FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soldiers, family members, and distinguished visitors gathered at Kit Carson Memorial Park for the 15th annual Mountain Post Warrior Memorial Ceremony Thursday, May 24, 2018 to honor Fort Carson servicemembers who have died in overseas operations.
This year, two Fort Carson Soldiers were added to the memorial, both Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) - Sgt. 1st Class Stephen B. Cribben and Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin. Their names have been engraved on the memorial stones in the park, joining the 399 other names of Mountain Post Soldiers who have lost their lives during combat operations since 2003.
Sgt. 1st Class Cribben was killed in action on November 4, 2017 and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. Sgt. 1st Class Golin was killed in action on January 1, 2018 and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with a “V” device.
The keynote speaker was Army Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson commanding general, who spoke of the bravery and heroism of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
“Our formation will never be the same because of these losses,” said George. “They made us better Soldiers, a better unit, a better Army, and a better nation. We will always miss them.”
Following the keynote address, both Maj. Gen. George and 4th ID Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny, laid a wreath at the memorial with two carnations within it to symbolize Cribben and Golin.
Afterwards, a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” was played, followed by a rendering of honors by those present while the names of the recently fallen were read aloud.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Gold Star families followed by the rest of those present were invited to come forward to pay their respects at the memorial.
The Mountain Post Global War on Terrorism Fallen Soldiers Memorial consists of nine stones and includes the names of fallen Fort Carson Soldiers. A tenth stone in the center contains a quote from former President George W. Bush from his address to a joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001.
“We will Rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,” it reads.
“It is right and good that we live strong and productive lives, for it brings honor upon those who sacrificed,” said Maj. Gen. George. “It shouts to our enemies that they can never defeat our American spirit. It affirms that the path of freedom, bravely lit by great American Soldiers, should be one of celebration and triumph even through the most difficult times.”
Date Taken: | 05.24.2018 |
Date Posted: | 05.24.2018 17:00 |
Story ID: | 278386 |
Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
Web Views: | 212 |
Downloads: | 3 |
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