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War Eagles dedicate room to fallen Brothers

Nov-15-2009 » Filed Under: 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs Office

Vilseck, Germany – The War Eagles of 1st Squadron 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment gathered with their German counterparts from the 112th Panzer Brigade Thursday for the dedication of their newly renovated squadron classroom. In addition the unit unveiled the War Eagle Memorial Wall dedicated to the memory of the eight Soldiers killed during the Regiment’s deployment to Iraq last year.

The ceremony began with the unveiling of the classroom’s new name. The classroom was named after Sgt. Patrick Leonard. Leonard was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on May 15 1870. Leonard and four Troopers from C Troop, 2nd U.S. Cavalry Regiment were searching the Little Blue River in Nebraska when a war party of 50 Indians surrounded the group. Leonard slaughtered the two wounded horses and proceeded to use them to build a fortification. In the end the Troopers repelled the attack killing three and wounding several others. With all their mounts killed in battle, Leonard withdrew his men on foot.

Following the room dedication, the Burgermeister of Hirchau, Hans Drexler and Lt. Col. Markus Kreitmayr of 112 was invited to tap the first kegs of War Eagle Brau. War Eagle Brau was brewed specifically for 1/2 by the Hirschau Schlossbraurei in honor of the numerous community outreach projects the Squadron has performed in the city.

Once the kegs were tapped and the steins were full, Glasses were raised in honor of the eight fallen War Eagles whose pictures adorned the memorial wall. Each Trooper was toasted by a friend who described their character, and a stein of beer was poured for each and placed on the bar.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Gamboa of B Company was described as the company cook, father figure and holder of wisdom. Know as Gumby to those in his unit, his death became the rallying cry for all future missions.

Sgt. Randell Olguin of C Company was remembered for his generous and disarming nature. One Soldier recalled how Olguin loaned him and his pregnant wife a vehicle for a month without any thought of compensation.

Cpl. Steven Candelo of A Company was remembered as a man who lived his life based on loyalty and integrity. He was the guy who could always break the ice in an awkward moment.

Cpl. Joshua Molina of C Company was the Soldier you looked to get the job done. He was remembered for his sense of humor and his ability to make anyone laugh in a stressful situation.

Cpl. Jason Kazarick or “Kaz” of B Company was lovingly described as a grumpy old man who always had a smile on his face. Kaz spent his time enjoying Germany with his brothers-in-arms

Sgt. Michael Lilly of B Company was a big brother and mentor to his fellow Troopers. As an NCO he never had any sense of a duty day. Lilly was often found after hours helping his Soldiers with various problems and issues.

Sgt. John Daggett B Company was a very spiritual man who treated all his friends like family. His compassionate nature was evident to all who knew him.

Cpl. Justin Mixon of C Company was a Renaissance man at the age of 22. He was best known as the man who could do any job in the unit that was needed.

Each man was toasted and remembered by everyone for how they lived their lives. This ceremony will be repeated at all future functions conducted in the room.The memorial bar was graciously donated to the Squadron by the War Eagle Foundation.


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