Remembering the Fallen of COP Keating/Kamdesh October 3, 2009

Three years ago today eight American Heroes gave their lives and 22 more were wounded when OP Fritsche and COP Keating were attacked by the enemy in Kamdesh, Afghanistan.

Today the pain is still so fresh for the families and the survivors. 

Please take some time to read about the Fallen Heroes of COP Keating. Click on each link below to read more about what their families, friends, Brothers-in-Arms and community members have said about these men. It is the VERY least we can do to REMEMBER them and HONOR their sacrifice.

May God rest the souls of these men and continue to provide comfort to their families and friends.

SSG Vernon Martin was known as a giving husband and a loving father to his three children ages 2, 4 and 6 at the time of his death. He was also known as a great brother. SSG Martin married his high school sweetheart and aspired to work with children in a youth development program when he left the Army.

SSG Martin was known for his laugh, his loving and giving spirit and his love of children and their causes.

He was a native of Savannah, GA. He entered the Army in August 2004 and had served one tour in Iraq prior to his deployment to Afghanistan. You can read more about the man and and Soldier he was in this article from KKTV. There are so me very touching comments at the end of the article.

SSG Justin T. Gallegos, a native of Tuscon, Arizona, was on his third deployment. He had previously served two deployments to Iraq and had been awarded, among other awards, three Purple Hearts.


SSG Gallegos was the father of a five year old son.

Retired Army CSM Don Becker told a story about one of the times when SSG Gallegos was wounded in Iraq and earned his first Purple Heart. Becker says Gallegos' vehicle was in a convoy when it was bombarded with grenades and machine gun fire and Gallegos took a chunk of shrapnel in his arm. "But he continued to fight," Becker says, until one final grenade was thrown. Becker says Gallegos told him, "I saw the guy that threw it. But I didn't shoot at him. So I started to open my mouth of course to ask why. He looked at me and said he was standing behind a bunch of kids."

You can read more about this SSG Gallegos in this article from KKTV.




SGT Joshua J Kirk was a husband and father of a three year old daughter.

At the Memorial service at Fort Carson in October 2009 it is reported by Military Times that chuckles rippled through the nearly full chapel as letters were read from soldiers still in Afghanistan recounting the fallen troops’ lives and praising their bravery and friendship. “I would have followed that man straight to hell if he thought it was a good idea,” one letter said of Sgt. Joshua T. Kirk, 30, of South Portland, Maine.

In this article from the Portland Press Herald Sgt Kirk's cousin, Ben Dinsmore of Killeen, Texas, said "Kirk had dreams of joining the Army when he was a kid. He said they played Army when they were growing up.

''We were thick and thin,'' Dinsmore said. ''We would grab any stick that looked like a gun and run around in the woods playing Army. I joined the Coast Guard and he joined the Army right around the same time.''

There's much more about SGT Kirk at this link

SGT Joshua M Hardt entered the Army in June 2006. This was his second deployment. His first was to Iraq. A Soldier who served with SGT Hardt said, "He was an amazing person and a great teacher." Another commented that he always knew how to light up a room with his smile.

In an article in the LA times I found this about SGT Hardt:

"While he was still in high school, Joshua Hardt took one look at his future wife, Olivia, and told friends that some day he would be with her. That first date was low-key: a movie and Chinese food. He gave Olivia a piggyback ride into the cafe. Later that night, he asked if he could give her a good-night kiss. She declined, but he touched his lips to her forehead. She reciprocated with a kiss on the cheek. He ran down the driveway, kicked his heels in the air and exclaimed "Yes!" his wife remembers. "He was animated like that," she said.

You can learn more about SGT Hardt from this article and the touching comments published by KKTV





SGT Michael Scusa left behind his wife, Alyssa, and their 1 year old son Connor who was named for one of SGT Scusa's fallen comrades. He joined the Army in 2005 and had served one tour in Iraq. He re-enlisted in the Army not long before deploying to Afghanistan.

The Press of Atlantic City notes that "As a teenager, Michael Scusa used to jog down Kentucky Avenue in the Villas with a backpack filled with bricks to simulate Army training."

The article also states, "Scusa left an impression on his Lower Cape May Regional High School teachers, who remembered him fondly as a sometimes-quiet student who blossomed over the years. He was enthusiastic about joining the military, they said. He enlisted while still in high school and shipped out shortly after graduation. He visited his (high school) alma mater several times, but the first time he walked the halls in uniform and chatted with teachers was the most memorable. He had changed, said his freshman English teacher Chris Rosenberg, who became friends with Scusa. "He was a man," Rosenberg said.

From KKTV: "Alyssa says she will remember her husband Michael as a goofy, fun loving person, who made everyone smile." And "Michael's father-in-law tells 11 News that Michael was proud to be a soldier. He believed in his mission and his family."




SPC Stephan Mace joined the Army in early 2008 and was on his first deployment. He was from Lovettsville, VA, the second eldest of four brothers. SPC Mace was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by his mother, father, three brothers and grandparents.

There is a moving video here of SPC Mace's final journey home.

SPC Mace is described as a Moto Cross champion, football player, hunter and all around fun-loving, loyal friend. I urge you to take some time to read this story published by CNN of an interview done with SPC Mace's mother Vanessa Adelson. I was moved to tears on more than one occassion.

In this article from the Colorado Springs Gazette his mother said, “There was a peace about him,” she said. “He told me many times: ‘I trust everybody in my unit to cover my back.’ He loved those boys he fought with like brothers.”

She said he showed no fear as he returned to the remote outpost where he later died

KKTV has more about SPC Mace.

SGT Christopher T Griffin of Kincheloe, MI was 24 and known for his infectious smile.

From the Colorado Springs Gazette:

Tom McKee, a classmate who is now a student teacher at Rudyard High, said the whole town knew that Griffin would someday don his nation’s uniform.

“He always wanted to join the service,” McKee said. “Any time we played, we were Army men.”

At Rudyard, Griffin played football and wrestled. He was known as a generous kid with an easy laugh.

“He was a quiet person who had a great sense of humor and always smiled,” McKee said. “In the 15 years I knew him, I never heard him say a negative word.”

An avid Green Bay Packers fan, he showed versatility on the high school gridiron. “If he had to learn a new position in a day, he would do it,” McKee said.

Griffin visited his home town after he’d joined the Army. McKee said he appeared content with the decision.

“He said he was doing what he loved to do.”

PFC Kevin C Thomson was born in California but raised in Reno, NV by his mother. He enlisted in the Army in 2008. This was his first deployment.

From Freedom Remembered - PFC Thomson was known as a young man full of spirit and was very close to his mother - it was just the two of them. He was also known as a consumate prankster and for embracing his love of country. Kevin lost 100 pounds so that he could join the Army. He was always known for being there for anyone who needed him.

KKTV has more about PFC Thomson at their link.

REMEMBER THEM ALWAYS!  And remember those who miss them everyday and continue to deal with the pain of their deaths.

Remembering SFC Matthew Blaskowski - KIA COP Vegas, Afghanistan on September 23, 2007

 

Today is the five year anniversary of the death of SFC Matthew D. Blaskowski who was killed in action at Firebase Vegas in eastern Afghanistan.  Not one day has gone by that I (along with MANY others) haven't thought about and deeply missed Matt aka Sergeant Ski.

I've written many times about Matt.  Today I'd like to remember Matt by sharing an excerpt from a prior blog post, photos and links to some of the many stories written about him.  Most of all I'm sending my love to his widow, Daniela, his parents, Terry and Cheryl, his brother and sister in law, Stan and Becky and to those who served with him as well as the legion of extended family and friends whose lives he touched in such a deep and positive way.

We miss you so much, Matt. 

Matt's Memorial Service in Afghanistan

Matt's final ride home from the airport

Rest in Peace, Matt

The Fallen Heroes Memorial Foundation erected a Memorial in Matt's hometown of Cheboygan, Michigan.  Their story about the dedication of the monument is here

Cheryl and Terry Blaskowski with the motorcycle they had custom painted for Matt.  They were going to give it to him after OEF VIII deployment.  The name of the bike is "War Torn".  Matt's parents gave the bike to their son, Stan, who rides it in honor of  his brother.

Keith Youngs of Youngs Woodcarving carved a beautiful memorial to Matt which sits next to his parent's business in Cheboygan, MI.  Story here and additional story here

From the first post I ever wrote about Matt:

"In an email he wrote to me on 8 August 2007 Matt said, “Sorry I have not been able to send you a thank you. I came to a base with internet for a few days and then back out to the firebase I will go. Thank you so much for all of the packages. The soldiers and I appreciate everything greatly. Everything you send is perfect nothing goes to waste. I will try and write once a month and give you an update on our conditions here. We recently got a generator out there so we have power for a few hours everyday. We get mail about twice a month by air. It's like Christmas every time and most of the packages by far are from you. The name of my platoon's base is called Firebase Vegas. We are slowly but surely making it better. I have a lot of pictures of the Soldiers that I will try and send to you next time I get to the internet. Thank you again for all of your packages. Also thank the people that are in contact with you who also send us things. The Soldiers and I appreciate everything you do for us and we try to write a letter at least every time we get mail, but we only get to send out mail when someone carries all the letters out to mail them and that does not happen very often. Thanks again for all of your support.”

I emailed a response to Matt that it was our honor to provide support to him and his men. I told him that we believe it is our job (an easy one) to provide support because they are doing the difficult job by fighting those who would rather see this nation in chaos and ruin. I told him we knew they were making great progress and to keep up the good fight but to stay safe. Then I told him more boxes were on the way and reminded him of how grateful we were for him and his men. That was my last correspondence with Matt. It has been a long time since I have been as sad as I was when I received the email from the HHC at Camp Blessing telling me of Matt’s death. Even though I had never met him I knew from the correspondence I had with members of the 173^rd as well as from reading accounts of his service on the internet that he was a special human being.

 

Our prayers along with our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Matt’s wife, parents, brother, extended family and friends and to his comrades left behind. There is no way to adequately express our thoughts at this time. If one takes the time to read about SFC Blaskowski on the internet one finds story after story about the man he was. He lived his 27 years as a shining example of what humanity should be. It is apparent that Matt touched the lives of anyone who met and knew him in any capacity. He was the best of the best. He lived a selfless life in many ways – one of which was his choice to serve this nation as a member of the United States Army – to defend our freedom and continue to ensure our safety and security. Matt gave his all for us. This nation owes more to SFC Matthew Blaskowski than we could ever give. May his family know that we grieve with them in this time of sadness and loss and that we are thankful for the man he was. May they find comfort in remembering all that Matt was, all that he did and all that he gave throughout his life.

 

Rest in peace Matt. Our prayers are with you. I know the gates of heaven were standing wide open when you passed through and the angels were there to meet you."

 

Links to stories about Matt:

UpNorthLove dot com (local Michigan newpaper)

Blackfive Someone You Should Know Part 1 (photos and pictures from OEF VI as well as video of Matt in his hospital bed at Landstuhl hospital)

Blackfive Someone You Should Know Part 2 (great stories and photos)

 

 

We love you and miss you, Matt.  We will NEVER EVER forget you and the amazing man you were.  Sending extra love to your family and battle buddies today.

Sky Angels of OEF XIII - May They All Rest In Peace

I pray two things each day; that I never have to add another name to this post and that the families of these heroes find the way to work through their grief and loss.

Rest in Peace Heroes.  We will NEVER forget your sacrifice nor will we EVER allow your lives to be forgotten.

 

SSG Orion Sparks, 29, of Tuscon, Arizona, died Sept. 26, in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an insurgent wearing a suicide vest detonated the device near his patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Schweinfurt, Germany.

His Commander, LTC Whit Wright said about SSG Sparks  "Sparks was “a contagious optimist who was always in good spirits,” Wright wrote.

The non-commissioned officer “could relate to soldiers on a personal level and helped guide them through life,” Wright continued. “Orion was an outstanding trainer of soldiers and a leader who was not afraid to get his hands dirty and lead from the front – a true NCO to the end. He was a cornerstone in Anvil Troop."

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SGT Jonathan A. Gollnitz, 28, of Lakehurst, New Jersey, died Sept. 26, in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an insurgent wearing a suicide vest detonated the device near his patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Schweinfurt, Germany.

His Commander, LTC Whit Wright said of SGT Gollnitz, "Gollnitz, the commander noted, “quickly filled a gap in the platoon's junior leadership. Bringing a quiet professionalism to his work, he was able to build a strong team of soldiers that trusted and respected him.”

“Jonathan,” Wright added, “was also able to communicate with soldiers on a personal level and would often speak of his son and his plans for the future."

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SSG Kyle B. Osborn, 26, of Lafayette, Ind., died Sep. 13 in Muqer, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Vicenza, Italy.

Kyle was promoted posthumously to SSG.

In this story jconline of Lafayette, IN documents the Heroe's welcome home given by his hometown.

SSG Osborn's obituary can be read here.  Kyle is survived by his wife Maggie; his mother, Miriam, of Blackduck, Minn.; his father, Creigh, and his wife, Christa, of Stockwell, and their children, Katlyn and Kade; and his maternal grandmother, Esther Shively, of Lafayette. Kyle is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Please go here, here, here and here to read more about and honor SSG Osborn.


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PFC Shane Cantu, age 20, of Corunna, MI died August 28, 2012 in Charkh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was hit by shrapnel.  He was  assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy

From Military Times:

"The Corunna High School graduate died Tuesday after insurgents threw an explosive over a base wall, Cantu’s former football coach, Mark Sullivan, told Mlive.com. Cantu was a three-year starter at the mid-Michigan high school.

“He’s the hardest working kid I’ve ever coached,” Sullivan told The Argus-Press of Owosso. “He was a winner — in more ways than just winning or losing a game. ... He gave everything his all, and everybody wanted to follow him. That’s just who he was. He had a heart of gold, and his smile lit up the room.”

A family friend, Jake Lumsden said, “I was just shocked. I couldn’t believe it at first,” Lumsden said. “I just sat there a while and thought of all the good times we had together. I’m sorely going to miss him.”

Lumsden said Cantu told him he joined the military because “he loved being part of a team. He tried playing football in college but that didn’t work out so he joined the Army. That’s what he really wanted to do.”

PFC Cantu will be laid to rest today, Monday September 10, 2012.  Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has ordered flags to be flown at half staff in honor of PFC Cantu.

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Spc. James A. Justice, 21, of Grover, N.C., died Aug. 17, 2012 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany from injuries suffered on Aug. 14 from enemy small-arms fire in Wardak province, Afghanistan. Justice was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.

SPC Justice Justice, was taken off of life support at Landstuhl Hosptial the morning of 17 August, 2012 but not before one of his last wishes was granted. His organs were donated.

From Diane Turbyfill of the Shelby Star:

James Justice was 21 – married, father to three stepdaughters, his parents’ youngest son. 

“My son was a brave soldier. He said, ‘Dad I want to help people. If it has to take my life, this is what I want to do. I want to defend my country,’” said Randall.

The young man enlisted three years ago.

He, his wife, Sissy Justice, and their three children deployed to Italy last month.

This editorial in the Shelby Star (SPC Justice's local newspaper) announces that the American Legion World Series will honor SPC Justice and his life. 

"If baseball is America's pastime, then American Legion baseball is the most patriotic sporting event in this great nation.

Even with the shock and horror of his death so painfully fresh, we hope the Justice family somehow gets a small measure of grace out of this year's tournament. We think James would, based on his desire to let his countryman know what he was facing in Afghanistan. His wife's laudable decision to have James' organs donated to a comrade also shows this family is already thinking of others, even in their time of unimaginable grief.

This morning, when them anthem is sung and the code recited, our hope is that the young men will then play baseball -- America's great game -- to the honor of Justice and all the other men and women who have given their lives. We hope they also take a moment to look around at the men and women who survived their service, but surely paid an array of heavy prices in the process."

Yes, today is a day of grief, mourning and sadness. But is also a day of honor, pride and patriotism.

James Justice now joins the fraternity of those for whom this grand world series of baseball is held.

We honor him this week in a uniquely American way.


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PFC Andrew Keller, 22, of Tigard, Oregon died Aug. 15, 2012 in Charkh, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire.   PFC Keller was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy.

John Canzano from Oregon Live writes this about PFC Keller:

Andrew was an MVP on his high school football team.  He loved hunting and fishing.  He was engaged to his former high school sweetheart, Marissa.  During his second year of college PFC Keller decided to join the Army.  He was fiercely loyal and kind.  Andrew's friends talked about his athleticism and his giant hands and his passion for life.  A classmate who was picked on in high school called Jeff (PFC Keller's father) after hearing the news and said,  "Sir, I want you to know your son was nice ot me when nobody else was."

 
On the day of his death in Afghanistan, PFC Keller was on a mission to secure an Observation Post when he was hit by a bullet.  After he was hit two of his fellow Soldiers ran to him to protect him from the enemy.  As the helicopter came in to evacuate his body the Soldiers removed their shirts to place over him then shielded him with their bodies to keep the dirt and dust from him.

In this article from the Oregonian Dominique Fong writes, "Connie Jolley, a former Southridge High School health teacher, said she has taught thousands of students, but Keller was one of the few who affected her the most.

"His smile could make anyone's day brighter and he was liked by many," Jolley wrote in an email. "He was hilarious and the kind of kid that people just wanted to be around."

Jolley was impressed by Keller's diligence in his schoolwork, especially his research on dietary supplements, she wrote. She also lived down the street from him and often saw him when she went on a jog, she wrote. When she passed him, he would yell, "Go faster, Jolley." Those words always gave her a burst of energy, even if she was huffing to get up the hill."
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PFC Theodore M. Glende, 23, of Rochester, N.Y., died July 27, in Kharwar, Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire.


Glende was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

From Batavia YNN:
Family says PFC Theodore Matthew Glende, often called "Matt", died trying to give medical aid to one of his fellow soldiers.

According to Glende's mother, Matt ended up saving the lives of five men including the fellow soldier he was working on when he was killed.

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Army PFC Adam C. Ross, 19, of Lyman, S.C., died July 24, in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by small-arms fire.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.  PFC Ross was assigned to Chosen Company.  He was one of the "Chosen Few".

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Army SPC Justin L. Horsley, 21, of Palm Bay, Fla., died July 22 in Puli Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Italy.  SPC Horsley had been in country only a few weeks.

You can read more about SPC Horsley here (where his twin brother speaks about him),

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Army PFC Brenden N. Salazar, 20, of Chuluota, Fla., died July 22 in Puli Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Italy.  PFC Salazar had only been in country a few weeks.

In this video the principal of Paul Hagerty High School, from which PFC Salazar graduated, talks about what a great man PFC Salazar was and how the school will honor and remember his for his ultimate sacrifice.

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1st Lt. Stephen “Chase” Prasnicki, 24, of Lexington, Va., assigned to 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Warner Barracks, Bamberg, Germany; died June 27, in Maidan Shahr, Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.  1LT Prasnicki had been in country only five days.
1LT Prasnicki was a graduate of West Point.  Please click on this link to read more about 1LT Prasnicki and to see photos from his funeral.  Several hundred people lined the streets of his home town to bid him a Hero's farwell.

My American Legion Convention Experience

I recently attended the American Legion's annual convention in Indianapolis.  I was invited to attend as a guest of the American Legion.  I really didn't know what to expect before I went but I sure left there with a new appreciation for the organization.

I thought I knew what the American Legion was but quickly realized that I didn't have a clue about the breadth of their programs.  Over the next weeks or months I will be writing posts about the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.  Both of these organization are beyond outstanding.  I'm very happy that I was allowed to get a glimpse into what they are all about.

Fair warning!!!  I'm also going to be on a mission to get you younger guys to join the American Legion.

Everyone I met at the convention was warm, genuine and welcoming.  They were all open to my myriad of questions and happy to help me understand all that the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary does.  I was impressed with their professionalism and their camaraderie.  While there certainly were opportunities for socializing there was no question that those in attendance were there to conduct business to benefit Veterans, active duty military personnel and their families.

The American Legion  was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at over 2.4 million in 14,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.

The American Legion subscribes to four pillars.  I will focus on each of these pillars separately in coming posts.  The pillars are:

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

National Security

Americanism

Youth and Children

I hope you will enjoy learning about the American Legion with me in the coming weeks and months.

173rd ABCT Commander Takes the Stars and Stripes to Task

It's such a shame that the Commander of the 173rd ABCT had to write the following letter to the editor of Stars and Stripes but I give HUGE kudos to COL Andy Rohling for doing so.  His letter is absolutely on point.  Why is it so impossible for the staff and editors of the Stars and Stripes to celebrate the accomplishments of the majority of our men in women in uniform as opposed to writing headline grabbing stories of a handful.  Just beyond shameful, deplorable and despicable.

In his letter to the editor dated August 30, 2012 COL Rohling writes:

"I struggle to understand your continuing and overwhelmingly negative coverage of the 173rd Airborne Brigade despite our continued distinguished service.

 

Over the last year, Stars and Stripes has published 42 articles referencing the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Despite untold successes and accomplishments, only five of those stories were positive. The almost-exclusive focus on two former 173rd officers who failed to adhere to the Army’s standards hardly reflects the integrity and successes of our remaining 3,600 paratroopers.

 

While I recognize that salacious scandals make for gripping headlines, tabloid-like reading and the potential for profit, your coverage over the last year is misrepresentative, unfair and disturbing to the troops who are currently serving honorably in Afghanistan, our families and the exceptional communities we call home. The best newspapers of our time are known for fair and unbiased reporting, traits that are missing in Stars and Stripes as of late.

 

As a U.S. Army Europe brigade on its fifth combat deployment in nine years, Sky Soldiers today continue to make significant sacrifices to support Operation Enduring Freedom in the Logar and Wardak provinces of eastern Afghanistan. Daily our paratroopers risk their lives in support of Afghan National Security Forces and the coalition partners with whom they patrol.

 

The soldiers of the 173rd Airborne, like American servicemembers everywhere, epitomize selfless service through their professionalism, valor and service. Our paratroopers are men and women who instill the pride of our country on the battlefield and in our communities at home.

 

Our soldiers are proudly maintaining the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s lineage as one of the most decorated brigades in the U.S. Army despite the far-too-publicized actions of a few.

 

Sky Soldier families understand the daily threat faced by their paratroopers and display equal selflessness and courage in their support from home. Like many military families, they have had to endure the loss and injury of loved ones currently in Afghanistan.

 

As a news publication that serves American military servicemembers and Families overseas, it would be beneficial to see some positive stories during these trying times. We will do our part to enforce the standards that make our Army and nation strong. It’s time to do yours for the soldiers deployed and their families at home and give a little recognition for a job well done."

 

Col. Andrew Rohling, Commander, 173rd Airborne Brigade

Vicenza, Italy

 

THANK YOU COL Rohling.  What a shame that the Stars and Stripes caused you to have to take time away from your current mission and the safety of your Soldiers down range to write this.

American Legion Convention 2012 - Spirit of Service Award Recipients

From the American Legion 94th National Convention Program:

The Spirit of Service Award, now in its 13th year, is given to outstanding military professionals in each of the five service branches who are actively committed to volunteer community service during their off-duty hours.

Each service member is selected by his or her command office.

NOTE:  Information below in italics was taken from literature from the American Legion.  All other information was gleaned from my own interviews with the award recipients.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to meet and interview each of these great Americans.  Each of them was equally engaging, easily approachable and excited to be able to talk about the various charities and organizations with which they volunteer.  This "assignment" was definitely one of the highlights of my time at the American Legion convention.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Tyler J. Arrowood is active both at his installation at Kings Bay, GA, and in the surrounding community. He has been a vital part of the Kings Bay Drug Education for Youth program and camp since its inception, helping elementary school children get active and live responsibly; and was selected to be the director of this year's camp. Arrowood also assists an area high school's NJROTC unit and participates in parades and military ceremonies.

Petty Officer Arrowood told me that Drug Education for Youth program is a worldwide program for military children.  He has been involved in the program since it's inaugural year at his installation.  One day he was walking into the Base Exchange and saw people recruiting children for the program.  He stopped to inquire about the program and offered to be a volunteer.  Since then Petty Officer Arrowood has been an assistant camp director as well as camp director for the program.

The Drug Education for Youth program is a one year commitment by each of the youth who join.  One of the many positive features of the program is that if a youth joins at one Navy or Marine installation and their parent(s) is assigned to a new duty station, the youth is transferred into the program at the new duty station. 

Each of the youth attends a one week camp in the summer.  Each month for the remainder of the twelve months until the next camp the youth attends a workshop one Saturday of each month. 

Petty Officer Arrowood is also actively involved with the Sea Cadet program.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Tyler J. Arrowood in Sunday's Parade

American Legion National Commander Wong, Coast Guard Petty Officer Arrowood, LG John F Kelly and J R Martinez

Navy Petty Officer Alving G. Balthazar was described as "very seldom asked to volunteer since his is usually the command lead or co-lead for each and every volunteer project" around his posting at Pearl Harbor, HI. he serves as base coordinator with the Ronald McDonald House; is active with the local Kahiki Elementary School, coordinating its back-to-school drive and honoring students of the month; and has spoken at Black History Month and Juneteenth events.

Petty Officer Balthazar is the President of the Junior Enlisted Association for the U S Pacific Fleet Command in Hawaii.  The association is comprised of E-5 and below and currently has approximately 200 Sailor and Marine members.  One of the many projects the association organizes is an annual drive to raise back to school items for the Kahiki Elementary School.  The Junior Enlisted Association matches any funds or items raised for the children of this school each year.

Petty Officer Balthazar also donates his time once a month at the Ronald McDonald House.  He is the base coordinator for this project.  He told me he (and others who join him for this project) may do anything from cleaning bathrooms to painting to landscaping - whatever needs to be done they do.

In addition to his participation in Black History Month and Juneteenth events, Petty Officer Balthazar has become involved in multi cultural events.  I asked Petty Officer Balthazar if there was any one thing he would like for me to share with you all.  He asked me to share the following quote.

"One small act of random kindness can lead to a more loving world where selflessness will run in abundance." Petty Officer Balthazar

Navy Petty Officer Balthazar in Sunday's parade

American Legion National Commander Wong, Navy Petty Officer Balthzar, LG John F Kelly and J R Martinez

 

Army Sgt. Joshua J. Boudreaux committed many hours from 2010 - 2012 in the Aberdeen Proving Ground (MD) League of Dreams program for special-needs children, coaching a baseball team.  He is active in Habitat for Humanity, repairing older homes as well as building new ones.  Boudreaux also spends a significant amount of time supporting special military and civilian events from Special Olympics to a Morale, Welfare, Recreation chess tournament; and has served on several honor guard missions.

Even before his military career SGT Boudreaux was making a difference in his community.  He has a cousin who is a few months younger than he is who has been wheelchair bound most of his life. SGT Boudreaux grew up aware that those with disabilities can, often, do anything those without disabilities can do; they just may need a little extra encouragement or assistance. SGT Boudreaux was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age. With the help and encouragement of others he has overcome the obstacles of dyslexia. SGT Boudreaux started volunteering at his church long before he decided to join the Army.  As a senior in high school he volunteered to teach children how to play chess.

Since joining the Army he became actively involved with volunteer work. He joined B O S S and, eventually, became the Secretary for his chapter.  From their website, "The BOSS committee may elect to participate in community programs or projects that make a difference in the lives of others, in the community, and ultimately, in themselves."

SGT Boudreaux is also very active in both The League of Dreams and Habitat for Humanity.  When I asked why he was involved in Habitat for Humanity he replied, "because I love to build things and it interested me."

Army SGT Boudreaux in Sunday's parade

American Legion National Commander Wong, Army SGT Boudreaux, LG John F Kelly and J R Martinez

Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris T Pearson has donated 1,500 hours in the last year at and around Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington. Many of his activities center on children - he has served as head coach of the Pop Warner football team and as a TAPS Good Grief Camp counselor, working with the children of deceased service members. Pearson has also devoted a significant amount of time to cleaning and restoring areas war memorials including those for Vietnam, Korea and World War II.

Staff Sgt Pearson became actively involved in volunteer work at his first duty station, Tinker Air Force Base.  He and several of his buddies worked together to build a playground at a local elementary school.  After working on that project there was no stopping Staff Sgt Pearson. 

When he was assigned to his current duty station in the Washington, DC area he learned that our nation's national monuments and war memorials are often in need of cleaning.  I was personally shocked to learn that the National Park Service doesn't do this.  Volunteers do this.  Staff Sgt Pearson and his fellow Airmen volunteer on a regular basis to clean the monuments and memorials.  They most often accomplish their work by pressure washing the monuments and memorials but their work may require any manner of tasks.

Staff Sgt Pearson is also actively involved in coaching Pop Warner football.  He coaches ages six through eight.

He has participated in the Wreaths Across America by helping to lay the wreaths and assisting in removing them.  Staff Sgt Pearson and a fellow Airman, Staff Sgt Chaquila Brown, are in the process of starting a new project at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to collect toys and stuffed animals for children's hospitals.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Pearson in Sunday's parade

American Legion National Commander Wong, Air Force Staff Sgt. Pearson,  LG John F Kelly and J R Martinez 

 

 

Marine Corps Sgt. Juan M. Vallejomunoz was born in Ecuador and moved to the United States in 2002. Currently based at Okinawa, Japan, Vallejomunoz takes his role as an ambassador very seriously. He conducts tennis classes for children both on and off base; volunteers at a local orphanage, providing developmental care and playing games; is an active participant in color guard ceremonies; and conducts a weekly radio show that helps to bring the Japanese and Hispanic communities together.

Sgt. Vallejomunoz's mother moved to the United States from Ecuador in 1999.  She chose to make this move in hopes that her children would be able to follow her for better educational opportunities.  In 2002, Sgt. Vallejomunoz started classes at Crystal Lake, Illinois High School.  After graduation he chose to join the Marine Corps.

Sgt. Vallejomunoz has been active in volunteer work most all of his life.  He told me that he doesn't really think what he is doing is "volunteer work" - that it is just being kind to others.  Sgt. Vallejomunoz says that an act of kindness such as simply helping someone across a street can mean more to the person you helped than you might think.  As a young lad Sgt. Vallejomunoz observed his mother assisting in a local orphanage.  He, too, began spending time at the orphanage to help out.

It was a natural progression for Sgt. Vallejomunoz to begin volunteering at a local orphanage on Okinawa when he was assigned there.  He spends his time playing games of all sorts with this children but tries to focus more on games that will encourage and assist in their development.  I asked him for an example and he said any type of game that might involve math is one he often engages them in.  Sgt. Vallejomunoz has been successful in getting other members of his unit to join him at the orphanage.

Sgt. Vallejomunoz also participates each week as a guest on a radio show.  The premise of the show is to encourage interaction between the Hispanic and Japanese communities on Okinawa.

Sgt. Vallejomunoz wanted me to be sure to share with all of you that we all have the capabilities to do great things for others.

Marine Corps Sgt. Vallejomunoz in Sunday's parade

American Legion National Commander Wong, Marine Corps Sgt. Vallejomunoz, LG John F Kelly and J R Martinez

 

American Legion Convention 2012 - LTG Kelly's Speech (Linked from Ace of Spades)

DrewM, a blogger at Ace of Spades wrote this excellent blog post about LTG John Kelly's (USMC) speech to the American Legion yesterday.  Ace of Spades is an incredible blog.  They get more hits in ten minutes than I get in a year.  If you don't have them bookmarked you should.

I STRONGLY encourage each of you to go read Drew's post.  More so I encourage you to listen to LTG Kelly's speech regarding the 1% who serve our nation in our Armed Forces.  Drew has excerpts and the entire speech posted but I'm going to post the entire speech below.

Drew reminds us that LTG Kelly son, 1st Lt. Robert Michael Kelly, was killed in action in Afghanistan on November 9, 2010.

I implore you to listen to LTG Kelly's poignant and heartfelt speech and to pass it on for others to hear.