Stryker Brigade News

27 December 2004

We gather today to pay tribute to the lives that these men led and to honor them now in their time of peace. I thank you all for joining us here, the friends and comrades of these fallen soldiers, as we struggle with how to move forward from here. We have just heard about two fine Americans, both more senior in years and experience at the company level. Now I have been afforded the opportunity to share my thoughts and reflections of two men under my command, more junior soldiers, but none less important nor vital to our mission.

Before this deployment to Iraq, I know that my friend, CPT Bill Jacobsen, and I, like our other fellow company commanders, did everything possible to prepare ourselves, our soldiers, and our units for combat. Some of us had more time than others but all of us, having outstanding 1SGs, Non-Commissioned Officers, and commissioned officers, set out to complete those tasks that would make us more ready for war.

Soldiers like CPL Castro and SPC Ayro depended on us to train them and mold them for difficult times like we’ve seen over the past few months. Luckily for us, they made our jobs easy. With hard work ethics and maturity beyond their years, both served their nation and our unit well. They proudly represented the families that raised them, still caring deeply for them until the end. They both leave behind a special someone in their lives that while the Army doesn’t officially recognize, we do. They touched the lives of many. They were friends, brothers, sons, and soldiers.

I will try to keep my comments brief today to allow for those who can better tell you what these men meant to us. For as a commander, it’s tough to truly get to know everyone that you serve. I feel like at times that I only get a glimpse of the light that is in each one of them. However, with Castro and Ayro, I was blessed. Their skills had helped both of them be selected as part of my new Engineer Stryker Vehicle (ESV) crew. Within a matter of days, the boys, led by SSG Lopez, who is here today but also injured along side of them, had EN66 ready to roll. I’ve never seen such pride and excitement in a crew. I would only have the opportunity to ride with them a few precious times, getting to know them better however with each combat patrol. We were privileged to know them and I was honored to serve along side of them.

And now, as I reflect back on all of that preparation and what we’ve learned so far, I realize that we may have neglected one area; preparation for days like this, if you can ever be fully prepared. As warriors in the combat arms, it’s not second nature to stop and tell someone what they mean to you before it’s too late. What I’ve learned is that it’s too important not to do so. I’m thankful that Castro and Ayro took time for those they loved. Also, if you haven’t allowed your faith to grow, now is the time. Having the Lord to lean on and his Word to learn from has been my Rock. I know that these men here before us are in a better place today due to their trust in God. Lastly, as I and my men rolled out to secure the bridges within hours after the attack, I learned that our mission must continue. These men would have done the same and they expect nothing less from us. Our lives must go on and must be lived to the fullest on behalf of those who already gave their all. CPL Castro and SPC Ayro, we love you and miss you, but will continue our mission here in Iraq in honor of you.

Thank you.

Kevin R. Golinghorst
CPT, EN
Essayons!