CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Soldiers from Multinational Battle Group-East gathered on a clear, cool morning to honor a fallen soldier in a 5k run at Camp Bondsteel June 28.
"For those of you who don't know, we are running with Roy... Roy Tisdale," said U.S. Army Maj. Jonathan Hartsock, Joint Regional Detachment-East commander. "It's the name of a lieutenant colonel who was the battalion commander of the special troops battalion back at Fort Bragg whose life was tragically ended a year ago today."
Many soldiers with the JRD-E served with Tisdale, Hartsock said.
"He was a great soldier, a great man and I appreciate everyone coming out today to take a moment of their time to take part in his memory," Hartsock added.
U.S. Army Capt. Brian Plover, JRD-E executive officer, served with Tisdale in Afghanistan and was the one who recommended the memorial run.
"I thought an honorary 5k would be nice on this day, not to remember what happened today but to honor Lt. Col. Tisdale for everything that he's done for not only the Army, but for his family and friends," Plover said.
Plover added that many people knew and respected Tisdale and had served with him in Afghanistan.
"He set the example for everyone, regardless of your rank," Plover continued. "He's the guy that let you do your job, but kept you in line. He gave you guidance and taught you how to do things the right way."
Plover said Tisdale was a unique leader and he learned a lot from him.
"One thing that a lot of people do remember, is that when he wore his uniform, he wore it slick," Plover said. "He didn't wear anything except for the U.S. flag and his unit patch. He did it to show people that it didn't matter what you had, what kind of badges you had and stuff like that, but that everyone is the same. I remember how he always tried to develop younger individuals. "
Plover said it was an honor to work with Tisdale.
"A lot of people do these 5k's as a race," Plover said. "I did it [today] just for fun, to take my time and to honor [Tisdale]."