CEREMONY -1111

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

09.17.2007

Story by Staff Sgt. Patrick Moes 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

By Army Staff Sgt. Patrick N. Moes
40th Public Affairs Detachment

WASHINGTON – A 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Soldier was honored Wednesday at the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery where veterans from wars past and present are entombed.

Sgt. Alexander Van Aalten, an infantryman with the "All American" division, was posthumously presented the Netherlands Decoration of Merit of the Minister of Defense in Gold before the Van Aalten family and members of the division. Dutch Minister of Defense Eimert Van Middelkoop presented the award to Van Aalten's wife – Shana, inside the museum where the names of valiant Soldiers of the past are scribed on the walls for history.

"Here we remember the brave Sgt. Alexander Van Aalten, who gave his life in Afghanistan serving his country, striving for peace and helping his Dutch colleagues," said Van Middelkoop.

Van Aalten, a Cookeville, Tenn., native was attempting to recover a Dutch soldier who died in a mine field on April 20, where he also would suffer that same fate.

"Two brave young Soldiers – one Dutch and one American with Dutch ancestors – had (laid) down their lives for their country, for our freedom," said Van Middelkoop, who also placed a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknowns.

"(Van Aalten) did not think twice about his actions," said 82nd Airborne Division Command Sgt. Maj. (rear) Arthur L. Coleman. "He was executing what he was trained to do."

The training and commitment of paratroopers to look out for others is reflected in Van Aalten's actions, added Coleman. "He edifies the paratroopers' code."

This code or creed affirms a paratrooper comes from a volunteer force that will persevere in the face of adversity and accomplish any mission regardless of obstacles or dangers.

It is within this code that paratroopers find the loyalty to continue to honor the families of fallen Soldiers.

"We are committed to taking care of Soldiers and families," said Coleman. "We want to make (the families) still feel like they are a part of the division even though they have lost (their loved one) and (the division) has lost a great Soldier.

Van Middelkoop concluded the ceremony by saying "we owe Alex Van Aalten much, but first of all we owe him a promise: just as he did not forget his fallen Dutch brother in arms, we must never forget as well."

• Date Taken: 09.17.2007
• Date Posted: 09.17.2007 15:35
• Story ID: 12411
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US