BELVOIR
www.belvoireagleonline.com
May 28, 2020
DLA director: ‘Our fallen served a higher purpose’ their shoulders rests the security of our nation. “They possess a sense of duty I think is truly special. Our nation endures because of citizens like those who love our country and are also willing to fight for it,” Williams said. “What binds those who are currently serving today to the ones who have served over the past two and half centuries, is that they step forward, when required, to answer our nation’s call.
The people behind the numbers
and began to search a group of insurgents. One of the insurgents resisted, and engaged him in hand-to-hand combat. Atkins realized the insurgent was attempting to trigger a suicide vest that was under his clothing. Despite Atkins’ best efforts, he finally succeeded in reaching his vest. Rather than run, Atkins tackled the bomber in a bear-hug, pinning him to the ground and shielding his fellow Soldiers from the imminent explosion. He saved the three others who were with him, at the cost of his own life. “So, the next time you visit our national cemeteries, or our American cemeteries overseas, and you gaze down the row upon row of headstones marking the final resting places of our fallen heroes, understand that each name etched in stone has its own story. How they died is not as important as how they lived,” he said. “These individuals served a higher purpose; they accepted hardship at great risk to themselves. They embodied the most important values and the very best of our nation. “If we truly want to honor our fallen heroes, and give meaning to their sacrifices and longevity to their names, we’ll resolve to strengthen our commitment to our nation and the values for which they stand.”
Williams urged the audience to not lose sight Col. Michael Greenberg, Belvoir Garrison commander, left, and Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams, DLA director, salute during the Memorial observance in Thurman Auditorium, of the fact that those aren’t just numbers, but May 21. are people. They are By Paul Lara individually unique and they have Belvoir Eagle families and loved ones they’re connected to. he possibility of rain brought Williams highlighted a couple this year’s Belvoir Memorial of personal stories, including Day observance indoors, Army Staff Sgt. Travis Adkins, and the very real risk of infectious who was serving in Iraq with D spread meant the annual event Company, of the 10th Mountain was shared via Facebook live, Division. While conducting a route with a small number of people in security mission in the town of Thurman Auditorium. Abu Samak, Atkins apprehended Col. Michael Greenberg, Garrison commander, noted that Honoring the Fallen Memorial Day is a chance to honor the many who served to give their last measure of devotion. Photo by Paul Lara “Our nation has been shaped Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams, DLA and made possible by those who director, speaks at the Memorial have served and by those who observance in Thurman were lost. We remember and honor Auditorium, May 21. our warriors who have fallen, not only on Memorial Day, but every in the midst of the COVID-19 day, said Greenberg.” pandemic,” Williams said. Greenberg introduced keynote “As we take time to remember speaker, Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams, those who made the ultimate Defense Logistics Agency director. sacrifice for the freedom and security of our nation, thousands A special sense of duty Photo by Nathan Becker of men and women continue to Maj. Gen. Gary W. Johnston, commanding general, U.S. Army serve on active duty, and in the “By holding this ceremony, on Intelligence and Security Command; and Sgt. Maj. Stanley L. Hall Jr., Guard and Reserves, across the this critical installation, we’re INSCOM acting command sergeant major, salute the INSCOM Fallen nation and around the world. showing, by example, that it’s still Soldier Memorial during INSCOM’s Memorial Day Ceremony held at Fort important to revisit the values and They’re volunteers – every single Belvoir, May 19. one of them,” he said. “And, on traditions of Memorial Day, even Photo by Tracy Woodward
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