Photo By Spc. Jason Dangel | Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 76th Feild Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team,...... read more read more
Spc. Dan Balda
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE UNION III, Iraq - The Patriots of 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment bid farewell to two Soldiers Jan. 8 here.
Sgt. Jason Lopez, a field artillery cannon crew member assigned to A Battery, 1-76 and Spc. Ryan Walker, a combat medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1-76 were remembered for their valor, courage, discipline and selfless service, said Lt. Col. Daniel Pinnell, 1-76 battalion commander.
"Sgt. Jason Lopez was a superb young leader and took his duties as a (noncommissioned officer) seriously but not without a sense of humor," Pinnell said. "He was a positive, motivational leader and caring for Soldiers and accomplishing the mission were his first priorities."
According to Pinnell, Lopez used his quick wit and sense of humor to help his squad and platoon cope with the fear, anger and ugliness of war.
Pfc. Marcin Wilczewski, one of Lopez's friends and subordinates remembered a time when his unit was in a funk because one of their friends had to be sent back to the United States. But Lopez, with his trademark wittiness, lightened the mood and reminded his Soldiers that life goes on.
When Capt. Brian Adams thought of Lopez it was not his sense of humor that stuck with him but his steadfastness.
"When I think of him I think of a guy you depended on when the going got tough," said Adams, the A Bty. commander. "He stepped up to the plate when bad things happened either out on a mission or here on the FOB. He was always there to lend a helping hand. It was an honor to have an NCO like Sgt. Jason Lopez and we are a better unit for having him. I think you for your service and your sacrifice, we'll miss you."
It was no easier for Pinnell to say goodbye to Walker than it was for Lopez.
"Spc. Ryan Walker was an exceptional young man who had the love and respect of those who knew him," Pinnell said. "He was always eager to help and one of the founding members of what I would say is absolutely the finest medical platoon I have ever had the pleasure of being associated with."
Pinnell credited Walker with demonstrating unwavering courage and dedication daily; Walker would go so far as to volunteer to help Soldiers because he seemed to have a calming presence to his fellow G.I.'s.
"I am convinced that he would have done absolutely anything to help one of his brothers, he proved that on Jan. 5," said Capt. William Davis, the HHB commander. "I know that when his boots hit the ground running that day he was only thinking of one thing and that was finding someone who needed his help."
Walker's friend, Spc. Brandon Barefield thought of Walker as what every medic should strive to be and finished his words with one final word of thanks.
"From a distinguished career as a firefighter to being a two-time state wrestling champion in Oregon he never wanted any recognition," Barefield said. "He told me he didn't need awards to make him feel like he had finished job. The satisfaction from a job well done was enough for him. Without Walker I wouldn't be half the man I am today."
| Date Taken: | 01.10.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.10.2006 09:48 |
| Story ID: | 5039 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 210 |
| Downloads: | 72 |
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