Kiwi soldier honored with building dedication

Courtesy Photo | A photo is shown of the plaque that will be placed at the newly dedicated O’Donnell Hall. Members of the New Zealand Armed Forces and soldiers from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Wolverine, remembered the loyalty and commitment that New Zealand Army Lt. Tim O’Donnell had for the mission in Afghanistan during a dedication ceremony at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Oct. 12. O'Donnell, 28, was killed when insurgents attacked his vehicle patrol with explosives, rocket propelled grenades and small-arms fire in a northeastern district of Bamyan province Aug. 4.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.12.2010

Story by Pfc. Roy Mercon 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – New Zealand Army Lt. Tim O’Donnell will be remembered by future rotations of troops at Bagram Airfield thanks to a new building dedicated in his name during a ceremony here, Oct. 12.

Building CMU10 – a long, yellow barracks at Bagram Airfield – had its name changed to O’Donnell Hall in honor of the young lieutenant.

O'Donnell, 28, was killed when insurgents attacked his vehicle patrol with explosives, rocket propelled grenades, and small-arms fire in a northeastern district of Bamyan province, Aug. 4.

Members of the New Zealand Armed Forces and soldiers from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Wolverine, attended the dedication ceremony to remember the loyalty and commitment that O’Donnell had for the mission in Afghanistan.
“Dedicating this building was a team effort,” said U.S. Army Maj. Alfred Belluche, base operations deputy commander from Burlington, Vt., attached to the 86th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “We all had the unfortunate opportunity to dedicate a building to a fallen hero. This building was chosen because it is a permanent, concrete structure, so we can never forget ...”

“Lt. O’Donnell was one of the most impressive junior leaders I have ever known,” said U.S. Army Col. Thomas Drew, acting commander of the 86th IBCT, Task Force Wolverine, to which the New Zealand unit is attached. “I appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of his life.”

Drew went on to say that O’Donnell is an honorary Vermonter, and his picture is slated to be put in the Hall of Heroes back at the Vermont National Guard Headquarters in Colchester, Vt.

“Lt. O’Donnell will forever be our brother,” said Drew.

Though the plaque commemorating the event has not arrived in Afghanistan yet, a picture of the design was unveiled before the ceremony. The plaque should arrive in November.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2010
• Date Posted: 10.19.2010 08:40
• Story ID: 58410
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF