CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A sadness radiated as veterans from
past battles stood proud with warriors still in uniform, watching as
the last set of tanks left Camp Lejeune for the very last time. U.S.
Marines with 2d Tank Battalion, 2d MARDIV waved goodbye one final time
to M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July
31, 2020.
“It’s Hard to see them go away. I grew up in tanks, I became a man in
tanks,” said Sgt. Reginald Davenport, a tank commander with 2d Tank
Battalion, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV). “Pretty much everything I
learned about being an adult, I learned from someone in tanks.
The ceremony was attended by current active duty Marines of the
battalion and Marines whom served in the past. In accordance with Marine
Corps Force Design 2030, 2d Tank Battalion is being deactivated after
79 years of service to optimize the Marine Corps’ ability to conduct
naval expeditionary warfare. This moment, although bittersweet to many,
is the next step in the transition of the Marine Corps into a lighter,
more reactive force.
“We must divest of legacy capabilities that do not meet our future
requirements, regardless of their past efficacy,” noted Gen. David H.
Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps. “There is no piece of
equipment or major defense program that defines us.”
Berger said the new force design is his main priority and that it will
secure the Marine Corps’ spot as the world’s premiere warfighting
institution. As 2d Tank Battalion continues the process of deactivation,
hopes for a future for tanks prevails among tankers.
“It breaks my heart knowing that the legacy of Marine Corps tankers will
not live on,” said retired Master Sgt. Jason Pittsley, a veteran of 23
years and former Marine Corps tanker.
For many the reality did not sink in until this morning as they watched the tanks slowly roll away on the railroad tracks.
“This is the moment it actually hit me like tanks is really going away,
there’s no stopping it now, it’s real after this,” said Davenport.
As for the dedicated tankers of the “Iron Horse Battalion” of 2d MARDIV,
they will be given the opportunity to move into other military
occupational specialties in the Marine Corps or continuing with tanks in
other branches. Leaving behind the long tradition of 2d Tank Battalion
won’t prove easy for many but the leadership of the battalion is set to
ensure the Marines are well taken care of.
“There are Marines who have fought and died in these tanks; however,
these Marines will transition from here to different careers and do
wonderful things. It’s a new beginning and I’m happy for them,” said Lt.
Col Matthew A. Dowden, commanding officer, 2d Tank Battalion. “I’m
anxiously waiting for what’s in store for these Marines because it’s not
about the tanks, it’s about the tankers.”
Saturday, August 01, 2020
2d Tanks roll away
Violent, loud and decisive: A Gulf War veteran recalls his time in the desert, 30 years later
Story by Staff Sgt. Zachary Sheely, 100th Missile Defense Brigade
Late in 1990, then-Army Sgt. Bob Lehtonen received the alert that he was
mobilizing to Saudi Arabia to fight in Operation Desert Shield.
Lehtonen was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, as a Howitzer gunner with Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 8th Infantry Division, and said he remembers the overwhelming feeling that he and his fellow troops were ready to fight.
“Being in Germany at the time, the (Berlin) Wall had just fallen and we were prepared,” said Lehtonen. “That’s what our life was – preparing to go to war. I’ll never forget once we got the alert, as we were loading all of our gear in the motor pool, the battalion commander came to us and said, ‘I bet you guys think this is real now.’
“I remember thinking, ‘I always knew this was real,’” Lehtonen said. “That’s the mentality we had there. It was combat readiness at a very high level at that time.”
Now, Lehtonen serves as the senior military operations analyst contracted to support the 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) in Colorado Springs. He retired from the Army in 2017 as the command sergeant major of the Field Artillery – the senior enlisted leader to thousands of Field Artillery Soldiers – following a 32-year career.
He served in many roles throughout his career across the globe and on multiple combat deployments, but cited his experience in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as foundational to his life and Army career.
Some old photos and a threadbare and stained American flag are all that remain from his time in the Gulf. However, 30 years later, Lehtonen is filled with memories from that brief, but critical battle. Operation Desert Shield was the effort of a coalition of 35 nations to defend Saudi Arabia from Iraqi aggression. In the months to follow, Desert Shield transitioned to Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase of the Gulf War in which the allied coalition forces, led by the United States, liberated Kuwait.
Desert Storm began in the air in January 1991 with the relentless bombing of Iraqi strongholds in Kuwait. The subsequent ground war lasted a mere 100 hours from the start of the assault Feb. 24, 1991, until a cease-fire ended the fighting on Feb. 28. It was a conclusive victory for the U.S.-led coalition.
“When the ground war kicked off, it was violent, loud and decisive,” said Lehtonen. “There was a lot of artillery firing and moving at night. You’re with your section and the battery you’ve been training with. It was the culmination of years of hard training.”
He left a wife and young son back home, and remembers the quiet moments when his mind would wander, but credits his leaders for keeping him focused on the mission.
“There are times when you think of the worst, but I had great leadership,” said Lehtonen. “My section chief, retired Command Sgt. Maj Thomas Miller, then a staff sergeant, told us to give ourselves credit. Instead of thinking something bad can happen to us, he encouraged us to know it's the other guys who should be worried.
“This is a fight,” he said. “We were bad. I’m telling you we were bad. And we proved that.”
Lehtonen and his battery were part of the “left hook” ordered by Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf to cut off Iraqi retreat and confront the Republican Guard forces in Kuwait. During Desert Shield, Lehtonen said that U.S. military personnel were ordered not to fly the American flag, but that quickly changed at the onset of Desert Storm.
“We were not an occupying force,” he said. “We were told not to display the U.S. flag at first, but when the ground war kicked off, there were American flags going up everywhere. There was an incredible sense of pride, power and unity, not only with Americans, but also our allied forces.”
Lehtonen affixed a small flag to the M109A2 self-propelled Howitzer he was assigned, where it flapped as his battery traversed hundreds of miles of barren desert framed by a blackened sky, blotted out by Iraqi military forces setting fire to Kuwaiti oil wells. He preserves it to this day in a sealed Ziploc bag, frayed, but no less treasured.
“This was before we wore the American flag on our uniforms,” he said. “Seeing the flag over there was a reminder that I was a part of something bigger than myself. To be able to look at this flag today and touch it is amazing to me. All the memories come flooding back when I hold it. I feel like I am part of the American flag and it is part of who I am”
Many of the senior military leaders at the time were Vietnam veterans, which Lehtonen believes helped shape the battle and also the sentiment among Americans back home.
“I’ll never forget the first time I heard the National Anthem when we got back; ‘The rocket’s red glare and bombs bursting in air.’ I lived that. I was delivering that. And it was coming back at us. It was like, ‘Now I get it.’”
Lehtonen said he gained immense trust and respect for military and civilian leaders during the Gulf War that lives with him to this day.
“We’re in the middle of the desert,” he said. “We didn’t have a return date set, but we were told we wouldn’t be there any longer than we needed to be. Sure enough, we did our job and didn’t spend an additional day there before we were sent home.”
Though he briefly considered leaving the Army following his return from the Gulf in the summer of 1991, Lehtonen said the feeling was short lived.
“I could have gotten out soon after we redeployed back to Germany,” he said. “But I couldn’t bring myself to walk away. It was the people. The Soldiers, leaders and civilians who inspired me to stay. How can you not want to be part of this organization?”
Readiness Division's virtual farewell brings 'Family' together
Story by Sgt. Alexandra Shea, 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
“This is challenging,” Jones said of the current times. “We all have to wear face masks and the people we love can't be here.”
His two daughters tuned into their father's ceremony as it was live streamed on Facebook by the 81st RD. They were joined by the rest of the “Wildcat Family,” who largely are working remotely to help win the battle against the COVID-19 virus.
The U.S. Army Reserve Command Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to travel restrictions. In his stead he recorded a personal message that was played during the ceremony. While Roper virtually hosted the ceremony, Commanding General of the 80th Training Command Maj. Gen. Bruce E. Hackett presided in person.
“It's important that we conduct this ceremony because it represents over 100 years of Army tradition,” Roper said in his video. “Today, it is with great pride that we recognize Ken Jones who has done an amazing job of leading this division through some turbulent times during our most important transformation, command and control re-balance.”
Roper continued by thanking Jones, theWildcat Nation and the Jones Family for their support and service throughout the transformation.
As Roper's video came to a close, Jones approached the podium to give his final remarks, his last official act as he relinquished command to Ricciardi.
“Ricciardi is the deputy commanding general of this command and will be taking the baton here today,” Jones said. “He is the man that will lead this command until another is chosen to take this command. Joe, I know you are ready to lead and I thank you for what you are going to do for this command.”
Jones continued his speech by thanking those who impacted and influenced his life and career. He also addressed the Soldiers of the Wildcat Nation thanking them for their continued dedication and service as the division transformed over the past few years. The mission to provide responsibility of base operations for 81st RD's footprint across nine southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while ensuring units and Soldiers are prepared to deploy and fight in multi-domain operations for current and future Combatant Commander Force requirements.
“I'm humbled to assume command of the storied 81st Readiness Division,” Ricciardi said. “Together with the great Soldiers and civilians of the Wildcat Division, we look forward to continuing the momentum on the transformative initiatives that Maj. Gen. Jones has started.”
Ricciardi also said the Wildcats were setting the stage for a smooth transition when a commander is chosen and arrives to continue the work the 81st has begun.
As the ceremony came to a close, Jones gave his heartfelt thanks to those closest to him, his Family. He thanked his wife Cheryl for the past 44 years of support to help pursue his career while helping to raise their two daughters Allison and Amanda.
Cheryl stood at his side during the relinquishment ceremony in addition to his retirement ceremony held the day before.
“I've had to watch you grow up from afar,” Jones said to his daughters, his voice catching. “I want to thank you for your love and support. I wouldn't be where I am in my career today without Cheryl being there for the past 44 years. You all know who the real general is now. Thank you ... Wildcat Six signing off.”
US Navy’s first Black female tactical air pilot earns Wings of Gold in Texas
Story by Lt. Michelle Tucker, Chief of Naval Air Training
Virginia native Lt. j.g. Madeline G. Swegle was designated a naval aviator and received her Wings of Gold with 25 classmates during a small ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas.
Swegle is assigned to the “Redhawks” of Training Squadron (VT) 21 under Training Air Wing 2 at NAS Kingsville and completed her final undergraduate TACAIR training flight in a T-45C Goshawk jet trainer aircraft July 7. VT-21 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Matthew Maher presented Wings of Gold to each of his graduates during the ceremony.
Amidst the Navy’s response to the global pandemic, instructors and students adjusted to COVID-19 spread mitigation measures including sterilizing surfaces, wearing masks, and social distancing when practical. Despite these challenges, this is the largest graduating class of strike aviators in almost a decade.
Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff oversees all undergraduate flight training from the command headquarters at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas.
“We are all incredibly proud of Lt. j.g Swegle and the entire class,” Westendorff said. “This is a wonderful personal achievement but also a testament to their dedication and drive to succeed in the tactical air training pipeline. I wish them all every success at the next level learning to fly our fleet aircraft.”
A 2017 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Swegle reported to Naval Aviation Schools Command at NAS Pensacola, Florida, where she completed Initial Flight Screening and Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. She completed Primary flight training with the “Boomers” of VT-27 at NAS Corpus Christi, and after selecting the TACAIR, or Strike, pipeline, Swegle progressed to Intermediate and Advanced training with VT-21.
Swegle is part of a new generation of TACAIR pilots to qualify on state-of-the art Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) unique to aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78): the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). She completed carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast, May 20.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work harder and fly high performance jet aircraft in the fleet,” Swegle said. “It would’ve been nice to see someone who looked like me in this role; I never intended to be the first. I hope it’s encouraging to other people.”
Chief of Legislative Affairs Rear Adm. Sara Joyner, a career naval aviator, served as guest speaker for the ceremony via teleconference.
“I’m incredibly proud of Lt. j.g. Swegle and her classmates and am excited to welcome them all to the fleet,” Joyner said. “There’s more work to do to make sure that we recruit, train and retain a diverse force that represents the best and brightest of this nation. Everything in Naval Aviation requires teamwork, and you will be judged by your professionalism, demonstrated capability, and leadership.”
Swegle and her classmates will advance to graduate-level flight training at their respective fleet replacement squadrons. Specific platform selection for the TACAIR training pipeline (F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, or F-35C Lightning II) typically occurs shortly before the winging ceremony. Swegle will report to the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at NAS Whidbey Island in Washington to begin training as an EA-18G Growler pilot. VAQ-129 trains new naval aviators, naval flight officers, and naval aircrewmen in electronic warfare tactics, techniques, and procedures in preparation for their fleet assignments.
Swegle follows in the footsteps of Brenda E. Robinson, the Navy’s first African American female naval aviator. Robinson earned her Wings of Gold June 6, 1980 and was the 42nd woman to be designated a naval aviator.
“Lt. j.g. Swegle has proven to be a courageous trailblazer,” Commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. DeWolfe “Bullet” Miller III said. “She has joined a select group of people who earned Wings of Gold and answered the call to defend our nation from the air. The diversity of that group—with differences in background, skill and thought—makes us a stronger fighting force.”
Chief of Naval Air Training trains the world's finest combat quality aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time, in the right numbers, and at the right cost to a naval force that is where it matters, when it matters.
For more news from Chief of Naval Air Training, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnatra/ or www.cnatra.navy.mil. Get more information about the Navy from U.S. Navy facebook or twitter.
From Satellite Beach to commanding a satellite brigade
Story by Staff Sgt. Aaron Rognstad, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Army Satellite Operations
Brigade hosted a virtual Change of Command between Col. Tonri C. Brown,
outgoing commander, and Col. Stephen Parrish, incoming commander, July
31. Parrish, who just happened to be born near the central Atlantic coastal beach town of Satellite Beach, Florida, now steps into command of the Army’s only Satellite Operations Brigade, comprising active and Reserve component Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and Australian military and civilian employees.
“Our Soldiers and civilians represent the best in the Army and space community,” said Parrish in his ceremony speech. “Their intellect, their passion to succeed in their mission, and their professionalism are unmatched.”
Parrish recently earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama – his previous assignment in his 23-year career.
Prior to that he was the chief, Space Concepts Integration Officer for the Capability Development Center and Mission Command Center of Excellence at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 2017-2019.
Parrish deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned a Bronze Star for his role as the theater linguist manager and chief, Counter Vehicle-Borne Improvised Device Task Force, Multi-National Forces, Baghdad, Iraq.
Brown, who served as the leader of the brigade for two years, expressed gratitude for his time leading the brigade.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as your brigade commander,” Brown said to his former staff in his ceremony speech. “I enjoyed every single day.”
The U.S. Army Satellite Operations Brigade, which stood up May 1, 2019, consolidates all assigned satellite communication missions under a new major subordinate element to align for efficient command and control. It provides military satellite communication support globally through operations at all elements of the Department of Defense, U.S. government agencies and U.S. allies and partners.
Parrish is the brigade’s second commander.
“Thank you for your trust in me to lead this brigade,” Parrish said to his commanding officer, Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler. “Thank you for the excellent transition and support.”
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the ceremony was recorded and shared with hundreds of viewers who watched worldwide.
Change of Command for Georgia’s 170th MP BN
Story by Maj. William Carraway, Georgia National Guard
The Georgia Army National Guard’s 170th Military Police Battalion bid
farewell to outgoing commander Lt. Col. Copeland Rowell and welcomed Lt.
Col. Mollie Keith as the incoming commander July 31, 2020 during a
ceremony at the unit’s headquarters in Decatur.
“Under Lt. Col. Rowell’s engaged leadership (this battalion) has met every challenge head-on and has been successful at every turn,” said Col. Alexander McLemore, commander of the Marietta-based 201st Regional Support Group. “These incredible Americans have left their mark on history, the National Guard and the nation.”
Keith assumes command of a battalion that traces its lineage to the 19th century. Keith has served in roles of increasing responsibility at National Guard headquarters in Arlington, Va. and in U.S. Army Europe. She commanded an MP company in Iraq and deployed to Afghanistan as the executive officer for Joint Task Force Biometrics. In addition to overseas deployments, Keith’s domestic operational experience includes humanitarian missions following Hurricane Katrina and with Task Force New Horizons in Guatemala.
“Lieutenant Colonel Keith comes highly recommended from many, including one of our own, (Former Adjutant General) Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard,” said McLemore. “She has come a long way from Iowa, through Michigan, Missouri and Germany to get here… I am confident she will serve this unit well.”
Outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Copeland J. Rowell assumed command of the 170th MP Battalion in March 2018 and led the Soldiers through the Georgia National Guard’s response to Hurricane Michael later that year. In 2019, the 170th MP BN supported exercise Agile Spirit in the country of Georgia and was activated in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian response missions. Since March 2020, Soldiers of the 170th MP BN have been actively engaged in the coordinated response to the Coronavirus and have also been called to active service in response to civil unrest in Atlanta.
“Command of the 170th MP Battalion has been the most rewarding experience of my military career,” said Rowell. “Soldiers of this battalion have had more unique experiences in the past two years than most Soldiers may receive over their entire career.”
Rowell noted several of the accomplishments of the battalion over the years including multiple rotations at the Joint Readiness Training Center and National Training Center. Over the course of the COVID-19 response effort, 170th MP BN Soldiers have provided security for quarantine facilities, manned test sites, and deployed mobile infection control and testing teams to serve citizens across the state.
Keith assumes command at a pivotal time in the battalion’s history.
“Since World War II, this unit has undertaken numerous state activations and served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the War on Terrorism,” said Keith. “You have responded to state disasters, and most recently COVID-19, and it is an absolute honor to join the history of such exceptional enlisted, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers and officers.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer Joins Michigan National Guard for Pass and Review Ceremony at Camp Grayling
Story by Capt. Andrew Layton, Michigan National Guard
GRAYLING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan
National Guard at the newly-minted National All-Domain Warfighting
Center at Camp Grayling for the 2020 Pass and Review Ceremony.
"I'm honored to be a part of this ceremony and celebrate our dedicated Michigan National Guardsmen and women," said Governor Whitmer. "This year especially, the Michigan National Guard has responded to multiple crises with honor and dedication to help aid communities across our state.”
The Pass in Review Ceremony is a time-honored tradition of the Michigan National Guard during which accomplishments of the previous calendar year are acknowledged, outstanding performers are recognized, and deceased and fallen members of the Michigan National Guard are honored.
“Today we gather to pay solemn respect to those Michigan National Guard members who have passed in the last twelve months; in their honor, we also celebrate the accomplishments of the Michigan National Guard during this historic year of 2020, assisting communities across the state with professionalism and exceptional, compassionate service,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Additionally, we recognize the successful completion of Northern Strike 20 here at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. The work we do here sets conditions for future readiness of the joint force, and is incredibly relevant to our national security.”
The Michigan National Guard has a long-standing reputation for mission success, which has never been more true than in 2020. Even while hundreds of Soldiers and Airmen are deployed supporting overseas missions, the Michigan National Guard has been an important part of emergency operations across the state, including COVID-19 response missions, recovery operations after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed in May, and community support to ensure the right to peacefully protest in the face of civil unrest.
Over the last two weeks of July, the Michigan National Guard has hosted Northern Strike 20, a premier joint fires readiness exercise, at Camp Grayling and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. With nearly 148,000 acres of combined training space, the pristine training facilities of the Michigan National Guard are being renamed the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in acknowledgement of the crucial support these locations in Northern Michigan contribute to the U.S. National Defense Strategy.
Edwards AFB firefighters conduct search and rescue training during foam test
Story by Giancarlo Casem, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Firefighters from the Edwards Fire and Emergency Services conducted a
search and rescue training session during a foam fire suppression test
at Edwards Air Force Base, California, July 23.
The High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression System test was conducted at
recently remodeled, 71,700 sq. ft., hangar. The test is one of many
validation checkpoints that will ultimately clear the building for use.
“The hangar will have a state of the art fire suppression and fire alarm
systems capable for quickly putting out fire without loss of life or
damaging aircraft parked in the hangar,” said Bayram Kurbanov, 412th
Civil Engineer Group and the project manager for the venture.
The $8.9 million project was a Design-Bid-Build development, meaning
design and construction were done by separate companies. The design part
was awarded in May 25, 2017, and construction part was awarded in Sept.
28, 2018, Kurbanov explained.
Edwards FES took advantage of the rare opportunity to conduct search and
rescue training. The training opportunity does not happen very often
said Michael Pinan, Assistant Chief for Fire Prevention, Edwards AFB
Fire and Emergency Services.
“Luckily here at Edwards we have been fortunate to have a string of new
hangar construction projects,” Pinan said. “Scheduling an event like
this takes time and effort as all stages of the training must be
coordinated with the contractor. We hope to conduct more training
evolutions in the future with more hangars on the horizon.”
The training provided Edwards firefighters with many lessons learned as
the training event was a first for many members of the team, Pinan
explained.
“We believe the most important lessons learned from this training
evolution were the need for better communications, and the realization
of the physical challenges associated with this operation,” Pinan added.
He said the team had a “no quit” attitude but faced communications and physical challenges that many had not faced before.
Remembering a 101-year-old legacy
A memorial service was held on base to remember and pay
tribute to the life-long service and legacy of the director of retiree
affairs for Barksdale, July 31, 2020.
Retired Col. Steven L. dePyssler, who served 38 years in the U.S. Army
Air Corps and the Air Force, and the past 41 years volunteering with the
retiree affairs department, passed away July 25, 2020.
He is believed to be the only known American to have served in World War
II, the Korean War, the French Indo-China War, the Bay of Pigs Invasion
and the Vietnam War. He celebrated his 101st birthday just four days
before his passing
The ceremony consisted of guest speakers who spoke on his
accomplishments, his many years of dedication to the Air Force, to the
state of Louisiana and the Barksdale community. Barksdale’s honor guard
provided the military funeral honors.
“He represents the sacrifice [and] the dedication that is the best of
humanity - what we should all want and desire to achieve in our own
lives,” said Retired Air Force Col. Michael Dilda, president of the
Ark-La-Tex chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and
close friend to dePyssler, during the ceremony. “Steve represented an
infinite view of the game of life. The infinite view is one that's
characterized by a never ending desire to improve. A unique legacy spent
over a career of helping others. It was my advantage and distinct
pleasure to have the opportunity to work with him and get to know him -
to have him call me a friend.”
Since dePyssler was such an influential figure, a decision was made to
memorialize his life forever at Barksdale. Last year, during his 100th
birthday celebration, a building renaming was announced to pay tribute
to him. Then in November of 2019, the newly established Col. dePyssler
Mission Support Group building was unveiled.
During the memorial service, Dr. Bruce dePyssler, son of dePyssler,
offered the final remarks. Thanking multiple people in and around base
for all they have done for his family and telling stories from his life
growing up with his father.
“He was loyal to his wife, to his family, to his troops, to the vets, to
the Air Force and to the beloved country,” Dr. dePyssler said as he
began to be stricken with emotion. “He is fair. He is open. He accepted
others.”
“I do not know what natural and divine forces were conjured up to give
us this life, this consciousness that we have. This ability that we have
to hope, and love, and suffer. This ability to know what we do and do
not know. This ability to shape our destiny in large and small ways,”
Dr. dePyssler added. “One thing I do know is that I learned from my
father that this gift of life and consciousness is not something to be
squandered.”
dePyssler held every enlisted, warrant officer and officer rank during
his career from the rank of private to colonel. He was awarded the
Legion of Merit Medal four separate times for his outstanding service.
“Col. dePyssler loved all veterans, but his heart was always with the
Air Force and his heart was always with Barksdale,” said Retired Army
Col. Joey Strickland, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Veterans
Affairs, during the ceremony. “His service to veterans brings to mind
one of my favorite quotes. General Omar Bradley in 1948 when he was
serving as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs said, ‘We are dealing with
veterans, not procedures. We are dealing with their problems, not ours.’
That is just what Col. Steve dePyssler did every day. I always knew
that I could count on him for anything I needed to get done for
veterans, especially here in the Northwest.”
While volunteering at the retiree office, he dedicated his time to
helping military retirees, their widows, widowers, parents and children
through the process of obtaining and understanding retirement benefits.
“His goal was, and I quote, ‘to help one person a day, for as long as I
live. That’s my goal, and it has been for years and years and years,’”
said Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Air Force Global Strike Command director
of strategic plans, programs and requirements and former 2nd Bomb Wing
commander, during the ceremony. “Well to do the math, for the amount of
time he was running the retiree affairs office, if you add 365 days a
year, and you have to add 10 for 10 leap years mind you, that means Col.
dePyssler’s goal was to help 14,975 people. And he did. He spent
countless days helping widows navigate the bureaucratic world of the
military life without their spouses. And he worked tirelessly to honor
veterans.”
Although he has passed, generations today and for years to come will
forevermore be able to learn and be inspired through the life and legacy
the retired colonel provided everyday since his enlistment in 1940.
“Steve, we all remember that you were here. We remember that you stood
up for what was right. And you left this world a better place,” Gebara
said as he turned to face dePyssler’s photo on the wall. “I hope you
know that the men and women of Barksdale will miss you. And I will too.”
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