Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan | Brig. Gen. Eric Riley (second from left), Land Component Commander for the Oregon...... read more read more
A Purple Heart Ceremony held at the Corvallis Armory on Feb. 3, 2024, recognized three Oregon National Guard heroes for their sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. The ceremony paid tribute to Jeromy Turner, Martin Theurer, and Ken Kaiser, who were members of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment (2-162), a unit that faced some of the fiercest fighting in the Iraq war.
The event, which drew attention to the courage and resilience exhibited by the Soldiers, featured remarks from Brig. Gen. Eric Riley, Land Component Commander for the Oregon National Guard and former Bravo Company Commander during the 2004-05 deployment. visibly moved during the ceremony, Riley highlighted the sacrifice, camaraderie, and competence displayed by the three soldiers and the entire Bravo Company.
The incident that led to the recognition occurred on the afternoon of September 30, 2004, when Turner, Theurer, and Kaiser were part of a 20-person patrol conducting route security north of Camp Cooke. The patrol's vehicle became the target of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), resulting in significant injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injury, for the three soldiers.
The emotional recognition underscored the enduring camaraderie within Bravo Company, as the ceremony brought together many who had served with the unit during that tumultuous period. The presence of comrades served as a testament to the unit's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by Turner, Theurer, and Kaiser, who served in one of the most decorated units in the Oregon National Guard’s history.
Bravo Company, 2-162, played a pivotal role in some of the heaviest fighting during the Iraq war, adding historical significance to the Purple Heart Ceremony. The event not only acknowledged the bravery of the three soldiers but also served as a reminder of the collective sacrifice made by the unit.
As the ceremony concluded, the Purple Heart recipients stood as symbols of resilience, their courage etched into historical records of the Oregon National Guard.
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| Date Taken: | 02.03.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2024 14:33 |
| Story ID: | 463125 |
| Location: | CORVALLIS, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 421 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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