Photo By Rick Emert | FORT CARSON, Colo. — Edward Iannuccilli, right, presents the American Flag to the...... read more read more
By Scott Prater
Mountaineer staff
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Edward Iannuccilli served as an Army medic in Vietnam nearly a half century ago, yet he never participated in a retreat ceremony.
On July 3, 2018, however, he marched to Founders Field along with a Fort Carson flag detail and took part in the retreat ceremony as the nation’s national anthem played and the detail retired the colors.
The ceremony marked a special moment for Iannuccilli and his family, some of whom traveled from Texas to spend time with him this summer.
“He has talked about a friend of his who participated in a retreat ceremony at Fort McHenry, (Baltimore, Maryland) and said it would be neat to take part in one himself,” said Tony Iannuccilli, Edward Iannuccilli’s son and a former captain with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team when it was located at Fort Hood, Texas.
Inspired by the story, Tony Iannuccilli reached out to the Public Affairs Office at Fort Carson and asked if it was possible to arrange for his father to take part in a future retreat ceremony here.
“They made it happen and we set a date,” Tony Iannuccilli said. “We’ve known this was going to happen for a few weeks now, and the whole family managed to keep it a surprise. My dad didn’t know he was going to participate until I dropped him off at Founders Field.”
And, surprised he was.
“This was incredibly special,” he said. “I exited the Army not long after my Vietnam War tour (1969-70), so I never had flag detail. It was great to be able to participate in the ceremony and meet and talk with some of today’s Soldiers.”
Edward Iannuccilli has recently become a local resident as he and his wife moved to Fountain to be closer to his son, Lt. Col. Michael Iannuccilli, commander, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.
“My family has been just full of surprises lately,” Edward Iannuccilli said. “I was awarded a Silver Star for my time in Vietnam, but never had a ceremony. When my son, Michael, was promoted last year, he got the lieutenant general at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to award the medal to me in another ceremony. So, I’m very thankful.”
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2018 11:52 |
| Story ID: | 283971 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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