Photo By Maj. Jessica Jackson | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alexander G. Povilaitis’ memorial stand is filled with mementos...... read more read more
KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Members of the 22nd Engineer Company held a memorial ceremony in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alexander G. Povilaitis at Forward Operating Base Pasab, June 8. He was killed in action, May 31, during a dismounted route clearance operation while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Zharay district, Afghanistan.
In July 2011, Povilaitis deployed to Afghanistan with his unit as squad leader for 2nd Platoon. During the memorial, his leadership and closest friends from the unit shared their experiences with him.
“He was a true Patriot,” said Capt. Evan Wolf, 22nd ECC commander “Staff Sgt. “Povilaitis had an impact on everyone who had the honor of serving with him, whether it was training his squad or just sitting around shooting the breeze with soldiers.”
“He was rugged, motivated, a hard charger, an impact player, one of a kind, great American,” said 1st Lt. Ceasaray Jusiono, platoon leader.
Jusiono added that Povilaitis was knowledgeable and caring. He was a mentor to his soldiers and an inspiration to us all.
Povilaitis’ hobbies included hunting, playing cards, working out in the gym, being with family and spending time with friends. Jusiono recounted the time Povilaitis told him how he was going to “show him the ropes” of hunting. Now he is hoping to get a trophy buck in Povilaitis’ honor.
Members of the 22nd ECC agreed that Povilaitis was a strong leader who meant business, but he always took the time to know and learn about his soldiers. He was highly regarded by his subordinates and superiors. He was a tough and determined man, but not one who was afraid to laugh.
Sgt. Roger Vanleer said he will never forget the time he was first reporting to the motor pool, unaware of who to report to. Before Vanleer knew it, he was at parade rest being introduced to his new squad leader, Povilaitis.
“I could not help but notice how big Staff Sgt. P [Povilaitis] was, hovering over me while informing me what his expectations were for his squad,” Vanleer recalled.
Everyone in his unit will always agree that he was a tough NCO, but a fair one.
The memorial ceremony was held in Forward Operating Base Pasab. Povilaitis is survived by his wife and children. He will be missed and never forgotten by his brothers in arms of the 570th Engineer Company and 22nd Engineer Company, and the men and women of the 223rd Engineer Battalion and the 411th Engineer Brigade.
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2012 08:13 |
| Story ID: | 90303 |
| Location: | AF |
| Hometown: | ATLANTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | FORT LEWIS, WASHINGTON, US |
| Hometown: | WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 370 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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