Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Calvert | Pvt. Christopher Peckham, a Seattle native and motor transport operator with 3rd...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas – With Memorial Day right around the corner, many workers across the U.S. are making plans for their time off.
The observance takes on a different meaning to everyone, but for one retired 1st Cavalry Division Soldier, it’s a moment for him and his grandchildren to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Dennis Webster, a 30-year veteran and former 1st Cav. Div. and III Corps command sergeant major, has spent Memorial Day for as long as he can remember paying tribute to those who deserve it most, he said.
“It’s a tradition for me and my grandchildren the last several years to visit the cemetery and attend the Memorial Day ceremony here in Killeen,” he said. “It’s a way for me and my family to remember the people I’ve known who are no longer with us. I feel it’s an obligation to honor these fallen heroes.”
By bringing his grandchildren to the annual Memorial Day celebration in Killeen, Webster is trying to ensure they understand the magnitude of the observance, he said.
An observance that many take for granted, he added.
“Veterans often look at Memorial Day differently,” he explained. “To us, it’s more than just a day off. It’s imperative to remember the men and women who sacrificed so much for this country. If you forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice, then you’re missing an opportunity to honor their memory.”
Since retiring in 2002, the former tanker and Cav scout still plays a role in assisting First Team veterans while being the executive director for the 1st Cavalry Division Association.
Being a part of the organization, Webster works to stay connected with troopers across the nation, while remaining connected with current Soldiers, he said.
“It’s important for Soldiers to remain in contact with the Army and today’s Soldier,” he said. “If not, you miss the opportunity to look at your legacy. You spend your career developing and mentoring other people, and they go on to do the same. It’s important to look back and determine if you made a lasting impact.”
Having the opportunity to engage with new troops from time to time, Webster offered the following advice.
“Always work hard,” he said. “Try to learn as much about your job and others’ jobs. Understand everything you can about being a Soldier and understand the importance of your service.”
That is a lesson Pvt. Christopher Peckham, a motor transport operator with 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cav. Div., said he plans on putting to use as he transitions from initial entry training to his first unit.
Being a brand new Soldier, Peckham has truly realized the meaning of Memorial Day since entering IET in November, he said.
“It’s such an important day,” the Seattle native said. “My mother’s dad was in the Navy, and my father’s dad was in the Army Air Force. I always had an idea of the sacrifices they made, but now being in, I have a completely new respect for them.”
Now preparing to take leave and bring his family with him to Fort Hood for the first time, Peckham said he feels it’s an honor to serve.
“My family is very supportive of my decision to serve,” said Peckham. “My oldest daughter is a daddy’s girl and wants to do everything I do. She already wants to follow in my footsteps and join the Army. I feel honored to be able to serve, and it’s all possible because of the many sacrifices made by our veterans.”
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2014 13:48 |
| Story ID: | 130482 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Hometown: | KILLEEN, TX, US |
| Hometown: | SEATTLE, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 199 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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