it was like to witness 1SG Beeson and his men interacting that night. Heartwarming to say the least. They spent a lot of time remembering their Fallen Brothers. They also spent time reminding each other of some of the crazy things they had done and been through. I wish I had a dollar for every time 1SG Beeson shook his head and said, "I had no knowledge of that at the time and it's a good thing I didn't".
We were up bright and early on Monday morning to attend the Awards Ceremony for CPT Myer, SPC Denton (but not for long that day), and SFC Dwzik held at Fort Benning on the Airborne Walk. It was an absolutely beautiful morning. I credit Heather Ostlund for making the rain go away.
The ceremony began with SPC Michael Denton being promoted to SGT Denton
COL Ostlund made a few remarks about the Chosen Few and those being awarded Medals of Valor. He also recognized Medal of Honor Nominee SGT Kyle White (November 9, 2007 Ambush) and Distiguished Service Cross Nominee SGT Ryan Pitts (Battle of Wanat) who were in attendance.
Then the Commanding General of Fort Benning, Major Gen Michael Barbero made remarks:
CPT Myer, SGT Denton and SFC Dwzik were called forward to receive their awards presented to them by Major General Michael Barbero
CPT Myer and SGT Denton were presented the Silver Star for their actions at the Battle at Wanat. SFC Dwzik was presented the Bronze Star with V Device for his actions at the Battle of Wanat.
Jim Hanson from Blackfive captured the awards ceremony on video. Thanks Uncle Jimbo!
COL Ostlund shares incredible facts and information about the men of Chosen Company. I encourage you to watch this video.
I was quite shocked at the amount of media at the event. After the Awards were given each of the three men were approached by the media for interviews. I have a couple of photos of SGT Denton being interviewed but didn't capture any photos of CPT Myer or SFC Dwzik being interviewed.
UPDATE: Click here to view video from WLTZ - NBC 38
And the "money" quote of the day from SGT Denton when the CNN reporter approached him for the THIRD time about an interview, "Didn't you say you were from CNN?", Her reply, "yes". SGT Denton, "I'm not interested." That's my guy! You see, CNN, if you hadn't been so nasty for so long to our military personnel to the point of, in my opinion, distrust, you might have had a shot at the interview. A real shame. SGT Denton is a stand up man and a stand up Soldier with amazing stories of heroism to tell about his Fallen Brothers and all those with whom he has served as well as what he endured. SGT Denton probably wouldn't want me to mention this in the post. He knows how proud I am of him anyway. This was just icing on the cake for me.
A few more photos after the ceremony:
I want to express my most sincere appreciation to both Major Gen Barbero and COL Ostlund as well as the members of their respective staffs for making the awards Ceremony on Monday a first class event. I also want to express my gratitude to MAJ Perry Jarmon, Dep Chief of Public Affiars, 1st Army and his staff for all they did to make CPL Ayers' ceremony first class. Without an enormous amount of work in a short amount of time by all of these people the events of this weekend would not have come together as they did.
The Battle at Wanat is a difficult memory for the families, friends and Brothers in Arms of the Fallen Heroes. I believe the events of the past few days have done such honor to the Fallen and I hope the events have helped a little more in the healing process of those who survived.
There are no words in the English language to convey how honored I am to have been able to attend these events and to spend time with these men, so many of whom have become great friends.
Additional links:
http://www.army.mil/ Vicenza Soldiers Honored For Bravery In Afghanistan
www.blackfive.net - Blog post #1
www.blackfive.net - Blog post #2 (with video)
www.blackfive.net - Blog post #3
www.thisainthell.us - Blog post
Valor Citations for CPL Ayers, CPT Myer, SGT Denton and SFC Dwzik
UPDATE: Print story from WLTZ 38 News
UPDATE: From 11Alive.com
UPDATE: Assoluta Tranquillita - a Candian Troop Supporter
UPDATE: Must scroll down to Four More 173rd Paratroopers Receive Awards for Actions During Battle of Wanat
UPDATE: Must scroll down to For Gallantry in Action
CPL Jonathan Ayers Silver Star (Posthumously)
CPT Matthew Myer Silver Star
SGT Michael Denton Silver Star
SFC David Dwzik Bronze Star with V Device
"I want this ceremony to be a celebration," said the corporal's father, Bill Ayers. "He was military. He liked spit-and-polish type things and would fuss at us if our shoes weren't cleaned just right. Pride in his country was paramount."
From Newsblaze.com
Published: March 26,2009
Atlanta-Area Soldier Will Be Honored Posthumously Sunday
Amid a formal gathering of family, friends, Soldiers, civic and public officials, Brig. Gen. Joseph Schroedel (commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division) will present a posthumous Silver Star medal to Bill and Suzanne Ayers, the parents of Army Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers, at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Ga., March 29.
Ayers, 24, of Snellville was killed in action July 13, 2008, while as a machine gunner, he defended his unit against a vicious enemy attack.
His unit, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team from Vicenza, Italy, came under the deadliest attack since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan when the outpost was attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in the Kunar Province.
After graduating from Snellville's Shiloh High School, Ayers enlisted in the Army in April 2006 and went straight from basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., to the 173rd.
"I want this ceremony to be a celebration," said the corporal's father, Bill Ayers. "He was military. He liked spit-and-polish type things and would fuss at us if our shoes weren't cleaned just right. Pride in his country was paramount."
Also, the mayor of Snellville, Jerry Oberholtzer, has proclaimed March 29 as "Corporal Jonathan R. Ayers Day" in the City of Snellville.
Oberholtzer said he and the residents are honoring Ayers "not only as a community hero but as a true American hero."
When Bill and Suzanne Ayers receive the Silver Star on behalf of their son March 29, they will be receiving the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is, also, the third highest award given for valor in the face of the enemy.
From the LedgerEnquirer.com
Posted on Thu, Mar. 26, 200
Benning soldier's family to accept Silver Star for fallen son
Three Fort Benning Soldiers will soon be presented with Silver Stars and another will be given a Bronze Star with "V" device for their actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2008.
In a ceremony to be held March 30 at 10 a.m. at the Airborne Walk on Eubanks Avenue, Capt. Matthew R. Myer and Spc. Michael T. Denton will receive Silver Stars while Sgt. 1st Class David L. Dwzik will be given a Bronze Star with “V” device for their gallantry in action during the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan, on July 13, 2008.
At a separate ceremony at 3 p.m. on March 29 at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Ga., the family of Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers will be presented his Silver Star for his actions during the Battle of Wanat, which is being awarded posthumously.
Myer, Denton and Dwzik were members of Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team during the Battle of Wanat. Nine soldiers from their company were killed in action that day and 27 more were wounded.
During Chosen Company’s 15-month deployment to the Kunar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan, 16 of their soldiers were killed in action and 50 were wounded.
Prior to the award ceremony Denton will be promoted to sergeant.
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States and is presented to servicemembers who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism. It is the third highest award presented for valor.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is based in Vicenza, Italy.
There are 10 Silver Stars and 4 Bronze Stars with V Device for Valor being awarded to Soldiers who fought at the Battle of Wanat. Additionally one Distingushed Service Cross is pending. To say those men were in a hell on earth that day is more than an understatement.
Those of you who follow this blog know that I have had the honor to get to know many of these men and their families. I have been especially honored to have gotten to know and spend a lot of time with many of the Wounded Warriors. It is an honor I do not take lightly.
Over the past week or so many people have worked tirelessly to make sure the awards ceremony and celebration of life for CPL Ayers as well as the awards ceremony for CPT Myer, SFC Dwzik and SPC (P) Denton are meaningful and well attended. Sky Soldiers and family members from around the southeastern United States as well from as far away as Illinois and New Hampshire are driving and flying in for these events as a way to honor their brothers in arms.
Uncle Jimbo of Blackfive.net and I will be attending. What a special honor it will be on Sunday to join the Chosen Few and other Sky Soldiers in celebrating the life of CPL Ayers and on Monday when they attend the awards ceremony at Fort Benning. It's actually turned into a bit of a mini reunion and the Sky Soldiers are anxiously awaiting the weekend to be able to reconnect and be together again to remember those whose lives were lost during the deployment and to strengthen a bond that I can't imagine could be any stronger.
Links to additional stories about the Battle of Wanat:
Friday 23 January 2009 was one of those "I can't believe I'm here" days for me. I attended the graduation of the 02-09 Ranger Class at Fort Benning, GA. Three of the 173rd, 2-503 Sky Soldiers were in the graduating class. Interestingly there were 173 graduates in the 02-09 Ranger class. I was invited to sit with the family of ARMY RANGER SPC Hank Griffith and his family. Hank's dad graduated from Ranger school "a few" years back and was ther to pin his Ranger tab on Hank. I was also able to find ARMY RANGER SPC Frank Eckrode and his mom in the crowd after graduation. Golly it was good to see Hank and Frank again and to meet their parents.
Although the graduation was planned for 11:00 there was a "Rangers in Action" demonstration at 10:00. If you're ever invited to a Ranger graduation you MUST arrive in time for the demonstration. It was incredible. They blew up things, jumped from helicopters into the water, rappelled down and up towers, blew up more things, came racing down zip lines, picked up Rangers with a helicopter and flew them away all tandem on one rope (gasp!), participated in hand to hand combat and, well, blew up some more things. Impressive!
Since I had no idea what to expect and when to expect it I didn't get any photos of the explosions but I got lots of other photos which I'll share below.
Ranger school is a very difficult and intense three phase school. You can read a little bit about the three phases here. From what SPC Griffith and SPC Eckrode shared the written descriptions relay very little about the intensity of the school. A big HOOAH to all of the new Rangers and a special thanks to the Griffiths and the Eckrodes for including me in this very special day.
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!
In the photo above are SPC Griffith's mom, SPC Griffith (ARMY RANGER), John Griffith (my escort for the day - isn't he a cutie?), me and Grapes (was in squad with Griffith on recent deployment to Afghanistan but not in this Ranger class)
By the way, the conex in the photo above was the "victim" of one of the demolition demonstrations. Blew the doors right off with a huge BOOM! Cool!
