Memorial Day in Kandahar
Those folks in the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) who we’ve been following during their deployment to Afghanistan since we watched them case their colors at Fort Knox send us this report of their Memorial Day ceremony;
NATO Memorial Day Service
By Sgt. Gregory Williams
3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public AffairsKANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (May 28, 2012) – More than 150 service members and wounded warriors attended the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit Memorial Day ceremony on May 28.. The ceremony was dedicated in remembrance of those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the call of duty.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Capt. Bruce C. Meneley, commander of the NATO Role 3 Kandahar Medical Unit – Afghanistan, who reminded everyone that no matter what branch they’re in NATO Role 3 will stand united continuing to treat those who serve.
“If you’re serving in this area of operations we will provide the best care that anyone can receive,” Meneley said. “If a service member gets hurt our hospital is where they’ll want to be.”
During the ceremony, the folding and passing of the flag was done in memory of Pfc. Cale C. Miller a member Bravo 4th Battalion, 23rd infantry regiment,
2nd Infantry Division, who died in combat a couple of weeks earlier. Miller’s squad leader Staff Sgt. Jeff Howerton, a wounded warrior, accepted the flag in honor of his comrade.
Staff Sgt. Jeff Howerton, a wounded warrior with the Troop Medical Center, receives a flag that was folded in remembrance of his fallen comrade, Pfc. Cale C. Miller, who died in combat week’s earlier on May 28, 2012 at Kandahar, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Howerton will present the flag to Miller’s family when he returns to the U.S.
“I’m honored to not only be a part of this ceremony, but I’m honored to receive Miller’s flag so I can present it to his family back home,” said Howerton. “Miller was kid that no one would ever forget no matter what day it is. He was that special.”
Menely presented a certificate to Howerton for Miller’s family after the ceremony and thanked him for everything he and his comrades have sacrificed.
“It’s so monumental to have these guys here,” Meneley said. “It’s a real honor and humbling experience to take care of these wounded warriors.
After the ceremony, the NATO Role 3 continued to observe Memorial Day by serving burgers and franks to the wounded warriors.
“Everyday people complain about the little things, but it’s moments like this that makes everyone reflect on the important things,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Taneeka Hawkins, the senior enlisted personnel administrator for NATO Role 3. “I couldn’t have envisioned the ceremony gong so well and to see everyone eating together…it’s really special.
”For some people they don’t need a day to remember those who’ve served because everyday they are reminded that freedom is not free.
All of the photos were taken by Sgt. Gregory Williams. Thanks to the folks at 3d Sustainment Command for continuing to keep us updated on life in the ‘Stan from their perspective.
Category: Terror War
Very well done, 3RD! Hooah!
PUHLEEZE-GET RID OF THE PT BELTS! How did we ever kick the shit out of the Nazi’s and Nip’s without them?
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