Photo By Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones | Florida National Guard representatives and family members of fallen Florida National...... read more read more
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ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida National Guard (FLNG) Soldiers with the 2-124 Infantry Battalion, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) joined family members and friends of Sgt. Jeffrey Mattison Wershow for a memorial event, Dec. 12, 2021.
Wershow’s family presented the unit with the Florida flag that had flown overseas with the Guardsman as a symbol of unity and pride. In addition to the exchange of the flag, the unit dedicated a Professional Development Center to the fallen Soldier to carry out Wershow’s philosophy of being an eternal student.
“The purpose of this event is to honor the Soldiers that were involved with the breaching of the berm in Iraq in March of 2003,” said Anne Marie Mattison, mother of Wershow. “It is also to give my family the opportunity to hand over the Florida flag that my late son Jeffrey Wershow flew whenever he could in Iraq.“
Among those present to receive the flag were Maj. Gen. James O. Eifert, Adjutant General for Florida, Brig. Gen. John D. Haas, Assistant Adjutant General- Army and Commander, and other senior leaders from across 53rd IBCT. Some Soldiers in attendance to the event had previously deployed with Wershow in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and shared how his dedication to both his country and state were just some of the qualities that made him stand out from the rest. Wershow had flown both the American and Florida state flag over a berm in the cover of night during support missions to special operation troops.
“Jeffrey Wershow was a proud and dedicated Florida Guardsman who led the way into the fight before the fight even officially started,” said Eifert. “He made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in Baghdad four months later.”
Wershow’s family expressed the gratitude they held for members of the Guard as they offered support during his passing and the years to come. The bond between his combat arms family and his birth family is illustrated by the proudly displayed flag bearing his initials inside the unit he unwaveringly served.
“He formed friends that are still interacting with us today and have become our dear friends,” said Mattison. “I think that Jeffrey, and all of us as we follow world events, we understand we are part of one big community and one big world. I do know he was a student of the world and that he understood that we all have to live together hopefully in peace. I think flags symbolize nations and I think flying the flag for him was helpful to know he had people at home that loved him and also remind other Soldiers too.”
Fellow Soldiers that served alongside Wershow recalled his commitment to displaying the Florida flag at any given opportunity. As both American and state flags flew, the Guardsmen felt they carried their identity with them as they supported other active duty units.
“To the Wershow family, thank you for entrusting us to continue the legacy of your son so that his sacrifice and dedication to freedom will never be forgotten.” said Eifert. “To those in the audience that served alongside Sgt. Wershow, thank you for your devotion and your service to the citizens of our state and nation. Perhaps most significantly, thank you for your devotion to your brothers and sisters in arms. For caring, praying, sweating and bleeding for those to your left and right on the battlefield. This is a sacred bond and a debt that can never be repaid.”
Wershow was not only a devoted Soldier and son, but also a student of the world. He was known to always carry a book with him and strive to further his knowledge every day. He favored military history and strongly believed everyone should continue learning as they moved through life in order to better themselves. This belief will continue to be shared with Soldiers today as they utilize the development center to further their military education and progress through their careers.
According to Jayne Ann Pittman, a former Judge Advocate General officer, Wershow was known for reading military history books he carried in his pocket as he waited to escort one of her clients during the deployment. He was a self-taught Vietnam War expert with an interest in both history and military tactics.
Wershow, a native of Gainesville, FL, was killed in action during his overseas service July 6th, 2003 and posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal and Purple Heart.
“I would like to issue a personal challenge to the Guard and all their leaders,” said Mattison. “That is for you to understand what an influence you have on the young soldiers that you are working with and that are under you. They are always watching you and leading by example has never been as true as in the military. Do the right thing, play fair and inspire.”
| Date Taken: | 12.12.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.15.2021 11:27 |
| Story ID: | 411113 |
| Location: | ORLANDO, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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