Memorial Day Remembrance
A young Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army worked hard to make
the medical supply warehouse on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo the best there was. He built a cohesive, high-performing team
that always succeeded and never let us down.
His dream was learning to fly. After
jumping through all the hoops and with my signature and blessing, he went to
flight school and was a shining star. He
also married a former Soldier and they were a wonderful couple. He deployed to Afghanistan and performed
admirably, working hard to gain a spot in the 160th Special
Operations Aviation unit. When a quick
reaction force was needed to fly into a hot landing zone on the night of August
6th, 2011 Bryan was selected to fly the mission. Bryan’s Chinook was filled with 31 Americans
including Air Force and Navy Special Operations personnel, his air crew, and 8
Afghan military personnel. On the way to
reinforce a U.S. Army Ranger unit engaged in a fierce battle, the aircraft was
hit by two rocket-propelled grenades and crashed, killing all aboard. It was the largest loss of life in the war
and the largest loss of life of special operations personnel in a single
incident. This Memorial Day, I will
remember each and every one of the crew of Extortion 17 and their families as
they go on with life. Here’s a toast to
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian J. Nichols, one of the best, and all of the
Warriors lost that day.
Many of our members served or are serving in the military of
their respective countries as the United States of America celebrates Memorial
Day. Some serve at home while many serve
abroad, spending month after month, year after year away from their
families. On this Memorial Day of 2014,
let us give thanks to our families for their sacrifices so we may live in
freedom - - the missed births, the missed graduation ceremonies, the missed
birthdays, the missed band concerts, and more.
For those who paid the ultimate price, there are no adequate words to
express our thanks to you. No words . .
.
Pause a moment this Memorial Day and give thanks. NAEMT wishes you a happy and safe Memorial
Day.
– Ben Chlapek
NAEMT Board Member and Military Relations Committee Chair