Family receives posthumous Purple Heart

Photo By Lance Cpl. Michael Nerl | Amy Galvez, the mother of Cpl. Adam A. Galvez, speaks to her son's former unit following the presentation of his Purple Heart Medal Sept. 17 at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field. Galvez, a light armored vehicle mechanic with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, was killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

09.24.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Nerl 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

The Galvez family traveled to the Combat Center to meet with their extended family, their son's former unit, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion to receive the Purple Heart Medal awarded to him posthumously during a ceremony Sept. 24 at the Combat Center's Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field.

Cpl. Adam A. Galvez was killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Aug. 20, 2006, by an improvised explosive device, but was not awarded the medal sooner due to an administrative oversight.

"As we like to say in the Wolfpack, he was truly one of our gray wolves, because he led the pack," said Lt. Col. Ken Kassner, the battalion's commanding officer, about Galvez. "Although this ceremony is long overdue, your son, our fellow Marine, Adam, has never been forgotten.

"He has always been in our thoughts, as have all of our fallen Marines from the Wolfpack," said the Coupland, Texas, native. "On behalf of all the Marines and sailors of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, it's our honor to share this moment with you, your family and friends."

Anthony Galvez, Adam's father, said the Marines' devotion to each other was mesmerizing.

"I know now that all of you understand the words Semper Fi. Semper Fidelis is more than just motto, more than just a slogan, more than just words," he said, fighting back tears. "Everyone here has proven that you guys will never forget, that you'll always be faithful. Four years later, you guys are still remembering and still being faithful."

Amy Galvez, Adam's mother, echoed her husband's words and also extended her best wishes to the battalion during their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom later this year.

"As you all prepare to head off on your deployment, there is a nation behind you, and people who will be praying for you," she said. "We love and appreciate you, and just know that we're here, keeping it going on this end."

• Date Taken: 09.24.2010
• Date Posted: 09.24.2010 14:59
• Story ID: 56933
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US