Photo By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle | A fallen comrade is honored during a memorial ceremony held at the community activity...... read more read more
MOSUL, Iraq (June 12, 2006) --A fallen comrade is honored during a memorial ceremony held at the community activity center on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq June 12.
Soldiers and friends of 3rd Platoon, Charlie company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team gathered to praise 2nd Lt. John Vaughan who lost his life while on a combat patrol with his platoon.
"Thank you for coming to honor a fallen warrior, an artic wolf, a legionnaire," said Lt. Col. Charles Webster, battalion commander, 2nd Bn., 1st Inf. Rgt. "Lt.Vaughan was the newest member of our team, a young stud just beginning his career."
Lt. Vaughan was born on April 12, 1983 in Vail, Colo. He earned his commission in the United States Army and as 2nd Lt. from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Vaughn was appointed as an Infantry officer. After completion of his schooling, he reported to the 172nd SBCT.
Within a month at arriving at his Fort Wainwright, Alaska duty station, he was deployed I support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and arrived in Mosul, Iraq on April 29 2006. He was assigned as 3rd Plt. Leader, Charlie Company.
According to Capt. Kent Park, commander, Company C, 2nd Bn, 1st Inf. Rgt., being a lieutenant, being a second lieutenant is even tougher. Many new lieutenants can't handle the pressure of being a new platoon leader and instead of leading the team, the team carries them.
Park also said that some lieutenants thrive under the pressure, they step up and excel. They are the ones Soldiers look up to and proudly claim as their platoon leader.
"The Lt's that handle the pressure become combat leaders," said Park. "Lt. Vaughan was a combat leader, he was a natural, calm and confident, but must of all caring. He was passionate about his men; his heart was in the right place."
According to Webster, Vaughan showed discipline and confidence while out on patrol. He was very pleased on how well he knew the area with only being here a short time and mentioned to the Sergeant Maj. On just how well he was doing.
"His platoon related very well to his orders and directives," said Webster. "He was comfortable with his men and they were comfortable with him. He was a natural leader who had leadership and potential. 2nd Lt. Vaughan died leading his men. I only hope that someday I have the privilege of walking in his shadow."
2nd Lt. Vaughan's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is survived by his mother and sister.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 06.14.2006 14:23 |
| Story ID: | 6806 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 332 |
| Downloads: | 183 |
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