Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Alyn-Michael Macleod | John Pryor comforts his older brother Frankie Pryor while at the memorial monument...... read more read more
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FORT DIX, NJ - Family, friends and distinguished guests braved the wet fall weather to attend the building dedication honoring the memory of Maj. John Paul Pryor (M.D.) at the 99th Regional Support Command complex Sept. 27.
Pryor was killed in action on Dec. 25, 2008, when a mortar exploded near his compound in Mosul, Iraq.
Speakers at the ceremony included Maj. Gen. William Monk III, commanding general, 99th RSC; Maj. Gen. Dean G. Sienko, commander, 3rd Medical Command; Lt. Col. Omar Bholat, Rear Detachment commander, 1st FST; C. William Schwab, M.D., professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Maj. John Chovanes, M.D.
Guests spoke in honor of Pryor, remembering him for his compassion, his professionalism and his commitment to others above all.
"John Pryor lived the Albert Schweitzer quote that hung in his office: "Seek always to do some good, somewhere ... For remember, you don't lie in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too," said Sienko.
Sienko added that Pryor's sacrifice would not be forgotten.
"What he did with his life will remain an inspiration to all of us for the rest of our lives," declared Sienko.
Schwab echoed those sentiments recalling an instance when he had received an email from a mother in January who lost her 17- year old daughter after a motor vehicle crash.
'He [John Pryor] was truly genuine and sincere not just communicating with us as a professional," Schwab said, "but as another human being with emotion and compassions and true concern. John was the ultimate physician"
Friends and co-workers see the new building as a way to further enhance the memories of their esteemed colleague.
"Further generations will probably digitally review who John Paul Pryor was in the moments when they pass through this door" explained Schwab.
The 163,000 square feet building was officially opened on Feb. 28. It is the home of six units that epitomize the transformed United States Army Reserve.
Together, the Soldiers of these diverse yet complementary units will use this state of the art facility to ensure the Army Reserve continues to provide trained and ready Soldiers and units to the nation.
John Pryor was one of those trained and ready Soldiers.
"A true example of what a hero embodies today," Monk said, "He never stopped. He never slowed down. He strived to change the wrongs in the this world and on the way, he touched so many lives; both military and civilian — on the battlefields in Iraq and in the emergency rooms in Pennsylvania."
"We memorialize this building today, in honor of a man whose core values centered on duty, country, and honor. What he gave us in return was service, sacrifice, and heroism." Monk concluded.
| Date Taken: | 09.27.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2009 06:51 |
| Story ID: | 39412 |
| Location: | FORT DIX, US |
| Web Views: | 493 |
| Downloads: | 199 |
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