Veteran's Day 2012 at Arlington National Cemetery

Just as they have on most Memorial Day and Veteran's Day weekends for many years, a group of 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls Veterans gathered at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday November 10, 2012 to honor and remember the fallen from the 2-503d.  They were joined by family and friends as well as other Vietnam Veterans and 2-503d Veterans of OEF VI and OEF VIII (Afghanistan) their families and friends and an OEF VIII Gold Star widow.

Four members of the 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls render honors after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns as the Old Guard bugler plays TAPS at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Back row left to right - Joe Logan and Jim Robinson 

Front row left to right - Dave Glick and LTC Roy Lombardo, Jr.)

The weather in the Washington, DC area could not have been more perfect as the Bravo Bulls, their wives, Veterans of the current day 2-503d, SGT Jeffery Mersman's Gold Star widow, Lynn, parents of a currently deployed 2-503 Battle Co Soldier, family and friends gathered at MG Ellis Williamson's grave at 11:00 to begin the day's remembrance events.

Part of the crowd assembled at MG Williamson's (and his wife's) grave at Arlington National Cemetery.  Sec 60, Site 383

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. spoke about MG Williamson including how he brought the 173rd up on Okinawa.  LTC Lombardo related historical information and shared memories of MG Williamson both during the time the Vietnam Bravo Bulls served under him as well as fond memories after MG Williamson retired from the Army. 

MD Williamson was the first commander of the 173d. In 1963 he was given the job to assemble and train a strike force based in Okinawa, that was able to assault anywhere in south east Asia in 24 hours. In May of 1965, it was thought that Saigon was about to be overrun. At first the Brigade was all scheduled to jump into Vietnam. However, the plan was changed to land in Bien Hoa.  There were some elements of the Brigade who did make the only combat jump into Vietnam.  They were the first army unit to enter Vietnam and the last to leave. General Williamson in later years preferred to be called Butch.  MG Williamson started his army carrier as a trombone player in the North Carolina National Guard! After coming ashore at Normandy, he survived the carpet bombing at the "St. Lowe breakout". He started leading troops east, turned north and ended up in Berlin. Along the way he accumulated 4 DSC's, 6 Silver Stars, 4 Purple Hearts as well as many other medals and awards. He was a hell of a trombone player.

I've heard LTC Lombardo relate these stores before and never grow tired of listening.  I was especially grateful that so many of the modern day ROCK Paratroopers were present to learn about this part of their legacy. 

A wreath was unveiled and Honors were rendered.  LTC Lombardo, Jr. then recited the words to TAPS.  It was a very respectful and emotional moment.

Rendering Honors to MG Ellis Williamson

After the ceremony at MG Williamson's grave we all moved to the 173rd Memorial Stone in Sec 33 of the Cemetery where we waited for the 82nd Airborne Color Guard and Bugler to arrive.  Each year on both Memorial Day and Veteran's Day the 82nd Airborne sends the Color Guard and Bugler to Arlington National Cemetery.  They spend the majority of the day moving from Memorial to Memorial presenting the Colors and playing TAPS for any group who requests them to do so.

Members of the 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls with the 82nd Airborne Color Guard at the 173rd Memorial in Arlington

After the colors were presented, Bravo Bull Jim Robinson read the very moving poem Bury Me With Soldiers.  If you have never heard or read the poem I encourage you to click the link and read it.

Jim Robinson reading "Bury me with Soldiers"

 

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. reminded us all of the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made for our nation throughout wars of all generations.  He then began to read names of the Fallen.

 

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. reminding the crowd about the ultimate sacrifice of the Fallen Sky Soldiers from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan

As LTC Lombardo, Jr. read names of the fallen, members of the crowd placed an American flag around the base of the 173rd Memorial stone.

 

Ed Kearney placed the first flag in memory of Medal of Honor Recipient Milton Olive

 

LTC Lombardo, Jr. continued to read names of the Fallen from Bravo/Battle Company who were killed in action in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan as members of the crowd placed the flags.

 

 

 

2-503d "C" Company (Chosen Company) Soldiers who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) during OEF VIII (2007-2008) were there to remember and honor the fallen.

 

The 173rd Memorial Stone at Arlington after the ceremony

 

Gold Star wife, Lynn, her children and friends of SGT Jeffrey Mersman who was Killed in Action on 9 November 2007 during OEF VIII.  SGT Mersman was a member of 2-503d Chosen Company

 

From there we moved to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where members of the 173rd, 2-503d Bravo Bulls laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

 

Tomb Sentinels bringing in the 173rd Wreath for the Bravo Bulls to place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery

Photo by Ed Kearney

  

Bravo Bulls being briefed by the Sergeant of the Guard just before placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

Bravo Bulls with the Sergeant of the Guard just before placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

 

 

Placing the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

LTC Lombardo, Jr. left the following comment on one of my pictures on facebook:  "It was a great honor to be able to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. There are no unknowns from the Vietnam War but I used the occasion to remember personally PFC Van Campen (The first KIA in B/2-503) and SFC John Lopez, awarded the DSC. Neither body was ever recovered. For me they reside in the same Limbo as the other Unknowns."

 

Rendering Honors after placing the wreath

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

 

Rendering Honors as the Bugler plays TAPS.  It was one of the most emotional moments of the day.  Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

After the wreath had been placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns we went below to the barracks of the Sentinel Guards for a briefing about the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Tomb Guard Platoon.  The Soldier who briefed us was incredibly professional and informative.  I learned several things - one being that the Sentinel Guards do not wear rank while they are guarding the Tomb.  The reason for this is so that they do not out rank the Soldiers interred in the Tomb.  I also learned that the sitting President at the time the remains of any Unknown were interred is the one who is listed as "next of kin."

 

During the briefing the Sentinel who was briefing us excused himself for a minute.  When he came back he brought with him the Sentinel who was preparing to take over the guard duties at the Tomb.  He explained the Sentinel's uniform to us then answered questions regarding the uniform and weapon. 

 

 

Although the Sentinel was about to step out to take over guard duty he and the Commander of the Relief took a quick moment for photos.  We were very grateful to all of them for these very special opportunities.

 

Jim Robinson, Ed Kearney, Joe Logan, Commander of the Relief, Sentinel about to go on duty guarding the Tomb, Dave Glick and Roy Lombardo, Jr.

 

 

I honestly realized then and still do, how fortunate I am

 

Immediately after the above photo was taken the Soldier standing between Joe Logan and me, known as the Commander of the Relief, approached the exit door of the room and began his march out to the Tomb.  Within a short amount of time the Soldier on the far right of this photo approached the exit door to begin his march out to the Tomb where he took his place as the Sentinel guarding the Tomb for the next hour.  The Commander of the Relief is the Soldier who inspects the new guard coming on duty at the Tomb.

 

I was struck by how each Soldier's first step from the room was sharp and with such meaning. 

 

Our next stop was at the Caisson Stables for a tour and a briefing about the Caisson Platoon.  The Soldiers of the Caisson Platoon are those who escort the remains of our Fallen and of retired Veterans to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.  Not only do they participate in numerous burials each day, they also care for the caissons, horses and the stables.  They, just like the Tomb Sentinels were incredibly professional and welcoming to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L to R:  Ed Kearney, Carol Lombardo, Dave Click, Judy, Roy Lombardo, Izzy, Caisson Soldier, Joe Logan and Jim Robinson outside the entrance to the Caisson Stables on Fort Myer

 

COL Jim and Mrs. (Karin) Markert had invited the Bravo Bulls back to their home for an early dinner after the day's events.

 

From lower right: Judy, Joe Logan, Izzy & Dave Glick, COL Jim and Karin Markert, Roy & Carol Lombardo and Ed Kearney at dinner at the Markert's home at Fort Myer

 

 

Kevin, a friend of the Markerts, and Jim Robinson at the dinner at the Markert's home

 

I am thankful to the Bravo Bulls for, once again, allowing me to be a part of such a special and memorable occasion.  I am thankful to Andi Fehl for helping to get the word out and to so many of the "younger" ROCK Paratroopers who attended the events.  I am also thankful to my friends COL Jim and Karin Markert (current Commander of The Old Guard), Arlington National Cemetery (for allowing the Bravo Bulls to lay the wreath), the Old Guard PAO, the Tomb Sentinels and the Caisson Platoon for going out of their way to make this such a special day.

Remembering 1LT Ferrara, SGT Mersman, CPL Langevin, CPL Roque, SPC Lancour and SGT Bocks, KIA, Afghanistan 9 November 2007

Five years ago tomorrow (9 November 2007) six American Warriors were killed in an ambush in eastern Afghanistan. Six family's lives were changed forever. Their battle buddies lives were changed forever. Legions of friends learned the news that these men had become American Heroes - Heroes to whom we owe so much we can never repay them.

Please take a few minutes to read about these men. Honor them. Remember them. Be grateful for them. It is the very least we can do.
Rest in peace brave warriors. We will never forget you.

Memorial Service in Afghanistan 2007

1st Lt. Matthew C. Ferrara, 24, of Torrance, Calif.

14 October 1983 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

1LT Matthew C. Ferrara was born on 14 October 1983 in Torrance, California, and he graduated and was commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point on 28 May 2005 as an Infantry officer.

1LT Ferrara completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia and reported to Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. Matt was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry as the Platoon Leader of First Platoon.

In May 2007, 1LT Ferrara deployed with the company to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. On 22 August 2007, 1LT Ferrara led his men to thwart a deliberate enemy attack on the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) by a numerically superior force. For his valorous and heroic actions that day he was awarded the Silver Star.

1LT Ferrara’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

Sgt. Jeffery S. Mersman, 23, of Parker, KS

11 May 1984 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SGT Jeffery S. Mersman was born on 11 May 1984 in Paola, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 January 2002.

SGT Mersman served in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Grenadier and Rifle Team Leader. While in this unit, SGT Mersman deployed three times in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM before reporting for duty at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.

SGT Mersman was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as a Rifle Team Leader in August 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDUING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During this deployment, SGT Mersman participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation point at Bella Combat Outpost in Nuristan Province providing surveillance and early warning of enemy activity.

SGT Mersman’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Sean K.A. Langevin, 23, of Walnut Creek, CA

17 August 1984 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Sean K. Langevin was born on 17 August 1984 in Walnut Creek, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 14 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georiga, CPL Langevin reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as an Automatic Rifleman. CPL Langevin deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.

During his time in Afghanistan, CPL Langevin went on numerous combat patrols. He was also involved in a violent firefight with enemy forces at the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) on 22 August 2007. For his heroic actions during the Ranch House attack, CPL Langevin was submitted for the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Cpl Langevin’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Lester G. Roque, 23, of Torrance, CA

4 December 1983 – 9 November 2007

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2dn Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Lester G. Roque was born on 4 December 1983 in Obando, Bulacan, Philippines where he spent most of his childhood. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 2 February 2005.

During his time in service, CPL Roque completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 10 October 2005, CPL Roque reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. After his arrival, he immediately joined Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VI where he was assigned as a trauma medic. Due to his maturity and leadership, he was assigned as the Chosen Company Senior Medic where he served with distinction. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, CPL Roque established two aid stations at Combat Outposts Bella and Aranas (Ranch House), conducted numerous combat patrols, and established a local national clinic to increase the healthcare for the surrounding populace.

CPL Roque’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

SPC Joseph M. Lancour, 21, of Swartz Creek, MI

26 June 1986 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Joseph M. Lancour was born on 26 June 1986 in Cadillac, Michigan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 8 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and attending Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, SPC Lancour arrived at Caserma, Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. SPC Lancour was immediately assigned as a Rifleman in Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

SPC Lancour conducted his first deployment to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his service, SPC Lancour participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation post at Bella Combat Outpost providing security and observation of the surrounding mountainous terrain.

SPC Lancour’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

Marine Sgt. Phillip A. Bocks, 28, of Troy, Mich.

From Marines dot mil Bocks’ journey to MWTC began when he enlisted in the Marine Corps May 9, 2000. That same year, he graduated from basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. He then reported to the School of Infantry East at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he graduated and became a Marine Corps rifleman. He later served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where he deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch from Sept. 1, 2001 to Feb. 3, 2002. Sgt. Bocks then deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May 5 to Aug. 15, 2003, according to his service record book.

In his short life, Sgt. Bocks contributed more to his fellow man, fellow comrades-at-arms, and to the units he served in, said Cooling. “He touched more people in more ways than many of us could in a lifetime,” he said. “The evidence of that is why we are all here today.”

Please go to the link above to read more about Sgt Bocks.

NEVER FORGOTTEN

Here is a very poignant medevac video that was filmed on that day.