Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Veterans honored at chamber of commerce luncheon

Staff Sgt. Webster Anderson lost his legs and arm in October 1967 in Vietnam to defeat a determined enemy attack and he was still willing to sacrifice his remaining arm if the Army called him to duty.

During the second annual Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce Veteran’s Day Recognition Luncheon Nov. 9, Fort Belvoir Commander Col. Brian Lauritzen recognized Anderson and countless others who have sacrificed life and limb for the freedoms that Americans enjoy today.

“For 231 years the men and women of our armed forces have answered the call of duty, a call that began in the spring of 1775 in Lexington when Capt. Jonas Parker and 75 armed Minutemen stood up to face an overwhelming force of British,” said Lauritzen. “Those American Soldiers that fought in Lexington made the ultimate sacrifice for the idea that they could form their own nation and that these citizen-Soldiers could display what we know today as a warrior ethos. Their values became central to all that we do and all that we are. Since then, generations have worn the uniform and served on domestic and foreign soil.”

During the recognition event, participants were served lunch at the Officer’s Club, overlooking the Potomac River. Following lunch four Soldiers were recognized for their achievements in the military.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey McClain deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for 12 months in 2005 and 2006 as part of Multi-National Force-Iraq. During this time he served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the awards section of MNF-I.

“Staff Sgt. McClain was instrumental in writing new policy and procedures in the awards process that was eventually approved,” said Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Tracey Anbiya. “He personally processed 3,000 individual and unit awards in a timely manner, ensuring everyone left the area of operations with an award in hand.”

Sgt. Adam Nemeth deployed to Iraq for six months beginning in March of this year with the 10th Combat Support Hospital, 44th Medical Brigade.

“Sgt. Nemeth volunteered for the assignment,” Anbiya said. “He processed tissue and surgical samples for all U.S. and coalition forces, detainees, and some Iraqi nationals.”

Nemeth processed more than 150 cases a month and ensured that patients received convenient treatment.

Capt. Tracianna Winston deployed to Kuwait in 2005 for six months as the chief of client services — her fist assignment as a Judge Advocate General officer right out of the JAG Officer Basic Course.

“[Winston was] tasked with ensuring that all military personnel in the [U.S. Central Command area of responsibility], over 12,000 Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines, received legal advice on personal legal matters,” said Anbiya.

Capt. Nancy Lewis deployed to Iraq in May 2005 for three months as part of Task Force 134, which was responsible for overseeing the Central Criminal Court of Iraq.

“[Lewis] successfully prosecuted over 50 dangerous insurgents, some of whom had assaulted or killed coalition troops,” said Anbiya. “Her efforts directly contributed to improving the security of Iraq and the safety of coalition troops.”

Lauritzen also recognized those who fought in all of the major wars in the history of the United States including World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recently in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

“Let’s give thanks to the freedom’s we enjoy, but never lose sight of the cost that we’ve endured,” said Lauritzen. “We spend today remembering the men and women of our armed forces through the centuries, who have come together to fight for a common cause. They are defending America and our borders, our people and our way of life that have been threatened.”

All veterans were recognized at the end of the ceremony when each of the service songs was played and veterans from those services stood to be recognized.

“The presence of a strong military is a requirement for achieving and preserving peace, Lauritzen said. “Therefore, we gather on Veterans Day to renew our commitment to peace and honor all veterans past and present. It is an enduring commitment to also honor those yet to serve.”