U.S. Forces - Afghanistan commander, team honor those who came before, thank those who serve today

05.25.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

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More than 250 members of U.S. Forces - Afghanistan donned the physical training gear of their respective services and gathered to start Memorial Day 2009 with a brisk two-mile formation run around New Kabul Compound. The run was followed by a host of activities including a home-style barbecue cookout for lunch.

As the sun peeked over the deep green sniper fencing, Navy Capt. William Marsh led the troops in stretching to prepare for the run. He also took advantage of the captive crowd to share a brief story about where he was for Memorial Day 2008.

"I was in Elizabeth, Penn., a typical small-town America, for last Memorial Day," said Capt. Marsh. "I was the guest speaker at their event and as I stood on the stage in front of a crowd of about 150 people or so with veterans from World War II and every war since, I told them how they should be proud of this generation.

"Many of you here today have lost a friend, relative, mentor, Soldier, Airman or someone else in the past few years, and whether this is your first time here or you keep coming, you're here to finish the job. I love being a part of this profession and sharing these days with you. Today, we remember those we lost, but also our families back home and all those good Americans living in small towns across the United States who are back home paying tribute to us in their ways."

Gen. David McKiernan, USFOR-A and International Security Assistance Forces commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Iuniasolua Savusa then led the pack on the memorial run. Afterward, Gen. McKiernan addressed the crowd.

"There is no better way to start the day than with your closest comrades-in-arms," said the general. "There is nobody here this morning I should have to explain the significance of this day to. It's a day to remember those Americans who served their country everywhere around the world and didn't have the opportunity to return home."

The general said he was proud to carry on the tradition of excellence adding, "You set a wonderful example for the United States of America because of what you're doing today"

Every military member has his or her own reasons for joining the military and the particular branch they selected; regardless of their reasons, they are all connected by the bond of service.

"I'm the only servicemember in my family," said Marine Cpl. Philip Siejack, "so it means a lot to me being here. But what's more important to me is what my service means to my family.

"It was good to be out here and see all the other services and how they work as part of the team," said the four-year veteran, who said that he enlisted because he just wanted to be a Marine and do his part for the country.

Cpl. Siejack, a member of the USFOR-A driving team, is three months into his first deployment. He has participated in one other formation run since arriving. He said he enjoyed participating in activities like this with other services and being deployed, mentioning that he recently "re-enlisted for a reason."

For CSM Savusa, Memorial Day is important because of his family's tradition of service, which spans the days of his father in the Marines to his family's loss of relatives in current conflicts.

"My dad was a Marine and that's where I learned why I needed to be in this profession," he said. "I learned that it doesn't matter what service you selected, but that you serve honorably and carry on the tradition. Thank you for what you do - volunteering to come here - and thank you to your families back home."

Gen. McKiernan left the group with one last message to consider.

"Someday when you're a bit older and sitting in a VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars], you'll see the young Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine, you'll thank them for their service and you'll remember this time and this place. Today and each day you're here, you should be able to look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and be able to say you did something to improve this mission."