Photo By Lt. Col. Roberta Comerford | New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st...... read more read more
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GENEVA, NY – Family and friends of New York Army National Guard Spc. Justin Grennell joined the troopers of his unit, A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, for a memorial service at Grennell’s former armory here on May 16, 2021.
Grennell , age 26, had been serving with the New York National Guard’s 540-member task force providing security in Washington, D.C. when he was found unresponsive March 11 in his hotel room.
The event honored Grennell’s service to his state and country.
A corrections officer in civilian life, Grennell enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2014 and served as an anti-tank gunner in A Troop.
His fellow Soldiers shared memories and experiences with Grennell.
With more than seven years of service, Grennell was very reliable and was our muscle for mission accomplishment, said Staff Sgt. Timothy Murphy.
He never said no and took pride in everything the unit needed, Murphy added.
Grennell was always ready to volunteer for another mission, said Capt. Ian Merritt, the troop’s past commander.
He had served on the COVID-19 response mission from April to June of 2020 and stood out as a leader, Meritt said. He had a dedication to duty and a passion to serve, Merritt added.
“Let his memory inspire us to push forward with integrity, bravery and camaraderie,” said Capt. Raymond Campbell, the current A Troop commander.
“There will be good days and bad days,” Campbell told members of the Grennell family. “Please know that you have a whole room of people here with you today who are willing to help you through it, in any way they can.”
“I did not have the privilege of meeting Spc. Grennell while he was alive, but I did meet him through the hearts of those that knew him,” said Chaplain (1st Lt.) Viviana Ruizbosch.
“Spc. Grennell was deeply loved,” Ruizbosch said.
Campbell, and A Troop 1st Sgt. Olden Ingram, presented Grennell’s mother, Julie Kelly, with several mementos. These included an American flag that had been flown over the nation’s capital and a framed cavalry saber and spurs.
Campbell then presented Kelly with an Army Commendation Medal and New York State Long and Faithful service medal which were awarded to Grennell posthumously.
His military awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
Grennell also earned the Cavalry Order of Spur. This traditional award signifies a professional cavalry Soldier and is something all cavalry troopers hope to achieve in their career, Murphy said.
The memorial service, Murphy said, showed just how much the unit and the community will miss Grennell’s leadership and presence.
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2021 10:10 |
| Story ID: | 396914 |
| Location: | GENEVA , NY, US |
| Web Views: | 656 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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