Hall of Heroes named in honor of fallen aviators

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Aubree Rundle | Left, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Nicholas Chronis, Pegasus Inn Forward Dining Facility NCOIC, Sgt. 1st Class Regina Grundy, and 3rd GSAB command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. James Franklin prepare to cut a cake placed on display in the Hall of Heroes July 13 in honor of the five aviators from Company B, 3rd GSAB "Flippers", who were killed May 30 during combat operations.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

07.16.2007

Story by Spc. Aubree Rundle 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Spc. Aubree Rundle
Task Force Pegasus Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Aviation crew members, command teams and Soldiers from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, gathered together at the Pegasus Inn Forward Dining Facility July 13 for the Hall of Hero's dedication ceremony.

The hall was dedicated in memory of five aviators from Company B "Flippers", 3rd General Support Aviation, 82nd CAB, 82nd Abn. Div., who were killed during combat operations in Helmand province May 30.

"All American" heroes who will never be forgotten are Chief Warrant Officer Christopher M. Allagier, Chief Warrant Officer Joshua R. Rogers, Army Staff Sgt. Charlie L. Bagwell, Army Sgt. Brandon E. Hadaway and Army Sgt. Jesses A. Blamiers.

"On Behalf of the Pegasus DFAC, I feel this is the best way to show our appreciation and gratitude to those Soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Regina Grundy, DFAC non-commissioned officer in charge.

Flippers' commander and first sergeant, Army Capt. Jason Raub, and Army 1st Sgt. Reginald Thomas assisted Grundy in cutting the ribbon and opening the doors to the Hall of Heroes.

Placed in the Hall of Heroes are the photographs and biographies of the fallen Soldiers framed on the walls along with a memorial stand, which was set up to honor the Soldiers' selfless service to their country.

"There is nothing better in the world than Soldiers who take care of Soldiers and this dedication is an example of that," said Raub.

After the ribbon cutting, Flippers' Soldiers dined in the Hall of Heroes and other aviation Soldiers were given the opportunity to view the room honoring their comrades.

"The Hall of Heroes will be a constant reminder of the sacrifices that Flipper 75 and crew paid while we're here conducting this mission and this is a great tribute to them," said 82nd CAB commander Army Col. Kelly Thomas.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2007
• Date Posted: 07.18.2007 09:07
• Story ID: 11334
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF