Courtesy Photo | Col. Larry Phelps (center), the 1st Cavalry Division rear detachment commander, and...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Cheryl Cox
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers and families of the 1st Cavalry Division recognized not only the volunteer efforts made by the spouses and children of First Team Soldiers, but also the sacrifices made by Soldiers who have returned home from Iraqi due to injuries they had sustained during their time in combat during a Purple Heart and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held March 27 at the Fort Hood Catering and Conference Center.
"It is an honor every day for a Soldier like me to stand in formation with American Soldiers; and especially among these heroes here," said Brig. Gen. William F. Grimsley, the deputy commanding officer for 4th Infantry Division.
"The words of the gospel rein true here today as they always have," said Grimsley as he began to read well-known scripture. "Greater love has no man than he lay down his life for his fellow man. These words seem especially appropriate today as we honor these Soldier wounded in action and on a day so close to the Passover and Easter season."
The Soldiers honored during the ceremony are friends, comrades and family. But they are also husbands and fathers, brothers and sons.
And the families these Soldiers left behind during their deployment are very well represented by those in attendance and deserve the deepest amount of gratitude and support the nation can give in return for their ultimate treasure... their loved ones, stated Grimsley.
It is from this group of families that more than 30 volunteers were recognized for their support of the Soldiers in Iraq. The volunteers are spouses caring for their own families, children of deployed Soldiers, Gold Star spouses, members of the local community, girlfriends of Soldiers, and civilians and Soldiers serving in the rear detachments.
"This month as we note great women in history, I'm reminded of the words of a very selfless woman and servant to others – Mother Theresa, who once said 'We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop,'" said Wendy Fil, wife of Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, 1st Cavalry Division commander when speaking of the supporters.
Before Grimsley concluded his portion of the ceremony, he ensured that the Soldiers and families knew just how much their sacrifices meant.
"No medals or amount of money can compensate these Soldiers or their families. So, it is up to the rest of us in formation to ensure that the price they paid and their friends are paying for freedom is not squandered or surrendered."
At the close of the ceremony, a message from Maj. Gen. Fil was played for all in attendance. In the message, Fil spoke directly to the Soldiers and then directly to the families letting them know just how much their sacrifices mean to the rest of the Soldiers currently deployed.
"I want to personally thank the recipients and their families for having sacrificed so greatly for this noble cause," he said. "We will never forget your commitment and service to help protect our freedoms."
And in conclusion, followed by "GARY OWEN," Fil addressed the volunteers for their selfless service in supporting the Soldiers of the First Team.
"Your support on the highest standards and without fanfare is so very vital to all of us here and the eventual success of this mission," he stated. "We are all so very thankful for all of the talents and time that you have devoted. You make a difference every day and you need to know that we appreciate all that you do for our team."
| Date Taken: | 03.30.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2007 13:43 |
| Story ID: | 9693 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 32 |
This work, First Team Soldiers, Volunteers Recognized, by SGT Cheryl Cox, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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