Fort Wainwright memorial honors Strykers, Guardsmen who died in Iraq war
Published Thursday, June 26, 2008
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FAIRBANKS — Hundreds of veterans, active-duty soldiers and family members of those killed in action gathered on Fort Wainwright on Wednesday afternoon for the dedication of a new memorial.
The Monterey Lake Memorial Park features 30 black granite plaques and trees along a winding path along the lake. Each plaque and tree is dedicated to the 26 members of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the four members of the Alaska National Guard killed during the unit’s deployment to Iraq from August 2005 through December 2006.
“It’s important to recognize the fallen and never forget the sacrifice they made for our freedom,” said Col. Michael Shields, the commander of the 172nd during its deployment.
Shields said he felt the monument dedication brought closure to himself and many soldiers in attendance. Hundreds of men and women from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which includes many soldiers from the 172nd, attended the service.
The 172nd was originally only scheduled for a 12-month tour of duty in northern Iraq, but had that mission extended for four months to perform counter-insurgency operations in the capital city of Baghdad. The entire brigade received the Army Valorous Unit Award, and members of the brigade received a combined six Silver Stars and two Distinguished Service Crosses, the Army’s second highest honor, of which fewer than 10 have been awarded since 2001.
“This means a lot to the soldiers of the 172nd to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Shields said.
Many in the crowd began to sob as Shields and Maj. Gen. Stephen Layfield, commanding general of U.S. Army Alaska, unveiled the centerpiece of the monument, and large slab of black granite with a carving of a sword between two mountains and the stars of the Big Dipper above.
“It helps a bit just knowing I can come here and check it out anytime,” said Omar Sutherland, whose father, Staff Sgt. Stephen Sutherland, was killed in Iraq in November 2005.
Susan Hernandez, who lost her husband, Sgt. Irving Hernandez, in July 2006, agreed.
“I feel honored there’s something here for the kids to come visit,” said the mother of two.
Community Discussion
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Striking is the photo of the young Hernandez boy, copying his papa's name from the granite.
I see a little boy, not unlike my boys, thin necked, long young arms, growing, learning to fish, or shoot hoops, or who knows what... I hope that there are persons in his life to fill any voids, to teach him the things that his papa might've. I hope he is old enough to remember who his papa was, years from from now.
I don't see a monument to GW's war. I see a monument that announces lost loved ones, never to return; sons, fathers, husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers, wives, and daughters.
May young Mr. Hernandez find peace and happiness, and imagery of his father that brings smiles instead of tears. May there always be strong arms to hug or hold him, when he needs it most.
Dirk,
Sometimes I agree with you and sometimes I don't; today, you "got it absolutely dead on right". I concur 100%.
"May young Mr. Hernandez find peace and happiness, and imagry of his father that brings smiles instead of tears. May there always be strong arms to hug or hold him, when he needs it most."
I knew a few of the soldeirs who gave the ultimate sacrifice. My heart goes out to all the families especially Susan's.
Dirk, you are completely right with this:
"I don't see a monument to GW's war. I see a monument that announces lost loved ones, never to return; sons, fathers, husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers, wives, and daughters."
May they all rest in peace.
Again, VERY well said Dirk, thank you.
You couldn't have put it better, Dirk. Thank you and thanks to everyone who takes that oath to preserve, protect, and defend us.
Wow Dirk! I think that you've left the rest of us speechless with you eloquence. So, to simply echo everyone else - VERY well said!
Very nice Dirk!!!
I concur
I know the Hernandez Family - they are a beautiful family, I hope this monument helps in their healing process, and with the healing process of every family member or friend left behind. God Bless them all.
Thank You Dirk, my heart goes out to all those families that have been left behind and my only hope is that neither my husband's nor anyone we know's name will have to be added in the future.
Everyone who donated time money and effort to this memorial, THANK YOU. It is truly a nice tribute to the fallen Soldiers.
The memorial fund is still active and about $60K short of the total cost. Also, there are plans underway to expand the memorial to include the fallen Soldiers from Task Force 49.
If you would like to donate to the memorial fund contact the Fairbanks Veterans Association, P.O. Box 80155, Fairbanks, AK 99708.
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