Photo By Rob Strain | Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division fire three volleys to honor two fallen First...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Robert Strain
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas – Friends, family and troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division gathered at the division's Memorial Chapel Aug. 16, to honor and celebrate the lives of two fallen troopers.
The troopers, Staff Sgt. James Pope and Spc. Jason Dore, were two different men that shared a common bond, said Col. Larry Phelps, the commander of the 1st Cavalry Division rear detachment.
"What these troopers shared is a devout devotion to (the nation), a fervent love of their country, and understanding of the high price that the opportunity for freedom costs.
"They shared an understanding of our Soldier's Creed that speaks to all of our core values," Phelps said. "They understood that it's not a creed you recite, but it's a creed that we all must live."
According to Staff Sgt. Chad Pettit, Dore, who grew up in Bingham, Maine, was the kind of man who would give someone the shirt off of his back or the last dollar to his name.
"He was an inspiration to his fellow Soldiers and everyone that he grew up with," Pettit said.
Pettit explained that Dore was more concerned about those around him than he was about himself.
"He prayed that he would be able to save those around him if he needed to," Pettit said. "He prayed that he would make a difference."
Pettit was sure about one thing – Dore made a difference.
"Without question, the single most important element of staff sergeant Pope's life was his family," said Sgt. Daniel Whitehead.
Besides his family, the Hampton, Va., native loved hunting, fishing and the Army, Whitehead said.
"As a child he had many dreams of following in his father's footsteps by becoming a Soldier and doing his part in serving our great nation," Whitehead said.
Whitehead explained that Pope always did strive to get the mission done, even after duty hours, and was always willing to help others in need.
"Anytime someone needed something, he was always the first to offer assistance. He would even have complete strangers calling and asking him to pull them out of the mud at some little-known fishing area on post," Whitehead said.
Phelps said that everyone present must keep the Soldiers still deployed in our hearts, minds and prayers, and that they must never forget their sacrifice.
| Date Taken: | 08.19.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2007 14:22 |
| Story ID: | 11894 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 536 |
| Downloads: | 490 |
This work, Home Front: First Team troopers honor fallen comrades, by Rob Strain, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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