2016 Honored Warriors
Our nation has a debt to pay: to honor our wounded and fallen warriors from ALL conflicts.
Each year HALO invites 30-50 combat wounded veterans that range from WWII to current conflicts.
The below list of wounded veterans are our confirmed attendees/participants in the 2016 "Weekend to Remember."
Each veteran that participates has sustained combat injuries and received the Purple Heart Medal for those injuries.
Please take a couple minutes of your time to read over our event attendees and
consider a donation or a ticket purchase to the 2016 "Weekend to Remember" Warrior's Gala.
Donations and ticket purchase can be made by clicking here.
Each year HALO invites 30-50 combat wounded veterans that range from WWII to current conflicts.
The below list of wounded veterans are our confirmed attendees/participants in the 2016 "Weekend to Remember."
Each veteran that participates has sustained combat injuries and received the Purple Heart Medal for those injuries.
Please take a couple minutes of your time to read over our event attendees and
consider a donation or a ticket purchase to the 2016 "Weekend to Remember" Warrior's Gala.
Donations and ticket purchase can be made by clicking here.
Medal of Honor Recipient - U.S. Army Special Forces Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins (Ret.)
(Medal of Honor/Purple Heart Recipient) Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins was drafted into the Army Dec. 5, 1956, at the age of 22, from Waurika, Oklahoma. Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins distinguished himself during 38 hours of close-combat fighting against enemy forces on March 9 to 12, 1966. At that time, then-Sergeant First Class Adkins was serving as an Intelligence Sergeant with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces at Camp “A Shau”, in the Republic of Vietnam. When Camp A Shau was attacked by a large North Vietnamese force in the early morning hours of March 9th, Sergeant First Class Adkins rushed through intense enemy fire and manned a mortar position defending the camp. He continued to mount a defense even while incurring wounds from several direct hits from enemy mortars. Upon learning that several soldiers were wounded near the center of camp, he temporarily turned the mortar over to another soldier, ran through exploding mortar rounds and dragged several comrades to safety. As the hostile fire subsided, Adkins exposed himself to sporadic sniper fire and carried his wounded comrades to a more secure position at the camp dispensary. Sergeant First Class Adkins exposed himself to enemy fire transporting a wounded casualty to an airstrip for evacuation. He and his group then came under heavy small arms fire from members of the Civilian Irregular Defense Group that had defected to fight with the North Vietnamese. Despite this overwhelming force, Adkins maneuvered outside the camp to evacuate a seriously wounded American and draw fire away from the aircraft all the while successfully covering the rescue. Later, when a resupply air drop landed outside of the camp perimeter, Adkins again moved outside of the camp walls to retrieve the much needed supplies. During the early morning hours of March 10th, enemy forces launched their main assault. Within two hours, Sergeant First Class Adkins was the only defender firing a mortar weapon. When all mortar rounds were expended, Adkins began placing effective rifle fire upon enemy as they infiltrated the camp perimeter and assaulted his position. Despite receiving additional wounds from enemy rounds exploding on his position, Adkins fought off relentless waves of attacking North Vietnamese soldiers. Adkins then withdrew to regroup with a smaller element of soldiers at the communications bunker. While there, he single-handedly eliminated numerous insurgents with small arms fire, almost completely exhausting his supply of ammunition. Braving intense enemy fire, he returned to the mortar pit, gathered vital ammunition and evaded fire while returning to the bunker. After the order was given to evacuate the camp, Sergeant First Class Adkins and a small group of soldiers destroyed all signal equipment and classified documents, dug their way out of the rear of the bunker, and fought their way out of the camp. Because of his efforts to carry a wounded soldier to an extraction point and leave no one behind, Sergeant First Class Adkins and his group were unable to reach the last evacuation helicopter. Adkins then rallied the remaining survivors and led the group into the jungle – evading the enemy for 48 hours until they were rescued by helicopter on March 12th. During the 38-hour battle and 48-hours of escape and evasion, Adkins fought with mortars, machine guns, recoil-less rifles, small arms, and hand grenades, killing an estimated 135 – 175 of the enemy and sustaining 18 different wounds. Sergeant First Class Adkins’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces and the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient - U.S. Army Ranger Master Sergeant Leroy Petry (Ret.)
MSG (R) Leroy Petry was born on July 29, 1979 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1999; something he wanted to do since he was seven years old.
After completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Airborne Course, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He served as a Rifleman, Grenadier, Squad Automatic Rifleman, Fire Team Leader, Rifle Squad Leader, Assistant Operations Sergeant, Weapons Squad Leader, and Liaison Officer for United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition-Northwest Region, providing oversight to wounded warriors, ill and injured service members and their families.
He has deployed eight times in support of the Global War on Terror with two tours to Iraq and six to Afghanistan.
His military education includes the Airborne Course, Combat Life Saver Course, US Army Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, and Combatives Level-1 Course. He earned the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Basic and Senior Parachutist Badges, and Canadian Parachutist Badge.
His awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 3 Combat Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Three campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Valorous Unit Award.
MSG (R) Petry and his wife Ashley have four children, Brittany, Austin, Reagan and Landon. He is currently enrolled in college with goals to earn a degree in business management and own his own business. In addition he is on several boards: GE Veteran’s Network (advisory), Boulder Crest Retreat, Medal of Honor Museum(advisory), Patriot Project, and works as a warrior liaison for Feherty’s Troops First Foundation all geared to improving the lives of veterans and our military.
After completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Airborne Course, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He served as a Rifleman, Grenadier, Squad Automatic Rifleman, Fire Team Leader, Rifle Squad Leader, Assistant Operations Sergeant, Weapons Squad Leader, and Liaison Officer for United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition-Northwest Region, providing oversight to wounded warriors, ill and injured service members and their families.
He has deployed eight times in support of the Global War on Terror with two tours to Iraq and six to Afghanistan.
His military education includes the Airborne Course, Combat Life Saver Course, US Army Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, and Combatives Level-1 Course. He earned the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Basic and Senior Parachutist Badges, and Canadian Parachutist Badge.
His awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 3 Combat Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Three campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Valorous Unit Award.
MSG (R) Petry and his wife Ashley have four children, Brittany, Austin, Reagan and Landon. He is currently enrolled in college with goals to earn a degree in business management and own his own business. In addition he is on several boards: GE Veteran’s Network (advisory), Boulder Crest Retreat, Medal of Honor Museum(advisory), Patriot Project, and works as a warrior liaison for Feherty’s Troops First Foundation all geared to improving the lives of veterans and our military.
Medal of Honor Recipient - U.S. Army - Colonel Donald "Doc" Ballard (Ret.)
Sent to Vietnam, Ballard served in the Quang Tri province withCompany M, 3rd division 4th marines of the 3rd marine division. On May 16, 1968, Ballard was on his way back to join his company after evacuating some Marines suffering from heat exhaustion, when they came under attack from the North Vietnam Army. While under fire, Ballard directed marines to bring all the wounded to a low lying area in the ground as a collection point to administer aid. Ballard, observed a wounded marine out in a open position who had had his leg shredded by a grenade and went to retrieve him. Ballard then picked up the marine. As Ballard entered the bombshell crater a grenade came in behind him and exploded. Luckily, Ballard was not wounded but the explosion severed the marines other leg. As Ballard tried to stabilize the man, another grenade came into the hole. Ballard grabbed the grenade and threw it back in the position he believed it to have came from. As Ballard worked his way around treating the marines; another grenade came into the crater and landed directly behind him. Ballard, believing he didn't have enough time to throw it away grabbed the grenade, held it to his chest, and laid On top of it as an effort to save his wounded comrades lives. After what seemed like an eternity Ballard rolled over threw the grenade outside of the crater where it exploded in the air. Ballard then stood up and continued to treat the wounded men.
On May 14 1970 almost on the anniversary of the action, Ballard was presented the Medal of Honor by president Nixon in the White House. Ballard later joined the army national guard where he attained the rank of colonel. Ballard retired in 2000.
On May 14 1970 almost on the anniversary of the action, Ballard was presented the Medal of Honor by president Nixon in the White House. Ballard later joined the army national guard where he attained the rank of colonel. Ballard retired in 2000.
Medal of Honor Recipient - U.S. Army - Staff Sergeant Don Jenkins
When his company came under heavy crossfire from an enemy complex, S/Sgt. Jenkins unhesitatingly maneuvered forward to a perilously exposed position and began placing suppressive fire on the enemy. When his own machine gun jammed, he immediately obtained a rifle and continued to fire into the enemy bunkers until his machine gun was made operative by his assistant. He exposed himself to extremely heavy fire when he repeatedly both ran and crawled across open terrain to obtain resupplies of ammunition until he had exhausted all that was available for his machine gun. Displaying tremendous presence of mind, he then armed himself with 2 antitank weapons and, by himself, maneuvered through the hostile fusillade to within 20 meters of an enemy bunker to destroy that position. After moving back to the friendly defensive perimeter long enough to secure yet another weapon, a grenade launcher, S/Sgt. Jenkins moved forward to a position providing no protection and resumed placing accurate fire on the enemy until his ammunition was again exhausted. During this time he was seriously wounded by shrapnel. Undaunted and displaying great courage, he moved forward 100 meters to aid a friendly element that was pinned down only a few meters from the enemy. This he did with complete disregard for his own wound and despite having been advised that several previous rescue attempts had failed at the cost of the life of 1 and the wounding of others. Ignoring the continuing intense fire and his painful wounds, and hindered by darkness, he made 3 trips to the beleaguered unit, each time pulling a wounded comrade back to safety. S/Sgt. Jenkins' extraordinary valor, dedication, and indomitable spirit inspired his fellow soldiers to repulse the determined enemy attack and ultimately to defeat the larger force. S/Sgt. Jenkins risk of his life reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient - U.S. Marines - Corporal Hershel "Woody" Williams
Hershel W. Williams, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, on 2 October 1923. Prior to his enlistment in the Marine Corps Reserve in Charleston, West Virginia, on 26 May 1943, the young man was employed as a truck driver for the W.S. Harr Construction Company of Fairmont. He had also been a taxi driver and worked at other odd jobs.
Private Williams received his recruit training at the Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California, upon completion of which he was sent to the Training Center, Camp Elliott, San Diego, where he joined the Tank Battalion on 21 August 1943.
The following month he was transferred to the Infantry Battalion at the Training Center, for training as a demolition man and in the use of the flame thrower. On 30 October he joined the 32d Replacement Battalion. He left the United States on board the M.S. Weltey Reden on 3 December 1943 for New Caledonia. In January 1944 he joined the 3d Marine Division at Guadalcanal. He was first attached to Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Marines, and then to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Marines.
During July and August 1944 he participated in action against the Japanese at Guam, and in October he rejoined Company C. His next campaign was at Iwo Jima where he earned the Medal of Honor.
Landing on 21 February 1945, Cpl Williams became a distinguished fighting man three days later. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through a network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machine gun fire from the unyielding positions.
Covered by only four riflemen, he fought desperately for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another.
One occasion saw him daringly mounted on a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flame thrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun. On another, he grimly charged enemy rifleman who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon.
He was wounded in action during the campaign on 6 March 1945, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
In September 1945, he returned to the United States, and on the first day of the next month joined Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington. He was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on 5 October 1945 at the White House.
On 22 October 1945 he was transferred to the Marine Barracks, Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland, for discharge. He was discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve on 6 November 1945. In March 1948 he reenlisted in the inactive Marine Corps Reserve, but was again discharged on 4 August 1949.
On 20 October 1954, he joined the Organized Marine Reserve when the 98th Special Infantry Company was authorized by Marine Corps Headquarters, Clarksburg, West Virginia. He transferred to the 25th Infantry Company in Huntington, West Virginia, on 9 June 1957. He later became the (Interim) Commanding Officer of that unit as a warrant officer on 6 June 1960. He was designated the Mobilization Officer for the 25th Infantry Company and surrounding Huntington area on 11 June 1963.
He was advanced through the enlisted ranks during his time in the reserves until reaching his final rank of chief warrant officer 4. Although CWO4 Williams technically did not meet retirement requirements, he was honorarily retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1969 after approximately 17 years of service.
Private Williams received his recruit training at the Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California, upon completion of which he was sent to the Training Center, Camp Elliott, San Diego, where he joined the Tank Battalion on 21 August 1943.
The following month he was transferred to the Infantry Battalion at the Training Center, for training as a demolition man and in the use of the flame thrower. On 30 October he joined the 32d Replacement Battalion. He left the United States on board the M.S. Weltey Reden on 3 December 1943 for New Caledonia. In January 1944 he joined the 3d Marine Division at Guadalcanal. He was first attached to Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Marines, and then to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Marines.
During July and August 1944 he participated in action against the Japanese at Guam, and in October he rejoined Company C. His next campaign was at Iwo Jima where he earned the Medal of Honor.
Landing on 21 February 1945, Cpl Williams became a distinguished fighting man three days later. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through a network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machine gun fire from the unyielding positions.
Covered by only four riflemen, he fought desperately for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another.
One occasion saw him daringly mounted on a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flame thrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun. On another, he grimly charged enemy rifleman who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon.
He was wounded in action during the campaign on 6 March 1945, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
In September 1945, he returned to the United States, and on the first day of the next month joined Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington. He was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on 5 October 1945 at the White House.
On 22 October 1945 he was transferred to the Marine Barracks, Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland, for discharge. He was discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve on 6 November 1945. In March 1948 he reenlisted in the inactive Marine Corps Reserve, but was again discharged on 4 August 1949.
On 20 October 1954, he joined the Organized Marine Reserve when the 98th Special Infantry Company was authorized by Marine Corps Headquarters, Clarksburg, West Virginia. He transferred to the 25th Infantry Company in Huntington, West Virginia, on 9 June 1957. He later became the (Interim) Commanding Officer of that unit as a warrant officer on 6 June 1960. He was designated the Mobilization Officer for the 25th Infantry Company and surrounding Huntington area on 11 June 1963.
He was advanced through the enlisted ranks during his time in the reserves until reaching his final rank of chief warrant officer 4. Although CWO4 Williams technically did not meet retirement requirements, he was honorarily retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1969 after approximately 17 years of service.
Medal of Honor Recipient - U.S. Army - Sergeant 1st Class Sammy Lee Davis
Davis enlisted in the Army directly out of high school in 1965. Volunteering for the artillery because his father had been an artilleryman in World War II, he was assigned to the 4th Artillery. Soon after completing training, he asked to be sent to Vietnam.
Early on November 18, 1967, his unit of eleven guns and forty-two men was helicoptered into an area west of Cai Lay to set up a forward fire-support base-Firebase Cudgel-for American infantrymen operating in the area. Shortly after midnight the next morning, Private First Class Davis's Battery C came under heavy mortar attack. Almost simultaneously, an estimated fifteen hundred Vietcong soldiers launched an intense ground assault, failing to overrun the Americans only because a river separated the two forces.
Davis's squad was operating a 105 mm howitzer that fired eighteen thousand beehive darts in each shell. When he saw how close the enemy had come, Davis took over a machine gun and provided covering fire for his gun crew. But an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit on the howitzer, knocking the crew from the weapon and blowing Davis sideways into a foxhole. Convinced that the heavily outnumbered Americans couldn't survive the attack, he decided to fire off at least one round from the damaged artillery piece before being overrun. He struggled to his feet, rammed a shell into the gun, and fired point-blank at the Vietcong who were advancing five deep directly in front of the weapon; the beehive round cut them down. An enemy mortar round exploded nearby, knocking Davis to the ground, but he got up and kept firing the howitzer. When there were no more rounds left, he fired a white phosphorus shell, and then the last round he had- a "propaganda shell" filled with leaflets.
At this point, he heard yelling from the other side of the river and realized that GIs had been cut off there. Despite the fact that he didn't know how to swim, he got in the water and paddled across on an air mattress from the American camp; other GIs followed him. Scrambling up the bank, he found three wounded soldiers, one of them suffering from a head wound that looked fatal. He gave them all morphine and provided covering fire as another GI helped the most gravely wounded soldier across the river, then pulled the other two through the water on the air mattress to the fire base. He eventually made his way to an American howitzer crew and resumed the fight. Sometime before dawn, he was seriously wounded in the back and buttocks by friendly fire.
While he was in the hospital, Davis heard that he was to be sent home. He petitioned General William Westmoreland to be allowed to stay with his unit. Permission was granted, although Davis was still so hobbled by his wounds that he was taken off the line and made a cook.
On November 19, 1968, exactly one year and one day after the nightlong firefight at Cai Lay, Davis received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon Johnson. Years later, footage of LBJ putting the medal around Davis's neck appeared in the movie Forrest Gump (with Tom Hanks's head substituted for Davis's), and Gump's fictional Medal of Honor citation was loosely based on Davis's real one.
Early on November 18, 1967, his unit of eleven guns and forty-two men was helicoptered into an area west of Cai Lay to set up a forward fire-support base-Firebase Cudgel-for American infantrymen operating in the area. Shortly after midnight the next morning, Private First Class Davis's Battery C came under heavy mortar attack. Almost simultaneously, an estimated fifteen hundred Vietcong soldiers launched an intense ground assault, failing to overrun the Americans only because a river separated the two forces.
Davis's squad was operating a 105 mm howitzer that fired eighteen thousand beehive darts in each shell. When he saw how close the enemy had come, Davis took over a machine gun and provided covering fire for his gun crew. But an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit on the howitzer, knocking the crew from the weapon and blowing Davis sideways into a foxhole. Convinced that the heavily outnumbered Americans couldn't survive the attack, he decided to fire off at least one round from the damaged artillery piece before being overrun. He struggled to his feet, rammed a shell into the gun, and fired point-blank at the Vietcong who were advancing five deep directly in front of the weapon; the beehive round cut them down. An enemy mortar round exploded nearby, knocking Davis to the ground, but he got up and kept firing the howitzer. When there were no more rounds left, he fired a white phosphorus shell, and then the last round he had- a "propaganda shell" filled with leaflets.
At this point, he heard yelling from the other side of the river and realized that GIs had been cut off there. Despite the fact that he didn't know how to swim, he got in the water and paddled across on an air mattress from the American camp; other GIs followed him. Scrambling up the bank, he found three wounded soldiers, one of them suffering from a head wound that looked fatal. He gave them all morphine and provided covering fire as another GI helped the most gravely wounded soldier across the river, then pulled the other two through the water on the air mattress to the fire base. He eventually made his way to an American howitzer crew and resumed the fight. Sometime before dawn, he was seriously wounded in the back and buttocks by friendly fire.
While he was in the hospital, Davis heard that he was to be sent home. He petitioned General William Westmoreland to be allowed to stay with his unit. Permission was granted, although Davis was still so hobbled by his wounds that he was taken off the line and made a cook.
On November 19, 1968, exactly one year and one day after the nightlong firefight at Cai Lay, Davis received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon Johnson. Years later, footage of LBJ putting the medal around Davis's neck appeared in the movie Forrest Gump (with Tom Hanks's head substituted for Davis's), and Gump's fictional Medal of Honor citation was loosely based on Davis's real one.
U.S. Army - Staff Sgt. Dale "Red" Robinson - Pearl Harbor Survivor
At 93, Dale “Red” Robinson has lived a full life, as well as lived to tell much about it – twice. His military career hit two of the biggest moments of the war. He was in Hawaii on Dec. 7, and Normandy shortly after D-Day.
In 1940 at the age of 18, Robinson, a Wyoming farm boy, enlisted in the U.S. Army. "A buddy of mine got kicked out of school, and he had to do something," he says. "He said, 'Why don't we join the Army?"'
In the weeks leading up to the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Robinson and his Army buddies had been listening to radio news of aggression by Germany, Italy and Japan. But none of them thought they’d be embroiled in a war anytime soon.
On December 7, 1941, Robinson, a company clerk in the 35th Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, was taking his usual Sunday morning stroll at Schofield Barracks, about 35 miles outside of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. “I was out walking in front of the barracks, enjoying the beautiful weather like I always did,” said Robinson. Minutes later the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. “The first thing I think of Pearl Harbor when the Japanese came over, I was walking out in front of our quadrangle. I could hear the planes come over. One plane came down so low I could see the pilot.” By 10 a.m., around 3,700 American men and women were casualties of Japanese bombs, bullets and torpedoes. The U.S. lost 18 ships and about 170 aircraft.
“We weren’t prepared for any action,” he said. “We didn’t have any ammunition. All we could do is get our field packs ready in case we needed to move out.”
When his regiment did move out, it wasn’t in the direction of the country that attacked Pearl Harbor. “We left Hawaii in September 1942 for special training back in the states,” Robinson said. “In February 1944 my company boarded the Queen Mary and had 18 zigzagging days unaccompanied to Glasgow, Scotland. We had a little more training and they shipped us to Bangor, North Ireland, then on to Southern England, and from there to Normandy.”
On June 8, 1944, two days after D-Day, Robinson and approximately 150 soldiers in a Navy landing craft stopped about 100 yards short of Omaha Beach. “Everything” at Normandy was “so bad,” Robinson added, that he rarely, if ever, discusses it. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant and served in the Third Army, which General George S. Patton addressed in his famous military speech before the invasion of Normandy. After wading ashore Robinson “went through France into Belgium and Germany, fighting until the Germans surrendered.”
After his war service, he decided to go to Alaska, of all places. “There wasn’t much going on after the war, so my buddy I enlisted with told me to come up and do construction work with him in Alaska,” he said. “I ended up staying for 40 years. It was a good life up there, especially if you’re young. I can’t tolerate the cold weather now, but it was so beautiful when I was up there.”
These days Dale “Red” Robinson resides in Paradise, Texas, just north of Fort Worth. As one of the few remaining members of the Greatest Generation, Robinson is now content to stay at home and work on his garden and play poker.
“I’m glad I’m a veteran. I regretted nothing in the military. You have to defend your country, don’t you?” – Dale “Red” Robinson
In 1940 at the age of 18, Robinson, a Wyoming farm boy, enlisted in the U.S. Army. "A buddy of mine got kicked out of school, and he had to do something," he says. "He said, 'Why don't we join the Army?"'
In the weeks leading up to the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Robinson and his Army buddies had been listening to radio news of aggression by Germany, Italy and Japan. But none of them thought they’d be embroiled in a war anytime soon.
On December 7, 1941, Robinson, a company clerk in the 35th Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, was taking his usual Sunday morning stroll at Schofield Barracks, about 35 miles outside of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. “I was out walking in front of the barracks, enjoying the beautiful weather like I always did,” said Robinson. Minutes later the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. “The first thing I think of Pearl Harbor when the Japanese came over, I was walking out in front of our quadrangle. I could hear the planes come over. One plane came down so low I could see the pilot.” By 10 a.m., around 3,700 American men and women were casualties of Japanese bombs, bullets and torpedoes. The U.S. lost 18 ships and about 170 aircraft.
“We weren’t prepared for any action,” he said. “We didn’t have any ammunition. All we could do is get our field packs ready in case we needed to move out.”
When his regiment did move out, it wasn’t in the direction of the country that attacked Pearl Harbor. “We left Hawaii in September 1942 for special training back in the states,” Robinson said. “In February 1944 my company boarded the Queen Mary and had 18 zigzagging days unaccompanied to Glasgow, Scotland. We had a little more training and they shipped us to Bangor, North Ireland, then on to Southern England, and from there to Normandy.”
On June 8, 1944, two days after D-Day, Robinson and approximately 150 soldiers in a Navy landing craft stopped about 100 yards short of Omaha Beach. “Everything” at Normandy was “so bad,” Robinson added, that he rarely, if ever, discusses it. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant and served in the Third Army, which General George S. Patton addressed in his famous military speech before the invasion of Normandy. After wading ashore Robinson “went through France into Belgium and Germany, fighting until the Germans surrendered.”
After his war service, he decided to go to Alaska, of all places. “There wasn’t much going on after the war, so my buddy I enlisted with told me to come up and do construction work with him in Alaska,” he said. “I ended up staying for 40 years. It was a good life up there, especially if you’re young. I can’t tolerate the cold weather now, but it was so beautiful when I was up there.”
These days Dale “Red” Robinson resides in Paradise, Texas, just north of Fort Worth. As one of the few remaining members of the Greatest Generation, Robinson is now content to stay at home and work on his garden and play poker.
“I’m glad I’m a veteran. I regretted nothing in the military. You have to defend your country, don’t you?” – Dale “Red” Robinson
U.S. Army - Private 1st Class Bill Wilch - WWII D-Day Survivor
For William Wilch, 9o, landed with the first invasion wave on a stretch of Omaha Beach, known as “Easy Green,” on June 6. The day is forever emblazoned in his memories — and his nightmares.
“I put my head down and ran straight ahead to those bluffs,” said the Middletown resident, who was an Army private first class 70 years ago. “I didn’t look to the left or right.”
Wilch and Newcomb are two of many area WWII veterans with whom this newspaper has spoken in the past two weeks to recount their stories of service in the war, including talking about Overlord, the Allied invasion that established a Western front in France.
For those who stepped foot on the beaches of northwestern France, and for those who supported them, it is not an anniversary to miss.
“From what I smelled, heard and seen, the D-Day assault where I was, the American soldier was magnificent,” Wilch said. “They went into death, hell. After going through being wet, sick, all that. They never hesitated. I never saw one man hesitate after he came out of those landing craft.” Added Wilch, “I think it stunned the Germans, that they ran right into death.”
Wilch served with the 2nd squad of the 2nd platoon, E Company, in the 115th Regimental Combat Team in the 29th Division.
He believes he survived D-Day — and the ensuing seven decades — thanks to “an angel” on his shoulder.
“There’s no skill in combat,” Wilch said. “It doesn’t matter how fast you are, how high you can jump, what you can do. If they flood the place with bullets, you’re going to get it.”
“I put my head down and ran straight ahead to those bluffs,” said the Middletown resident, who was an Army private first class 70 years ago. “I didn’t look to the left or right.”
Wilch and Newcomb are two of many area WWII veterans with whom this newspaper has spoken in the past two weeks to recount their stories of service in the war, including talking about Overlord, the Allied invasion that established a Western front in France.
For those who stepped foot on the beaches of northwestern France, and for those who supported them, it is not an anniversary to miss.
“From what I smelled, heard and seen, the D-Day assault where I was, the American soldier was magnificent,” Wilch said. “They went into death, hell. After going through being wet, sick, all that. They never hesitated. I never saw one man hesitate after he came out of those landing craft.” Added Wilch, “I think it stunned the Germans, that they ran right into death.”
Wilch served with the 2nd squad of the 2nd platoon, E Company, in the 115th Regimental Combat Team in the 29th Division.
He believes he survived D-Day — and the ensuing seven decades — thanks to “an angel” on his shoulder.
“There’s no skill in combat,” Wilch said. “It doesn’t matter how fast you are, how high you can jump, what you can do. If they flood the place with bullets, you’re going to get it.”
U.S. Army - Chief W3 Matt Chancey
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matt Chancey is a native of Blue Ridge, GA. In 1994, he entered the Army at the age of 17 and in 2000, became a graduate and commissioned as an Infantry Officer from North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, GA. Matt served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Executive Officer with 1-12 Infantry out of Fort Carson, Colorado, during the invasion of Iraq in 2003-2004. In 2005, Matt was selected to serve as a Ranger Instructor and Company Commander at the 5th Ranger Training Battalion (Mountain Phase) in Dahlonega, GA. Upon the completion of that assignment, he resigned his commission to become a Warrant Officer pilot in Army Aviation, flying the OH-58D Kiowa Scout Helicopter where he was assigned to 6th Squadron 17th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Wainwright Alaska. During this assignment, Matt served as Pilot in Command, Air Mission Commander, and an Instructor Pilot both deployed and stateside. In 2013, he was assigned as an Instructor Pilot for 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Squadron, 101st Airborne (Air Assualt) Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He is currently undergoing training in the AH-64 Apache Helicopter Aircraft Qualification Course in which he is slated to become an Instructor Pilot and return to Fort Campbell, Kentucky
U.S. Army - Chief W4 David Lee Devan
CW4 (R) David Lee Devan enlisted in the United States Army on 19 September 1986. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Army Air Traffic Controller Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. At the conclusion of AIT he was assigned to the 1/10th Air Traffic Controller Battalion at Fort Rucker where he remained for the duration of his first enlistment tour.
In 1989 he ETSd from the Army intent on pursuing a career as an air traffic controller with the FAA. Prior to beginning a career as an air traffic controller, he was accepted to Army Warrant Officer Flight Training. He returned to active duty in 1991, attending flight training at Fort Rucker. His first duty assignment as an aviator was at the Joint Readiness Training Center Flight Detachment, Fort Chafee, Arkansas and Fort Polk, Louisiana. He served as the unit NVG officer and Assistant Airfield Safety Officer at Fort Polk. In 1995, he PCSd to Korea and was assigned to the 1/501st Aviation Regiment where he served as a UH-1 pilot and Company Safety Officer.
In 1996 following a tour of duty in Korea, he was selected to attend the Army Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. At the completion of the course he PCSd to Fort Belvoir, Virginia and was assigned to the Fort Belvoir Regional Flight Center (OSACOM) as a C-12 pilot.
In 1999 CW4 Devan was assigned as a C-12 pilot to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he served as the Unit Training Officer and Assistant Flight Operations Officer for the next five years. During this period he was selected to attend the Army Jet Course (UC-35 Qualification Course). At the completion he served as a UC-35 pilot.
In 2004, he PCSd to Aviation Support Facility Johnstown, Pennsylvania, assigned as a C-12 pilot. He also served in the capacities as Operations Officer, Unit Safety Officer and Battalion Safety Officer. He retired in September 2014 out of the Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Belvoir, Virginia after having served nearly 27 years on active duty.
He served three tours of duty in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
CW4 Devan’s military schooling includes: Warrant Officer Flight Training, Warrant Officer Basic Course, Warrant Officer Advanced Course, UC-35 Qualification Course, Army Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Course, Army Safety Course, Army Airborne School, Army Air Traffic Controller Training. His awards and decorations include the Master Aviator Wings, Parachutist Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal-3, Army Achievement Medal – 3, Air Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal-2, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
CW4 Devan is married to the former Susan Zubek. Together, they have an adult son, Michael, an Eagle Scout and a daughter, Kaitlin who is a college freshman majoring in the medical field at a major university.
In 1989 he ETSd from the Army intent on pursuing a career as an air traffic controller with the FAA. Prior to beginning a career as an air traffic controller, he was accepted to Army Warrant Officer Flight Training. He returned to active duty in 1991, attending flight training at Fort Rucker. His first duty assignment as an aviator was at the Joint Readiness Training Center Flight Detachment, Fort Chafee, Arkansas and Fort Polk, Louisiana. He served as the unit NVG officer and Assistant Airfield Safety Officer at Fort Polk. In 1995, he PCSd to Korea and was assigned to the 1/501st Aviation Regiment where he served as a UH-1 pilot and Company Safety Officer.
In 1996 following a tour of duty in Korea, he was selected to attend the Army Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. At the completion of the course he PCSd to Fort Belvoir, Virginia and was assigned to the Fort Belvoir Regional Flight Center (OSACOM) as a C-12 pilot.
In 1999 CW4 Devan was assigned as a C-12 pilot to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he served as the Unit Training Officer and Assistant Flight Operations Officer for the next five years. During this period he was selected to attend the Army Jet Course (UC-35 Qualification Course). At the completion he served as a UC-35 pilot.
In 2004, he PCSd to Aviation Support Facility Johnstown, Pennsylvania, assigned as a C-12 pilot. He also served in the capacities as Operations Officer, Unit Safety Officer and Battalion Safety Officer. He retired in September 2014 out of the Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Belvoir, Virginia after having served nearly 27 years on active duty.
He served three tours of duty in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
CW4 Devan’s military schooling includes: Warrant Officer Flight Training, Warrant Officer Basic Course, Warrant Officer Advanced Course, UC-35 Qualification Course, Army Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Course, Army Safety Course, Army Airborne School, Army Air Traffic Controller Training. His awards and decorations include the Master Aviator Wings, Parachutist Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal-3, Army Achievement Medal – 3, Air Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal-2, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
CW4 Devan is married to the former Susan Zubek. Together, they have an adult son, Michael, an Eagle Scout and a daughter, Kaitlin who is a college freshman majoring in the medical field at a major university.
U.S. Army - CW3 John (Derek) Boseman
CW3 John (Derek) Boseman, originates from Rocky Mount, North Carolina and his wife (Kelli) is from Duncan, Oklahoma. They have been married for 17 years and have two children Tanner (16) and Teeghan (11). He is an avid softball player and it absorbs majority of his weekends year round, traveling along the eastern coast from Maryland to Florida. He enjoys (area beautification) cutting grass and maintaining his yard around the house. On the occasion, he will assist his wife in her many good ideas from online craft sites. He also is her laborer, when she agrees to restore furniture. He currently has an Associate’s Degree in Human Resource Management and plans to complete his Bachelor’s around August of 2017.
CW3 Boseman joined the Army shortly after graduating high school in 1996. He completed Basic Training and Advance Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He has over 19 years of military service and currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He serves as the Targeting Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, where he performs the duties as a Field Artillery Targeting Technician. His enlisted career consisted of 11 years as a 13M, Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember and 18 months as a 13F, Forward Observer. He has worked in various positions like; driver, launcher gunner, section chief, and Advanced Leader Course Instructor. He has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 times (2003, 2005, 2010-2011).
His awards include Bronze Star (1OLC), Army Commendation Medal (8 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (4rd Award), Iraq Campaign Medal with 5 campaign Stars, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachutist badge, Assault Badge, and Italian Parachutist Badge.
His military education includes Airborne Course, Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Combatives Level-1 Course, Warrant Officer Candidate Course, Joint Firepower Course, and Warrant Officer Advance Course.
CW3 Boseman joined the Army shortly after graduating high school in 1996. He completed Basic Training and Advance Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He has over 19 years of military service and currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He serves as the Targeting Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, where he performs the duties as a Field Artillery Targeting Technician. His enlisted career consisted of 11 years as a 13M, Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember and 18 months as a 13F, Forward Observer. He has worked in various positions like; driver, launcher gunner, section chief, and Advanced Leader Course Instructor. He has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 times (2003, 2005, 2010-2011).
His awards include Bronze Star (1OLC), Army Commendation Medal (8 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (4rd Award), Iraq Campaign Medal with 5 campaign Stars, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachutist badge, Assault Badge, and Italian Parachutist Badge.
His military education includes Airborne Course, Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Combatives Level-1 Course, Warrant Officer Candidate Course, Joint Firepower Course, and Warrant Officer Advance Course.
U.S. Marines - Staff Sergeant Mark "Oz" Geist - (Contractor Team Member in Battle of Benghazi )
Mark “Oz” Geist is a member of the Annex Security Team that fought the Battle of Benghazi, Libya, from September 11 to September 12, 2012. A Colorado native, Mr. Geist joined the United States Marine Corps in 1984. During his time in the service, he served in Barracks Duty in the Philippines, then with the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines Golf Company, as well as the Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon. He then was chosen to serve in the newly formed Marine Cadre program as an Anti-/Counter- Terrorism Instructor. Upon the completion of a very successful tour and re-enlistment, Mr. Geist changed his military occupational specialty to the Intelligence field, specializing in Interrogation Translation. He attended language school where he studied Persian Farsi.
After serving 12 years in the United States Maine Corps, Mr. Geist became a Deputy Sheriff in Teller County, Colorado. In that role, he was assigned as liaison with the Vice Narcotics and Intelligence Unit in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as well as an Investigator for Crimes against Children. Certified as a Forensic Interviewer of children, he investigated numerous case of abuse in which he helped to secure convictions of the perpetrators. He then took a job as Chief of Police in Fowler, Colorado. After leaving the Fowler Police Department, Mr. Geist began his own business in private investigations as well as bounty hunting and bail bonds.
In 2004, Mr. Geist began doing contract security work in Iraq. He worked for Triple Canopy, providing Personal Security Details for Department of State personnel in Baquba, Iraq. Upon the completion of that contract he worked for USIS, the United States Investigative Services, training Iraqi SWAT teams and Personal Security Details. He also served as a mentor/advisor to the Personal Security Detail of Dr. Ayad Allawi, the former Prime Minister of Iraq.
Mr. Geist finished his career as a security contractor in Benghazi, Libya, where he was credited with helping to save the lives of more than 25 Americans. Mr. Geist is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in the battle. He is a co-author of the bestselling book “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi.”
After serving 12 years in the United States Maine Corps, Mr. Geist became a Deputy Sheriff in Teller County, Colorado. In that role, he was assigned as liaison with the Vice Narcotics and Intelligence Unit in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as well as an Investigator for Crimes against Children. Certified as a Forensic Interviewer of children, he investigated numerous case of abuse in which he helped to secure convictions of the perpetrators. He then took a job as Chief of Police in Fowler, Colorado. After leaving the Fowler Police Department, Mr. Geist began his own business in private investigations as well as bounty hunting and bail bonds.
In 2004, Mr. Geist began doing contract security work in Iraq. He worked for Triple Canopy, providing Personal Security Details for Department of State personnel in Baquba, Iraq. Upon the completion of that contract he worked for USIS, the United States Investigative Services, training Iraqi SWAT teams and Personal Security Details. He also served as a mentor/advisor to the Personal Security Detail of Dr. Ayad Allawi, the former Prime Minister of Iraq.
Mr. Geist finished his career as a security contractor in Benghazi, Libya, where he was credited with helping to save the lives of more than 25 Americans. Mr. Geist is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in the battle. He is a co-author of the bestselling book “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi.”
U.S. Marines - Sergeant John "Tig" Tiegen - (CIA Global Response Staff Team member in Battle of Benghazi)
John “Tig” Tiegen - born in 1976 - is a former Marine Sergeant from Colorado who spent several years as a security contractor for Blackwater. He served the company on missions in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq before going to work for the CIA’s Global Response Staff.
Quiet and precise, the married father of infant twins was in the midst of his third trip to Benghazi, Libya for the CIA's GRS when the attacks of September 11, 2012 occurred. He was the most experienced in the city and assisted in saving the lives of many. Tiegen received the Award For Heroism in recognition of his bravery and valor.
He is the co-author of 13 Hours along with members of the Annex Security team and NYT's best-selling author, Mitchell Zuckoff.
Quiet and precise, the married father of infant twins was in the midst of his third trip to Benghazi, Libya for the CIA's GRS when the attacks of September 11, 2012 occurred. He was the most experienced in the city and assisted in saving the lives of many. Tiegen received the Award For Heroism in recognition of his bravery and valor.
He is the co-author of 13 Hours along with members of the Annex Security team and NYT's best-selling author, Mitchell Zuckoff.
U.S. Marines - Lieutenant Clebe McClary
Patrick Cleburne "Clebe" McClary was raised on a 10,000 acre plantation in the South Carolina Low Country. Young Clebe grew up hunting, fishing and excelling at sports. After fulfilling his dream of becoming a college coach, Clebe had plans to marry a beautiful Southern belle. Life was very good. But only weeks before the wedding (March 26, 1967), Clebe witnessed a startling event on a college campus that changed the course of his life forever - the burning of an American flag by students protesting the Vietnam conflict.
Dismayed by the lack of support for the country he loved, Clebe resigned from his coaching position and volunteered for duty in the Marine Corps.
Completing Officers Training School in Quantico, Virginia, First Lt. McClary said goodbye to his bride and became platoon leader of the 1st Recon Battalion in Vietnam. On his 19th recon patrol, deep in hostile territory, Clebe and his unit engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Suffering devastating injuries, which included the loss of his left arm and left eye, Clebe continued to lead his men.
Clebe's valiant battle with the pain and disabilities that followed is nothing short of amazing. He spent over two years in military hospitals, undergoing over 30 major surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. Since then Clebe has used his powerful story of courage, determination and strength to motivate audiences the world over.
Dismayed by the lack of support for the country he loved, Clebe resigned from his coaching position and volunteered for duty in the Marine Corps.
Completing Officers Training School in Quantico, Virginia, First Lt. McClary said goodbye to his bride and became platoon leader of the 1st Recon Battalion in Vietnam. On his 19th recon patrol, deep in hostile territory, Clebe and his unit engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Suffering devastating injuries, which included the loss of his left arm and left eye, Clebe continued to lead his men.
Clebe's valiant battle with the pain and disabilities that followed is nothing short of amazing. He spent over two years in military hospitals, undergoing over 30 major surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. Since then Clebe has used his powerful story of courage, determination and strength to motivate audiences the world over.
U.S. Army (Ranger) - Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth "Scooter" Barclay
“I was in college and saw that the war was coming along. They reached the point where you couldn’t enlist. You had to volunteer to be drafted,” Barclay said. “I volunteered to be drafted, and I got drafted.” Barclay joined the “Fighting 69th” Regiment, and served in Hawaii, Saipan and Okinawa during the war. 70 years after Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Barclay fought in World War Two, he has returned to the frontlines along with other comrades in the Greatest Generations Foundation.
The trip has enabled a group of 20 World War Two veterans to return to the places in which they fought in the 1940s and to commemorate the friends and fellow soldiers who lost their lives. Kenneth says he never imagined that he would return to the Pacific, after his regiment left at the end of World War Two. He says that he volunteered to be drafted and was chosen to join the 69th Regiment. He served in Hawaii, and the Japanese-occupied islands of Saipan and Okinawa. Kenneth learnd about the opportunity to re-visit the Pacific war locations on his local news, which was reporting on the work of the Greatest Generations Foundation, which is a charity that works to recognize veterans of war. In Saipan, Kenneth visited the beach he landed at during the war, he recalled how he saw many of his comrades die and that now he could see the beauty of the island, but 70 years ago all he saw was darkness and death. Kenneth says that during the war there was little wildlife or vegetation. Most trees and bushland had been burned off due to the fighting and bombing raids. The visit made Kenneth realize how lucky he was to survive. The group also took part in the 70th anniversary commemoration ceremony at Iwo Jima. Kenneth never served on Iwo Jima, but he said it was an emotional ceremony as both Japanese and American veterans came together to remember their fallen soldiers, the Fort Hood Herald reports. It is said to be the only place in the world where the two previously fighting countries come together to commemorate the same battle. Even though Kenneth is now 90 years old, he is hoping to be considered for future veterans’ trips with the Greatest Generations Foundation, since he would love to return to Okinawa. Kenneth actually remained on the island for several years after the end of the war, before finally returning to the US.
The trip has enabled a group of 20 World War Two veterans to return to the places in which they fought in the 1940s and to commemorate the friends and fellow soldiers who lost their lives. Kenneth says he never imagined that he would return to the Pacific, after his regiment left at the end of World War Two. He says that he volunteered to be drafted and was chosen to join the 69th Regiment. He served in Hawaii, and the Japanese-occupied islands of Saipan and Okinawa. Kenneth learnd about the opportunity to re-visit the Pacific war locations on his local news, which was reporting on the work of the Greatest Generations Foundation, which is a charity that works to recognize veterans of war. In Saipan, Kenneth visited the beach he landed at during the war, he recalled how he saw many of his comrades die and that now he could see the beauty of the island, but 70 years ago all he saw was darkness and death. Kenneth says that during the war there was little wildlife or vegetation. Most trees and bushland had been burned off due to the fighting and bombing raids. The visit made Kenneth realize how lucky he was to survive. The group also took part in the 70th anniversary commemoration ceremony at Iwo Jima. Kenneth never served on Iwo Jima, but he said it was an emotional ceremony as both Japanese and American veterans came together to remember their fallen soldiers, the Fort Hood Herald reports. It is said to be the only place in the world where the two previously fighting countries come together to commemorate the same battle. Even though Kenneth is now 90 years old, he is hoping to be considered for future veterans’ trips with the Greatest Generations Foundation, since he would love to return to Okinawa. Kenneth actually remained on the island for several years after the end of the war, before finally returning to the US.
U.S. Army (Special Forces) Staff Sergeant Nate Boyer - (Seattle Seahawks former player/ UT Football Alumni)
Nate Boyer is what many would deem a renaissance man. The former active-duty Green Beret is also a world traveler, a philanthropist and community leader, and a professional athlete as a former member of the Seattle Seahawks. After joining the US Army in 2005, Boyer earned the coveted Green Beret in December,2006. He was stationed in Okinawa throughout most of 2007 with 1st Special Forces Group. In April of 2008, Nate was deployed with ODA 0324 10th Special Forces Group to Iraq and served his tour of duty until January of 2009. He then served tours in Afghanistan from April-August, 2013 (Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan) and from April-August, 2014 (ODA 3116 3rd Special Forces Group). In addition to his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Boyer completed a number of JCET (Joint Command Exchange Training) Missions to Israel (2009), Bulgaria (2011), and Greece (2012). A five-year player for the Texas Longhorns, Boyer served as the No. 1 long snapper on PAT/FG’s his last three seasons and also handled punt-snapping duties during 2013-14. He played in 39 career games. In 2012 Boyer received the Disney Spirit Award at the ESPN College Football Awards, which is given to the most inspirational figure in college football. In 2013 the National Football Foundation awarded him with the coveted Legacy Award. He was named to the 2014 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which recognizes players whose charitable involvement and community service contributions stand out among all other student-athletes; was a three-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 choice (2012-14); and was first-team Capitol One Academic All-American in 2013. Boyer was named 2012-13 Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year and in 2012 became the first-ever recipient of the Armed Forces Merit Award presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). In January of 2015, he played in the Medal of Honor Bowl in Charleston, SC. Boyer has embarked on a wealth of colorful adventures and life-changing experiences: he has backpacked solo throughout much of Europe and Central America, worked for a
year on a fishing boat in San Diego, gone fly fishing in Kamchatka in Russia, worked as a big brother and mentor for children diagnosed with Autism, and volunteered at Refugee Camps in the Darfur region of Sudan/Chad border. He continues to be actively engaged with several Veteran’s Service Organizations as well as several other non-profits. Boyer’s belief that “Anything is Possible” has served him well throughout his life and has made him especially fit to speak about finding one’s passions and living with purpose for other people. Nate’s can-do attitude is contagious and his inspirational story resounds with any audience; students, veterans, businesspersons, athletes and people from all walks of like can take something away from his unique story.
year on a fishing boat in San Diego, gone fly fishing in Kamchatka in Russia, worked as a big brother and mentor for children diagnosed with Autism, and volunteered at Refugee Camps in the Darfur region of Sudan/Chad border. He continues to be actively engaged with several Veteran’s Service Organizations as well as several other non-profits. Boyer’s belief that “Anything is Possible” has served him well throughout his life and has made him especially fit to speak about finding one’s passions and living with purpose for other people. Nate’s can-do attitude is contagious and his inspirational story resounds with any audience; students, veterans, businesspersons, athletes and people from all walks of like can take something away from his unique story.
U.S. Army (Special Forces) - Sergeant Major Edward Yellowhair
Sergeant Major Retired Edward Yellowhair was born on the Navajo Reservation in Northeastern Arizona.
After graduating High School, He enlisted in the US Army on November 02, 1982.
After completing Infantry basic training and AIT, Sergeant Major Yellowhair was assigned and served with the 2/503rd Infantry Regt, 101 ABN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, 2/187th Parachute Infantry Regt, Rep of Panama, 1/10th Infantry Regt, 4th Infantry Mechanized, Fort Carson, Colorado. SGM Yellowhair soon volunteered for Special Forces training and graduated from the “Q” Course in August 1989. He was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group Airborne, Fort Davis in the Rep of Panama, as a Weapons Sergeant with A Co, 3rd BN, 7th SFG(A) Sergeant Major Yellowhair follow on assignments as a Weapons Sergeant on Operational Detachment Alpha 775, 776 (MFF), 793 and Operational Detachment Bravo 770 (B-Team).
Following a short break in service, Sergeant Major Yellowhair joined the North Carolina Army National Guard (ARNG). He was assigned to the North Carolina Military Academy on Fort Bragg as an Instructor with the Non-Commissioned Officers Education System (NCOES) and Officer’s Candidate Course (OCS).
Sergeant Major soon found his way back to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Community through the ARNG AGR Program and was reassigned to US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) ARNG Advisors Office. Sergeant Major Yellowhair follow on assignments as USAJFKSWCS LNO, US Army Special Forces Command (ABN) G3 Operations Sergeant, USAJFKSWCS ARNG Senior Enlisted Advisor and US Army SF Command (ABN) ARNG Senior Enlisted Advisor. Sergeant Major Yellowhair deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan (OEF-A) with 20th Special Forces Group (ABN) and served with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force as Senior Weapons/Team Sergeant on Operational Detachment Alpha 2235, 2236 and Operational Detachment Bravo 2230.
His military education include US Army Sergeants Major Academy, Advance Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Jungle Operations Course, Special Forces Qualifications Course, Airborne Jumpmaster Course, Special Operations and Intel Course, Military Free Fall Course, Army Instructor Course, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Special Operations SERE Course, Special Operations SFARTEC Course.
Sergeant Major Yellowhair awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal with 3 OLC, Army Achievement Medal with 4 OLC, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Good Conduct Medal (8 award), the National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Operation Just Cause), GWOT Expeditionary Medal, GWOT Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NOC Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th award), Reserve Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Expert Infantrymen Badge, Combat Infantrymen Badge with Star, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Badge, Air Assault Badge, Uruguayan Jumpmaster Badge, Paraguayan Jumpmaster Badge, Germen Military Free-Fall Badge, Canadian Free-Fall Badge, Netherlands Military Free-Fall Badge.
Sergeant Major Yellowhair retired on September 01, 2014 and lives with his wife Katharine and son Steed in Raeford North Carolina. His oldies son Brandon is serving on active duty with the US Navy.
After graduating High School, He enlisted in the US Army on November 02, 1982.
After completing Infantry basic training and AIT, Sergeant Major Yellowhair was assigned and served with the 2/503rd Infantry Regt, 101 ABN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, 2/187th Parachute Infantry Regt, Rep of Panama, 1/10th Infantry Regt, 4th Infantry Mechanized, Fort Carson, Colorado. SGM Yellowhair soon volunteered for Special Forces training and graduated from the “Q” Course in August 1989. He was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group Airborne, Fort Davis in the Rep of Panama, as a Weapons Sergeant with A Co, 3rd BN, 7th SFG(A) Sergeant Major Yellowhair follow on assignments as a Weapons Sergeant on Operational Detachment Alpha 775, 776 (MFF), 793 and Operational Detachment Bravo 770 (B-Team).
Following a short break in service, Sergeant Major Yellowhair joined the North Carolina Army National Guard (ARNG). He was assigned to the North Carolina Military Academy on Fort Bragg as an Instructor with the Non-Commissioned Officers Education System (NCOES) and Officer’s Candidate Course (OCS).
Sergeant Major soon found his way back to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Community through the ARNG AGR Program and was reassigned to US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) ARNG Advisors Office. Sergeant Major Yellowhair follow on assignments as USAJFKSWCS LNO, US Army Special Forces Command (ABN) G3 Operations Sergeant, USAJFKSWCS ARNG Senior Enlisted Advisor and US Army SF Command (ABN) ARNG Senior Enlisted Advisor. Sergeant Major Yellowhair deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan (OEF-A) with 20th Special Forces Group (ABN) and served with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force as Senior Weapons/Team Sergeant on Operational Detachment Alpha 2235, 2236 and Operational Detachment Bravo 2230.
His military education include US Army Sergeants Major Academy, Advance Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Jungle Operations Course, Special Forces Qualifications Course, Airborne Jumpmaster Course, Special Operations and Intel Course, Military Free Fall Course, Army Instructor Course, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Special Operations SERE Course, Special Operations SFARTEC Course.
Sergeant Major Yellowhair awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal with 3 OLC, Army Achievement Medal with 4 OLC, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Good Conduct Medal (8 award), the National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Operation Just Cause), GWOT Expeditionary Medal, GWOT Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NOC Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th award), Reserve Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Expert Infantrymen Badge, Combat Infantrymen Badge with Star, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Badge, Air Assault Badge, Uruguayan Jumpmaster Badge, Paraguayan Jumpmaster Badge, Germen Military Free-Fall Badge, Canadian Free-Fall Badge, Netherlands Military Free-Fall Badge.
Sergeant Major Yellowhair retired on September 01, 2014 and lives with his wife Katharine and son Steed in Raeford North Carolina. His oldies son Brandon is serving on active duty with the US Navy.
U.S. Air Force - Senior Airmen Scott Palomino
United States Air Force-Retired, Senior Airmen Scott Palomino. I was a 1C5, Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Operator, assigned to the 603rd Air Control Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy. As a 1C5 I tracked and controlled military aircrafts with weapon systems on them. We provided Theater Air Control for all military branches during hostile combat and missions. I was injured in a mortar attack on 10 April 2004 where I lost my left leg, below the knee (BK), while being deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, performing Theater Air Support missions. The mortar attack hit three of us, injuring two and killing one, A1C Antoine J. Holt. After losing my left leg, I realized that my life had changed and I now needed to get my education. I attended Texas A&M University-Commerce where I pledged Sigma Chi the second semester of my freshman year. I pledge Sigma Chi because they did not look at me as a man with one leg, as someone who is disabled, or some reject. They showed me the utmost respect and took me in as one of their own. I actually thought that my life was over, that I would not have friends again, and that I would never meet another woman to love. My life changed for the better after meeting all of my Brothers and I will forever be thankful to them and Sigma Chi. My Brothers showed me that life was not over and there was still so much more to live for! I have always been very athletic and enjoy running and playing basketball. And, I also met my wonderful wife, Amanda Michelle Palomino (Alpha Phi), at a Sigma Chi mixer!
I was on the 2013 and 2014 USAF Wounded Warrior Wheelchair Basketball Team, Sitting Volleyball, and Track & Field Team. I took second place in the 1600 M run with a time of 5 min. 34 sec. at the 2013 Wounded Warrior Games. I was the USA Team Captain for the 2014 Invictus Games in London, England, where I also competed in Wheelchair Basketball and Track & Field. I earned two silver medals at the Invictus Games.
I am currently the Director of the Airmen & Family Readiness Center at Carswell AFB, Texas, and Certified Personal Financial Counselor. My goal in life is to continue to work with and support Veterans and their families. I am currently attending TCU and enrolled in the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program.
Major Achievements: I received my Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Texas A&M University-Commerce after retiring from the USAF, Intramural Basketball Champions four years in a row at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Meeting the Love of my life, Amanda M. McGill. Getting married on 4 May 2013, My daughter, Abigail Grace, was born on 1 Feb 2014, Purple Heart Recipient, 2004, Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Wounded Veteran, Air Force Commendation Medal, 2004, Air Force Senior Airman Below-the-Zone Promotion., United States Air Force Basic Training Honor Graduate.
I was on the 2013 and 2014 USAF Wounded Warrior Wheelchair Basketball Team, Sitting Volleyball, and Track & Field Team. I took second place in the 1600 M run with a time of 5 min. 34 sec. at the 2013 Wounded Warrior Games. I was the USA Team Captain for the 2014 Invictus Games in London, England, where I also competed in Wheelchair Basketball and Track & Field. I earned two silver medals at the Invictus Games.
I am currently the Director of the Airmen & Family Readiness Center at Carswell AFB, Texas, and Certified Personal Financial Counselor. My goal in life is to continue to work with and support Veterans and their families. I am currently attending TCU and enrolled in the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program.
Major Achievements: I received my Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Texas A&M University-Commerce after retiring from the USAF, Intramural Basketball Champions four years in a row at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Meeting the Love of my life, Amanda M. McGill. Getting married on 4 May 2013, My daughter, Abigail Grace, was born on 1 Feb 2014, Purple Heart Recipient, 2004, Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Wounded Veteran, Air Force Commendation Medal, 2004, Air Force Senior Airman Below-the-Zone Promotion., United States Air Force Basic Training Honor Graduate.
U.S. Army - Corporal Michael "Mike" Vasquez
Mike graduated from OSUT at Ft. Benning, GA as an Airborne Infantryman (11B1P) in 2005.
He served in Iraq in 2007 and 2008 as an Infantryman Machine Gunner protecting civilian contractors and recovering blown up vehicles.
In 2008-2009 Mike deployed to Afghanistan as an Infantryman team leader to provide Protective Security Detail for Military Intelligence soldiers and worked as a Human Intelligence exploitation expert as a secondary role. Mike’s roles as a team leader were: machine gunner, Squad Designated Marksman, multimedia exploitation expert, UGS (unmanned ground sensors/cameras) emplacer/operator and was frequently attached to two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.
Mike’s main role in Afghanistan was to protect the M.I. soldiers, but also to use his trained-ability to go behind enemy lines and emplace hidden and camouflaged cameras to monitor the enemy’s movement and to act as a counter-IED task force team leader that helped eliminated the threat of IED emplacing Taliban and IEDs in certain areas before they could be used against coalition forces. Mike also specialized in multimedia exploitation which involved acquiring the enemy’s media devices such as cell phones and hard drives and extracting vital information that led to vital intelligence and the capturing or eliminating of Taliban leaders and fighters.
On 10 July 2009 while on a mission with the 636 M.I. team and ODA 9224 Mike’s vehicle was hit with RPGs and small arms fire severely injuring him in the gunner’s turret and his team members inside. He continued to engage the enemy and eliminate the threat to help get other injured comrades to safety by being medevac’d. Mike was also medevac’d and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, Chiari malformation (acquired), spinal contusion, shrapnel, abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other smaller injuries.
Mike recovered at Landsthul Germany and BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX and was discharged finally on 10 February 2010.
On 23 July 2013 Mike had brain surgery to help with his brain condition that was a direct result from the TBI in Afghanistan which contributed to the loss of use of both of his legs and feet. Mike is forever bound to a wheelchair now and is a paraplegic from the waist down.
Mike’s military awards include: Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with one oak cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Texas Purple Heart, and the Texas Combat Service Medal.
Mike has a Bachelors in Applied Sciences from Wayland Baptist University in the field of Human Services and Psychology and is now attending Texas Tech University seeking a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Communication Design. He aspires to continue to help other wounded veterans that are in his similar situation and loves to advocate for VA reform to better the health care of wounded veterans. Mike also takes great pride in being an active board member and the Graphics and Media Director for “HALO For Freedom Warrior Foundation,” a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that also helps wounded veterans. His hobbies include: graphic design, woodworking, exercising, riding his hand-cycle, drawing, painting, helping others, volunteering with non-profits and his church, fishing, hunting, and more than anything: spending time with his family.
He served in Iraq in 2007 and 2008 as an Infantryman Machine Gunner protecting civilian contractors and recovering blown up vehicles.
In 2008-2009 Mike deployed to Afghanistan as an Infantryman team leader to provide Protective Security Detail for Military Intelligence soldiers and worked as a Human Intelligence exploitation expert as a secondary role. Mike’s roles as a team leader were: machine gunner, Squad Designated Marksman, multimedia exploitation expert, UGS (unmanned ground sensors/cameras) emplacer/operator and was frequently attached to two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.
Mike’s main role in Afghanistan was to protect the M.I. soldiers, but also to use his trained-ability to go behind enemy lines and emplace hidden and camouflaged cameras to monitor the enemy’s movement and to act as a counter-IED task force team leader that helped eliminated the threat of IED emplacing Taliban and IEDs in certain areas before they could be used against coalition forces. Mike also specialized in multimedia exploitation which involved acquiring the enemy’s media devices such as cell phones and hard drives and extracting vital information that led to vital intelligence and the capturing or eliminating of Taliban leaders and fighters.
On 10 July 2009 while on a mission with the 636 M.I. team and ODA 9224 Mike’s vehicle was hit with RPGs and small arms fire severely injuring him in the gunner’s turret and his team members inside. He continued to engage the enemy and eliminate the threat to help get other injured comrades to safety by being medevac’d. Mike was also medevac’d and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, Chiari malformation (acquired), spinal contusion, shrapnel, abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other smaller injuries.
Mike recovered at Landsthul Germany and BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX and was discharged finally on 10 February 2010.
On 23 July 2013 Mike had brain surgery to help with his brain condition that was a direct result from the TBI in Afghanistan which contributed to the loss of use of both of his legs and feet. Mike is forever bound to a wheelchair now and is a paraplegic from the waist down.
Mike’s military awards include: Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with one oak cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Texas Purple Heart, and the Texas Combat Service Medal.
Mike has a Bachelors in Applied Sciences from Wayland Baptist University in the field of Human Services and Psychology and is now attending Texas Tech University seeking a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Communication Design. He aspires to continue to help other wounded veterans that are in his similar situation and loves to advocate for VA reform to better the health care of wounded veterans. Mike also takes great pride in being an active board member and the Graphics and Media Director for “HALO For Freedom Warrior Foundation,” a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that also helps wounded veterans. His hobbies include: graphic design, woodworking, exercising, riding his hand-cycle, drawing, painting, helping others, volunteering with non-profits and his church, fishing, hunting, and more than anything: spending time with his family.
U.S. Air Force - Staff Sgt. Jason Morgan
US Air Force Special Operations Command (Airborne), retired Jason Morgan, born in Dallas, Texas in 1969 enlisted into the US Air Force in 1989 and trained to become a combat weatherman. The combat weather team is a small elite unit in the Air Force Special Operations Command.
Combat Weather Teams are organized, trained and equipped to provide meteorological and oceanographic intelligence information in and for the Army’s special operations theaters of conflict. Duties performed range from staff support to ground combat operations, which include tactical infiltration, observing, forecasting, training indigenous personnel to take limited observations, and mission tailoring of environmental information.
In June of 1999, Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan was deployed to South America on a counter narcotics mission while attached to the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) called the Night Stalkers. Trying avoid a dangerous situation, the driver of the SUV that Morgan was riding in, lost control of the vehicle which began flipping down a ravine. Jason was ejected from the back seat and the vehicle rolled over him crushing his back and leaving him face down in shallow water unable to move or breathe. An American mission working in South America pulled Jason out of the water and coordinated a rescue. After waking from a coma two months, the doctors told him that he was lucky to be alive but paralyzed from the waist down and would never walk again.
3 1/2 Years of hospitalization and countless surgeries was followed by pain and depression. Soon after his injury, Morgan's marriage ended and he raised his three young boys almost entirely by himself.
Morgan's current mission is to speak to groups about the things a person can do – not what they think they can’t. After receiving his service dog from Canine Companions for Independence in 2010, Morgan has been active speaking to schools, churches, boy scouts and other organizations educating about service dogs and their roles as well as motivating people how to overcome adversity. As the national spokesperson for Canine Companions for Independence, Morgan volunteers his time by speaking all over the US helping kids and with disabilities and disabled veterans receive these highly trained service dogs at no cost to the recipient. Morgan also regularly visits hospitals and VA facilities with his service dog that he claims makes a world of difference during their difficult time and recovery. Although paralyzed from the waist down and recently losing his leg due to a bone infection, he stays active water and snow skiing, SCUBA diving with his 3 boys, competed and medaled in the Warrior Games (Military Paralympics) and recently pushed his racing wheelchair (not a hand cycle) 26.2 miles in the Marine Corps Marathon.
Combat Weather Teams are organized, trained and equipped to provide meteorological and oceanographic intelligence information in and for the Army’s special operations theaters of conflict. Duties performed range from staff support to ground combat operations, which include tactical infiltration, observing, forecasting, training indigenous personnel to take limited observations, and mission tailoring of environmental information.
In June of 1999, Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan was deployed to South America on a counter narcotics mission while attached to the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) called the Night Stalkers. Trying avoid a dangerous situation, the driver of the SUV that Morgan was riding in, lost control of the vehicle which began flipping down a ravine. Jason was ejected from the back seat and the vehicle rolled over him crushing his back and leaving him face down in shallow water unable to move or breathe. An American mission working in South America pulled Jason out of the water and coordinated a rescue. After waking from a coma two months, the doctors told him that he was lucky to be alive but paralyzed from the waist down and would never walk again.
3 1/2 Years of hospitalization and countless surgeries was followed by pain and depression. Soon after his injury, Morgan's marriage ended and he raised his three young boys almost entirely by himself.
Morgan's current mission is to speak to groups about the things a person can do – not what they think they can’t. After receiving his service dog from Canine Companions for Independence in 2010, Morgan has been active speaking to schools, churches, boy scouts and other organizations educating about service dogs and their roles as well as motivating people how to overcome adversity. As the national spokesperson for Canine Companions for Independence, Morgan volunteers his time by speaking all over the US helping kids and with disabilities and disabled veterans receive these highly trained service dogs at no cost to the recipient. Morgan also regularly visits hospitals and VA facilities with his service dog that he claims makes a world of difference during their difficult time and recovery. Although paralyzed from the waist down and recently losing his leg due to a bone infection, he stays active water and snow skiing, SCUBA diving with his 3 boys, competed and medaled in the Warrior Games (Military Paralympics) and recently pushed his racing wheelchair (not a hand cycle) 26.2 miles in the Marine Corps Marathon.
U.S. Marines - Sergeant Ben Rangel
Benjamin Rangel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 while still in high school. He graduated from Plano East Senior High School in Plano, Texas. He entered the United States Marine Corps basic training On November 4th, 2003, at the age of 18 Sgt. Rangel graduated from boot camp earning the title of United States Marine on February 6 2004.
Next was Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton where he earned his infantry MOS. Sgt. Rangel checked in to his first duty station as a Private First Class to 2nd Battalion 5th Marines 1st Marine Division, he was appointed to Fox Company. His first deployment was on September 1st 2004 to April 2005 to Al Anbar Providence to the city of Ar-Ramadi Iraq. Sgt. Rangel served as the platoon marksman, He was wounded on October 26, 2004 and was the one the only junior Marine that received a Navy and Marine Corps Achivement medal with “V” distingusing device for his actions in combat. He’s second deployment was to Okinawa Japan with the 31st Marine Expetionary Unit from December 2005 to June 2006. Where he served as a team leader during operations to countries of Guam, Thailand, Korea and Philipines where they conducted anti terrorism security for the Balikatan Excersice. He’s third deployment from March 2007 to October 2007 after a voluntary extention of his contract, was back to Al Anbar Providence the city of Ar Ramadi Iraq where he re-enlisting two blocks from the area where he had been wounded back in 2004,
In late 2007, Sgt. Rangel received orders and reported to 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division as part of the Inspector Instructor staff, he was assigned to Alpha Company. Immediately after getting there he became the training chief taking over a job that was above his rank, Sgt. Rangel served as the training chief in charge of over 250 Marines readiness for deployment, annual training and infantry tactics from January 2008 until November 2011. He was the honor guard Sgt where he performed over 200 funeral details and 50 color guards. He was also the coordinator for toys for tots a Marine Corps Reserves program created to help the community during the holidays.
On November 19, 2011, after eight years of service, Sgt. Rangel was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
He returned to Collin County Texas, to pursue a college degree, Soon after returning he became involved with an at risk community service program. In 2013, Sgt. Rangel became the program director, mentoring and coordinating over 100 at risk students
Sgt Rangel is married with three daughters and currently resides in McKinney Texas.
Next was Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton where he earned his infantry MOS. Sgt. Rangel checked in to his first duty station as a Private First Class to 2nd Battalion 5th Marines 1st Marine Division, he was appointed to Fox Company. His first deployment was on September 1st 2004 to April 2005 to Al Anbar Providence to the city of Ar-Ramadi Iraq. Sgt. Rangel served as the platoon marksman, He was wounded on October 26, 2004 and was the one the only junior Marine that received a Navy and Marine Corps Achivement medal with “V” distingusing device for his actions in combat. He’s second deployment was to Okinawa Japan with the 31st Marine Expetionary Unit from December 2005 to June 2006. Where he served as a team leader during operations to countries of Guam, Thailand, Korea and Philipines where they conducted anti terrorism security for the Balikatan Excersice. He’s third deployment from March 2007 to October 2007 after a voluntary extention of his contract, was back to Al Anbar Providence the city of Ar Ramadi Iraq where he re-enlisting two blocks from the area where he had been wounded back in 2004,
In late 2007, Sgt. Rangel received orders and reported to 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division as part of the Inspector Instructor staff, he was assigned to Alpha Company. Immediately after getting there he became the training chief taking over a job that was above his rank, Sgt. Rangel served as the training chief in charge of over 250 Marines readiness for deployment, annual training and infantry tactics from January 2008 until November 2011. He was the honor guard Sgt where he performed over 200 funeral details and 50 color guards. He was also the coordinator for toys for tots a Marine Corps Reserves program created to help the community during the holidays.
On November 19, 2011, after eight years of service, Sgt. Rangel was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
He returned to Collin County Texas, to pursue a college degree, Soon after returning he became involved with an at risk community service program. In 2013, Sgt. Rangel became the program director, mentoring and coordinating over 100 at risk students
Sgt Rangel is married with three daughters and currently resides in McKinney Texas.
U.S. Navy SEAL / Frog Performance - Alexander Kunz
Alexander Kunz was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He joined the United States Navy in April of 1991 under contract for BUD’s training. In 1993 he was assigned to SEAL Team One, Coronado California were completed 5 overseas deployments. Alexander honorably discharged from SEAL Team One in 2001 after which he helped found Nicholas K, a high end international clothing brand. Shortly after 2003, Alexander was recruited into OGA and spent 3 additional years deploying to the Middle East participating in operations such as Enduring Freedom and others. In 2012, Alexander Kunz founded Frog Performance, a medical grade protein supplement company. After starting Frog Performance, he acquired the medical brand name of Provide GOLD and Founded Terraform Holdings. Presently, Alexander is the President of Frog Performance and a lead for an upcoming Pacific Pictures TV production that will be airing internationally.
U.S. Army - Corporal Adam Ralston
Adam Ralston served as an Airborne Ranger Infantryman with Second Ranger Battalion Seventy-fifth Ranger Regiment from 1996-2001. While assigned there he served as a Grenadier, M-249 SAW gunner, M-240 Machine gunner, Machine Gun Team Leader, RTO and one Team Leader. Mr. Ralston has completed the following schools: Basic Airborne course, Ranger Indoctrination Program, Ranger School, and SOT. Mr. Ralston has been awarded the following badges or awards: Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal x2, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Basic Parachutist Wings, German Basic Parachutists Wings, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge. Upon leaving the service due to a back injury, Mr. Ralston continued to serve as an Independent Contractor having completed multiple tours in support of the GWOT. Mr. Ralston Currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio and is a member of Team Fastrax and a professional skydiver and instructor. In his off time he enjoys fly-fishing, hiking, archery hunting, and travel.
U.S. Air Force (E.O.D.) - Senior Master Sergeant Benjamin Paul Horton
(Purple Heart) Paul Horton was born 10/20/1972 in Conroe, Texas. He graduated from W. B. Ray HS in Corpus Christi, attended Texas A&M from 1991-1993, and then joined the military in 1994. He was EOD his entire career. He completed 1,200+ combat missions, leading 739 of them. He completed 47 air assault missions, 456 IED missions, destroyed 275,750 enemy ordnance items, and cleared 11,017 miles of routes from IEDs. He deployed twice each to Iraq and Afghanistan & earned 4 Bronze Stars & 2 Purple Hearts. He was injured in a firefight in Afghanistan while rescuing fellow soldiers, resulting in his selection as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen in 2009. Additionally, he was named one of 20 National Heroes by the President in 2009. He returned to Afghanistan again, only to be seriously injured when an IED detonated beneath his feet. His valor was highlighted in the CSAF’s Portraits in Courage & the AF’s Recruiting Campaign. He ended his career competing on Team USA in the Invictus Games in London. He also relentlessly pursued improved care for Wounded Airmen, resulting in the AF Surgeon General implementing his EOD Health Care Initiative Air Force wide for all Battlefield Airmen.
U.S. Marines (E.O.D.) - Gunnery Sergeant Eric Craig Olson
I entered the Marine Corps in 1997 and reported to 6th ESB as my first duty station as a Combat Engineer. While at 6th ESB I deployed to Okinawa as part of a UDP, Alaska, and Belize.
In January 2002 I reported to VMFA-112 at Joint Reserve Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Texas in January 2002. While stationed at VMFA-112 I graduated from Columbia College of Missouri with an Associate in Arts and a Baccalaureate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was promoted to Sergeant in April 2004. I was then selected into the EOD program and graduated as the Honor Graduate in April 2007.
After graduation from NAVSCHOLEOD I served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician at 9th Engineer Support Battalion. While at 9th ESB, I deployed to South Korea, The Philippines, OIF 08-2 as a Team Leader, and a Far East float as a Team Leader with 31st MEU Force Reconnaissance Platoon.
I reported to 1st EOD Company in May 2010 deployed to Afghanistan in September 2010. I was assigned to the Kajaki battle space near the Kajaki Dam. While at Kajaki I lost my team member to an IED on November 19 while performing a search. On January 3, 2011 I functioned a pressure switch resulting in a low order detonation that ended my Afghanistan deployment and career. I was medically retired in September of 2013.
In January 2002 I reported to VMFA-112 at Joint Reserve Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Texas in January 2002. While stationed at VMFA-112 I graduated from Columbia College of Missouri with an Associate in Arts and a Baccalaureate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was promoted to Sergeant in April 2004. I was then selected into the EOD program and graduated as the Honor Graduate in April 2007.
After graduation from NAVSCHOLEOD I served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician at 9th Engineer Support Battalion. While at 9th ESB, I deployed to South Korea, The Philippines, OIF 08-2 as a Team Leader, and a Far East float as a Team Leader with 31st MEU Force Reconnaissance Platoon.
I reported to 1st EOD Company in May 2010 deployed to Afghanistan in September 2010. I was assigned to the Kajaki battle space near the Kajaki Dam. While at Kajaki I lost my team member to an IED on November 19 while performing a search. On January 3, 2011 I functioned a pressure switch resulting in a low order detonation that ended my Afghanistan deployment and career. I was medically retired in September of 2013.
U.S. Marines (E.O.D). - Gunnery Sergeant Daniel P. Frawley
Dan started off his Marine career in 1999 in Kingsway, Ga with Security Forces. He was a member of the Close Quarter Battle Team that protected the Limited Area on NSB Kingsway. Then Dan was sent to 2/1 in Camp Pendleton where he was an infantry squad leader, an 0351, SMAW Gunner. He was deployed with the 15th MEU during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. They made entry at Port of Umm Quasar. He was there as security when Jessica Lynch was rescued. They also were with the British during the battle for Basrah. After this deployment he reenlisted and was sent to EOD School in 2004. From there he was sent to 2nd EOD Company, in Camp Lejeune. Dan completed the Force Recon Work-up training and was deployed to Iraq in 2005-6 attached to Force Recon as part of the 22nd MEU. As EOD support, the Force Team completed many direct action hits as part of Operation Riverwalk near HIIT, Iraq. He was then redeployed in 2007 to Ramadi as an EOD Team Leader. They were near Ramadi. The team was hit by an IED in March. It destroyed their cougar but they were all able to keep working. In April his team was on foot disarming an IED when it exploded and killed his two team members, Bill Callahan and Peter Woodall. Dan was re-assigned to another area of Iraq and continued working. In June on a route clearance mission, his Buffalo was destroyed by an IED. He was put in a cougar by his EOD teammates and on the way to take him to medical, that vehicle was also destroyed by an IED. Dan stayed in country and finished his deployment despite the headaches and dizzy spells. When he returned stateside, he was sent to a non-deployable unit. He was unable to run with out getting sick and realized that his memory was also failing. He was the third EOD tech to be sent to Wounded Warrior Battalion East. They sent him to Tampa PolyTrauma center and he then spent a total of 144 days inpatient. They realized that his TBI was more extensive, and that he had damage to his inner ear and visual tracking, his spine was also damaged. Dan actively participated in the Warrior Athlete Rehab Program at WWBn- East and did many activities including cycling with Ride to Recovery and the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation Ride. He also was at the first Marine Corps Trials for the Warrior Games and won 3 medals in the swimming category. He was medically retired at 70% Dod and 100% VA in Dec, 2012 with almost 14 years in service.
U.S. Army, (E.O.D.) - Sergeant 1st Class Aaron Causey
Aaron Causey was born and raised in Alabama, the second of three sons to Jack and Brenda Causey. He graduated from Alexandria High School in 1997. After three years of college courses as a math and physics major, Aaron enlisted in the Air Force in 2000 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. He reported to duty at Aviano, Italy just a week after 9-11. After serving five years in the Air Force, including a combat tour in Iraq in 2003-2004, he transferred his service to the Army. From Fort Stewart, GA he deployed to Iraq for fifteen months, spanning 2006-2008. He next served two years in Mannheim, Germany, participating in many humanitarian aide, training, and VIP missions. In 2010, shortly after marrying his wife Kat, he reported to Fort Drum, New York. He deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan with 760th EOD in March 2011 for what was to be a year-long tour. On September 7, 2011 Aaron and his team responded to a report of a suspected IED. After determining the initial device was a hoax, he proceeded to search for the actual IED, where he stepped on one. The injuries from this blast resulted in double above-knee amputations, several amputated fingers, limited hand dexterity, extensive tissue and muscle loss to his left and right arms, extensive soft tissue wounds to his upper body resulting in skin grafts, a genital injury, and a traumatic brain injury. After two years of recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Aaron Causey retired as a Sergeant First Class with nearly thirteen years of service as an EOD technician in two branches of military. Shortly after his retirement, he and Kat welcomed their "miracle baby" Alexandra Jayne in January 2014. Later that year, they returned to their home state of Alabama, where they are building their accessible forever home in Riverside, a short drive from their immediate and extended families.
Aaron and Kat have both become advocates in the veteran community, speaking on intimacy and fertility issues after injury. Aaron spoke with his urologist, Dr. Robert Dean, at a medical conference in November 2015 to resounding success and response. Kat is currently serving as the Alabama Fellow for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and was featured in the Lifetime special, "Women of Honor." They hope that their efforts will help change current military and veteran policies so that no service member has to question his or her ability to further grow a family again, as they have.
Aaron has undergone at least 30 surgeries and will need many more in the future. His medical needs will only grow as time goes on, and the Causeys are attempting to become as financially secure as possible with fundraising efforts to help build their home and provide for AJ, and hopefully a sibling in the future.
Aaron and Kat have both become advocates in the veteran community, speaking on intimacy and fertility issues after injury. Aaron spoke with his urologist, Dr. Robert Dean, at a medical conference in November 2015 to resounding success and response. Kat is currently serving as the Alabama Fellow for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and was featured in the Lifetime special, "Women of Honor." They hope that their efforts will help change current military and veteran policies so that no service member has to question his or her ability to further grow a family again, as they have.
Aaron has undergone at least 30 surgeries and will need many more in the future. His medical needs will only grow as time goes on, and the Causeys are attempting to become as financially secure as possible with fundraising efforts to help build their home and provide for AJ, and hopefully a sibling in the future.
U.S. Air Force (E.O.D.) - Staff Sergeant Anthony J. DeMarino
Anthony DeMarino currently serves as the Congressional Liaison and Communications Director of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Before joining the Commission, Anthony worked as Special Assistant to Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) where he was responsible for a range of policy issues including homeland security, transportation, science, technology, immigration, health care, financial services, and Veterans affairs. His work with Rep. Duckworth included writing provisions of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which was signed into law in 2015, as well as other legislation that has passed the House of Representatives advocating for Gold Star Spouses. Before joining Representative Duckworth’s office, Anthony’s experience extends to the Senate where he worked for the then Majority Staff of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Prior to Anthony’s service on Capitol Hill, he served as an active duty U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader with two tours in Iraq over the course of his 8-year military career. Anthony was retired from the service in 2010 due to injuries related to his first tour in Iraq. After the military, Anthony earned his B.S. from Arizona State University where he majored in Political Science with a focus on International Relations in 2012, graduating with honors and his M.A. in Security Studies, concentrating in National Security Policy, from Georgetown University in 2015. Anthony DeMarino is also an Adjunct Faculty Associate at his alma mater, Arizona State University, where he teaches a course on Cyberterrorism.
Prior to Anthony’s service on Capitol Hill, he served as an active duty U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader with two tours in Iraq over the course of his 8-year military career. Anthony was retired from the service in 2010 due to injuries related to his first tour in Iraq. After the military, Anthony earned his B.S. from Arizona State University where he majored in Political Science with a focus on International Relations in 2012, graduating with honors and his M.A. in Security Studies, concentrating in National Security Policy, from Georgetown University in 2015. Anthony DeMarino is also an Adjunct Faculty Associate at his alma mater, Arizona State University, where he teaches a course on Cyberterrorism.
U.S. Air Force (E.O.D.) - Staff Sergeant Eric B. Stoneking
Eric Stoneking served in the United States Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator. Upon completion of his enlistment he began contracting in Iraq with EOD mobile teams disposing of arms caches; during a convoy he was attacked with an EFP IED. Eric spent the next five years being 'put back together' after 50+ surgeries. After which he went back to help the EOD career field building training aids, training, and mentoring young EOD operators.
Recently, Eric has transitioned back to school to earn a degree in Gunsmithing with hopes of building custom long range rifles one day. When not in school, he can be found backpacking with his service dog, Adam, on one of the many trails in Colorado, in search of powder on his snowboard.
Recently, Eric has transitioned back to school to earn a degree in Gunsmithing with hopes of building custom long range rifles one day. When not in school, he can be found backpacking with his service dog, Adam, on one of the many trails in Colorado, in search of powder on his snowboard.
U.S. Air Force (E.O.D.) - Technical Sgt. Kevin Parke
Kevin entered the Air Force on September 23rd, 2003. Initially, he was a member of the Security Forces. He was a part of the initial Tactical Response Force at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, in Cheyenne Wyoming. He then moved to Davis Monthan Air Force Base, where he immediately deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. During his deployment, Kevin applied, and was accepted for an opportunity to train into the Explosive Ordnance Disposal career field. Within a few short weeks of returning from Afghanistan, Kevin moved his family to Eglin Air Force Base, where he attended the training for EOD. In July of 2008, Kevin graduated from EOD School and joined the shop at Eglin Air Force Base. He quickly completed some advanced training courses, so that he would be able to join the deployment rotation as soon as possible. Finally, in May of 2010, Kevin deployed to the Helmand province, Afghanistan. During his deployment in 2010, on three separate occasions, Kevin's vehicle was hit by IEDs. The first two blasts were within 44 hours, and the third happened three months later. The blasts left Kevin with injuries that include Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress, Chronic Pain, multiple disc injuries, and shoulder injuries. Kevin currently resides in Northwest Florida with his wife and five children, and spends his days attending medical appointments and healing from his injuries.
U.S. Army, (E.O.D.) - Staff Sergeant Derek Bowman
Derek joined the Army in 2002. His first MOS was 13B and where he deployed to Iraq for 12 months in November of 2005. After returning home from this deployment he decided to change to change his MOS to Explosive Ordnance Disposal and graduated from NAVSCOLEOD in May 2008. Derek deployed to Afghanistan for 12 months in Feb 2009-10. During this deployment his truck was hit and disabled by an IED. On the same mission, 2 days later, while traveling through a village in Afghanistan, he was electrocuted by low-lying power lines, knocking him unconscious and backwards. The injuries sustained from this incident were to his upper body and TBI. Derek medically retired after a long medical board process, and in October 2012, Derek, his wife Megan and son Zak moved back to their hometown in Tennessee.
U.S. Army, (E.O.D.) - Sergeant 1st Class Jessie Miller
Jessie enlisted in the Army in 1995 at the age of 17. Dedicated to serving his country, his first MOS was an MP. He found another interest and after 18 months in the Army, he changed his MOS to weapons specialist. Jessie worked as a weapons specialist for five years and wanted something more. He was accepted to attend NAVSCOLEOD and graduated as an EOD Technician in February 2004. Making two deployments to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. Jessie was involved in multiple blasts incidents throughout his career leading to injuries of TBI, PTSD, knee and back injuries. He loved being in the Army and all that he ever wanted to do. Jessie medically retired in 2013, and resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his family. Jessie is a two time Bronze Star Recipient. Currently enrolled in Excelsior College earning his Bachelors of Applied Science.
U.S. Army, (E.O.D.) - 1sg Landon W. Jackson
Landon Jackson enlisted in the Army in 1996. After he attended Basic Training and Ammunition Specialist AIT, he attended Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) School at Eglin AFB and Indian Head, MD. He is currently stationed at Fort Belvoir Virginia as the 1SG of the 55th EOD Company, where they provide EOD support to the National Capital Region, including the White House. His previous assignments include two tours at Fort Carson, Colorado, EOD School Instructor at Eglin AFB, FL and Fort Polk, LA.
Landon deployed to Kuwait in 1999 with the 763rd EOD Co as a Team Member, to Afghanistan in 2002 and 2004 with the 764th EOD Co as a Team Leader, to Iraq in 2009 as a Platoon SGT with the 749th EOD Co, and most recently with the 749th to Afghanistan in 2011 as a 1SG. Throughout his deployments, Landon has disposed of over a million pounds Net Explosive Weight (NEW) of ordnance, rendered safe and disposed of hundreds of IED’s and completed numerous combat missions with several different conventional and special operation forces, both US and Foreign.
Landon has been married to Sarah Christine Jackson for 15 years. They have a 14 year old son, a 13 year old daughter and a 10 year old son. They plan to retire from the military next year and continue to reside in Stafford, Virginia.
Last March, Landon was experiencing severe anxiety, anger, depression, insomnia and other symptoms of PTSD to the point where he seriously began contemplating suicide. Landon was hospitalized for two weeks and then went into a six week outpatient PTSD program that had very positive results.
Late last year after losing three peers to suicide, Landon with the help of several other EOD techs, started After the Long Walk, a peer to peer mentorship group with a focus on preventing suicide. The organization has over 2000 EOD Techs and family members from all four services, with 30 members sharing the responsibility of manning the 24 hour suicide prevention phone line.
Landon deployed to Kuwait in 1999 with the 763rd EOD Co as a Team Member, to Afghanistan in 2002 and 2004 with the 764th EOD Co as a Team Leader, to Iraq in 2009 as a Platoon SGT with the 749th EOD Co, and most recently with the 749th to Afghanistan in 2011 as a 1SG. Throughout his deployments, Landon has disposed of over a million pounds Net Explosive Weight (NEW) of ordnance, rendered safe and disposed of hundreds of IED’s and completed numerous combat missions with several different conventional and special operation forces, both US and Foreign.
Landon has been married to Sarah Christine Jackson for 15 years. They have a 14 year old son, a 13 year old daughter and a 10 year old son. They plan to retire from the military next year and continue to reside in Stafford, Virginia.
Last March, Landon was experiencing severe anxiety, anger, depression, insomnia and other symptoms of PTSD to the point where he seriously began contemplating suicide. Landon was hospitalized for two weeks and then went into a six week outpatient PTSD program that had very positive results.
Late last year after losing three peers to suicide, Landon with the help of several other EOD techs, started After the Long Walk, a peer to peer mentorship group with a focus on preventing suicide. The organization has over 2000 EOD Techs and family members from all four services, with 30 members sharing the responsibility of manning the 24 hour suicide prevention phone line.
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