Story by: Sgt. Crista M. Birmingham,
BAGHDAD -- The Golby Troop Medical Clinic, Camp Victory, Baghdad, was officially named Jan. 1, in honor of Sgt. Christopher Allan Golby.
Golby was killed in action in Jan. 2004 during a medical evacuation mission near Fallujah, Iraq.
A dedication ceremony was conducted by Company C, 118th Medical Battalion, Ohio National Guard, organized by Major William Turton, commander.
"We wanted to name the clinic after an enlisted soldier from a medical company who risked his life everyday and paid the ultimate sacrifice of protecting wounded soldiers," Turton said. "Sgt. Golby happened to be both."
The dedication ceremony began with a benediction by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Read, followed by an address by Brig. General Elder Granger, commanding general of the 44th Medical Command/Corps Surgeon, XVIII Airborne Corps.
"Not only is it New Year's Day, but today is significant because of the dedication of the troop medical clinic to a great American," said Granger. "I am honored and humbled to be speaking of this outstanding Soldier," he said.
Golby's cousin, Marine Lance Cpl. William Meyers, 2nd Radio Battalion deployed to Fallujah, flew to the dedication ceremony to speak on behalf of the Golby family.
"Chris loved what he did," Meyers said during his address. "He loved to fly. He did his duty without question and as well as he could. He was proud of his responsibility and his jobâ?¦He was helping others, not only as a medic, but as a friend as well."
Following the speeches, Turton presented the dedication, as Meyers and Spc. Rebecca Gochenour, 118th Med. Bn., unveiled a golden plaque besides the front door of the clinic.
Chaplain Read quoted the Bible, and stated, greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends and family.
"Golby displayed this love every day," Read said. "He will be missed, but his warrior soul will live on with his name on this troop clinic. He lived his life with dignity, faith, and courage. We will never forget the price he paid, and we will go forth here to preserve life and alleviate pain."