FORT EUSTIS, Va. - The U.S. Army Transportation Corps paid tribute to 47 fallen Soldiers during a Memorial Wall Rededication Ceremony at Fort Eustis, May 21.
The Memorial Wall is located in the Transportation Corps Regimental Chapel at Fort Eustis, and is inscribed with 1,972 names of Army transporters who gave their lives in the defense of freedom in conflicts ranging from the Vietnam War to Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“Scores of transporters have served our nation and allies in conflicts dating back to the Revolutionary War, and continue to do so today in contingencies and operations around the globe. We gather together this morning as veterans and Soldiers to pay tribute to our comrades and all those who have gone before us,” said U.S. Army Col. Nancy Grandy, Army Transportation School assistant commandant, who gave opening remarks. “America will always honor the achievements of gallantry, strong character and service of these transporters. The Memorial Wall will stand for years to come as a tribute to all transporters who have served our great nation.”
Although the Transportation Corps headquarters is now at Fort Lee, because of a strong tie to Fort Eustis, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John P. Sullivan, Army chief of transportation, said it was only fitting to hold the rededication ceremony at Fort Eustis, which is the home to many of the Army’s watercraft fleet, the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary, the 597th Transportation Brigade and the Transportation Museum, and also where thousands of transportation Soldiers are trained each year.
“Today we collectively pause and pay tribute to those who are so richly deserving of that tribute – our Transportation Corps Soldiers who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of our great nation,” said Sullivan. “We gather here today in advance of the Memorial Day weekend to rededicate this wall to which we add the names of 47 transportation Corps fallen warriors … who were also mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. Today, we … celebrate their lives, honor their service, and remember the sacrifice each of them made on behalf of a grateful nation. I know this chapel is filled today with … some who served alongside those who we honor in this ceremony. Your presence here is a testament to the fact their memory lives on, and their legacy of service will not be forgotten.”
Before unveiling the plaque inscribed with the names of the 47 Soldiers, Sullivan expressed a continued commitment to the families of the fallen who were recognized at the ceremony.
“For the families, both those honoring us with their presence today, as well as those who were not able to be with us, please know you will always remain a part of our Army family,” said Sullivan. “I pledge to you we will never forget your loved ones’ service to our nation or the sacrifice they made on behalf of all our citizens who enjoy the freedoms our nation bestows.”
The rededication concluded with a ceremonial bell ringing as each of the 47 names added to the plaque were read aloud. Families, Soldiers and friends were able to render a final salute, paying tribute to the fallen Transportation Corps Soldiers.
The names of the Transportation Corps Soldiers’ memorialized during the ceremony included Staff Sgt. Justin R. Johnson, Staff Sgt. Eric T. Lawson and Sgt. Caryn E. Nouv, who were assigned to the 359th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) at Fort Eustis, and killed in action during tours in Afghanistan in 2013.
“These names represent the best of our nation, and they call on those of us serving today to live up to the example each of these heroes provided during their lives and the sacrifice they made for our nation,” said Sullivan. “By inscribing and preserving their names on this wall, we ensure these heroes are remembered, not just by our generation, but by many, many generations to follow. All of the 1,972 names on the Memorial Wall tell the story of courage, selfless service, and commitment to our corps, our Army, and to our nation.”