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ometown eroes SOLDIER RETIRES LZ PEACE MEMORIAL SUPREME SACRIFICE
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HOMETOWN HEROES
NOV. 2022
VA offers more than $11M in grant funding to provide legal services for homeless Veterans Gordy Justice Sr., Jamie, Marc and Gabrielle Kuney, Mark Finnegan- Founder of Vets Roll, Walter Graham Rockton American Legion Post #332 Ladies Auxiliary President Vicki Lynn and Rockton American Legion Post #332 Commander Jim Griffin came together to honor the memory of former Marine Ryan Masters. Masters family and the Legion combined efforts to donate $7,200 to Vets Roll on Wednesday, Sept. 21. MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO Hometown Heroes
Marine’s family raising awareness of veteran suicide, donates back through foundation By Marianne Mueller REPORTER
Ryan D. Masters spent a large part of his life in Rockton attending Rockton Grade School, Whitman Post Elementary, Stephen Mack and Hononegah Community High School. After high school he went to Southwest Minnesota University for one semester before transferring to Platteville for a year. Masters is remembered for his love of sports; especially basketball, baseball and track, He had a special place in his heart for the Michigan Wolverines. Masters loved his family, his Mom Jamie, his Step Dad Marc who helped raise him, his sister Gabrielle Kuney and his future brother n law Peter Meitzler. After signing up to serve in the Marines Masters began serving in the United States Marine Corp in 2014 where earned his rank as a Corporal. Corporal Masters finished deployments in Okinawa in 2015, 2016 and 2017; a total of two six month deployments. Masters worked on the DeltaAmphibious Assault Vehicle as a Crew Chief. After he returned to civilian life Masters
struggled to readjust. He passed away on March 9, 2021 at the age of 28 after committing suicide. Master’s Mother Jamie Kuney reflects, “Ryan was a very kind -hearted person who loved his family, friends and his country. He would have done anything to protect them,” In loving memory and with a mission to raise awareness of veteran suicide and to better assist Marines transitioning back to civilian life family and friends have banded together to create the RDM Foundation in Masters name, This summer the first ever golf outing was organized raising over $20,000 in profits, all to be donated back to worthy organizations. “The Walter Graham Rockton American Legion Post #332 was always very welcoming to Ryan and our family, He felt very comfortable among the veterans there,” Kuney said. On Wednesday evening, July 21 the RDM Foundation and Ryan Masters family gathered at the Rockton American Legion for a special presentation. Emotions stirred prior to a donation being given to Vet’s Roll organizer Mark
Finnegan Legion Commander Jim Griffin said, “We always hate to lose a brother and our hearts go out to his family.” The Kuney family were joined by officers in the Rockton American Legion in donating a check in the amount of $7,200; a combined effort of the RDM Foundation to Vets Roll. The Walter Graham Rockton American Legion Post #332 and Rockton American Legion Post #332 Ladies Auxiliary, presented by Auxiliary President Vicki Lynn. Mark Finnegan, Vets Roll Founder graciously thanked the RDM Foundation and the Legion for their generous donations. “Due to this generous combined donation we can now cover the cost of taking eight veterans of the 90 we are honoring on this trip, Ages of those heading out with Vets Roll range from 82 to 100, with an average age veteran of around 86,” Finnegan said. Since its inception the RDM Foundation has donated money to Mission 22 and to the Rockton American Legion from Ryan’s Memorial in 2021 while adhering to their goals of raising awareness of veterans suicide.
Sycamore Soldier retires from the military Sgt. 1st Class Justin Wolfe, of Sycamore, Ill., was honored for his military service during a retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Oct. 13. Wolfe enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard on March 30, 2000 as an 11B Infantryman. He served in Alpha and Bravo Company, 2/130 Infantry before joining the Recruiting and Retention Battalion (RRB) in March 2004 as a recruiter. During his time as a Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), he worked out of the Lawrenceville, Paris, and Sycamore armories. He was consistently a solid performing recruiter, earning
multiple recruiting awards. Additionally, he spent eight years as a Military Science I & II instructor at Northern Illinois University ROTC. During his tenure, he enlisted more than 250 new Soldiers into the Army National Guard. In 2020, he transitioned to a Readiness NCO for Golf Company, RRB, where he worked to prepare Soldiers for basic training. During his career, Wolfe was able to have an impact on more than 1,000 Soldiers. Some of his awards include three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, seven Army Good Conduct Medals, and the Expert Recruiting Badge.
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Wolfe, of Sycamore, Ill., retired from military service during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, Oct. 13. SUBMITTED PHOTO Hometown Heroes
As a part of ongoing efforts to end Veteran homelessness, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for more than $11 million in legal services grants for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The funds are available through VA’s new Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program and will help Veterans in several ways, including: * Providing representation in landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction. * Assisting with court proceedings for child support, custody or estate planning. * Helping Veterans obtain disability compensation and other benefits. * Providing criminal defense services for certain issues that are symptomatic of homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines and driver’s license revocation. * Upgrading characterization of discharges or dismissals of former members of the Armed Forces. “Veterans who face legal challenges are more likely to become homeless,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Through these grants, VA is providing Veterans with the legal assistance they need to access the housing they deserve.” This funding will be awarded in grants of up to $150,000 to 75 eligible organizations, with at least 10% of funding being utilized for women Veterans. The Notice of Funding Opportunity provides information about the grant program eligibility and award process. VA will host a technical assistance webinar for grant applicants in October. Monitor VA’s homeless LSV website for webinar information and updates. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 30, 2022. In this calendar year, VA has already placed more than 26,500 homeless Veterans into permanent housing — putting VA on track to meet its goal of 38,000 permanent housing placements for homeless Veterans in 2022. Learn more about legal services for Veterans or email lsv@va.gov.
NOV. 2022
HOMETOWN HEROES
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VA awards $16 million to help Veterans, service members participate in adaptive sports The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded nearly $16 million in grants to qualifying organizations to help more than 13,000 disabled Veterans and members of the Armed Forces participate in adaptive sports. Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports and activities customized to fit the needs of disabled Veterans and athletes, including Paralympic sports, archery, cycling, skiing, hunting, rock climbing and sky diving. These activities allow Veterans to rehabilitate through recreation and encourage an active and fit lifestyle. This year, participants in VA’s Adaptive Sports Grant program also have the opportunity — for the first time ever — to receive certification in scuba, CrossFit and sailing. “Adaptive sports empower Veterans to live without limits,” said VA National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events Director Leif Nelson, DPT. “These Veteran athletes should be focused on having fun, staying healthy, competing, and rehabilitating – free of concern about the structural or financial challenges associated with adaptive sports – and that’s exactly what these grants will help them do.” Navy Veteran Brad Snyder is a six-time gold medal winning Paralympic athlete who credits VA with the opportunity to participate in grant programs that support the Paralympics. “VA’s grant program goes a long way toward alleviating the financial burdens associated with athletic competitions, paving the way for some of our country’s most promising athletes to pursue dreams of victory and success in elite competitions such as the Paralympic Games,” said Snyder. VA has awarded a total of $100 million in adaptive sports grants in the last eight years to improve Veterans’ well-being and independence. Learn more about the awardees and details of the program. Follow @ Sports4Vets for information on VA’s adaptive sports and arts programs.
LZ Peace Memorial pays homage to Winnebago County fallen soldiers The LZ Peace Memorial is a place of honor for those veterans who served our country, in war and in peace. This memorial stands as a testimony to those soldiers from Winnebago County who made the ultimate sacrifice at a time of great conflict. We’re located at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, in Rockford, Illinois. Four Vietnam veterans, Tony Bove, Paul Cassioppi, Tony Circelli and Nick Parnello spearheaded the building of this memorial which took over 20 years to complete. The Wall of Honor pays special tribute to those soldiers from Winnebago County who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam. The names of over 75 veterans are etched into the wall, forever reminding us that their courage was our greatest triumph and their sacrifice was our greatest loss. Also, in this peaceful setting, a Huey helicopter that served in Vietnam rests above the Wall of Honor. Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day at 11 a.m. members of the Vietnam Veteran’s Honor Society hold a memorial service honoring those who died in Vietnam and in all other American wars. Featured speakers have been parents and family members of those killed in Vietnam: Dorothy Boyer, whose son has been
missing since 1968; Mike Lenker, a former POW; Sheriff Dick Meyers; Paul Logli, former States Attorney; and many others. For many years, Marine Vietnam veteran Gino Cuppini’s band played patriot music to set the stage featuring the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and Taps. Last year Marine Vietnam veteran Don Allen played Taps. Believe it or not, Don can still fit into his uniform, proving the old saying, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” In the past several years a Vietnamveteran Huey helicopter has flown overhead and landed in a field of tall grass. When it happens again you’re welcome to climb aboard and touch this angel of mercy that came bringing food, ammunition, medical supplies, and hope. Then the Hueys lifted out the dead and wounded, and for many it would be the last time they ever saw an old friend. William A. “Skip” Coad, a Marine who fought in Vietnam said, “There’s no other sound like it. To us it meant we might get outta’ here alive, as opposed to, we don’t have a fucking chance.” Sure it’s blunt language, but ask any veteran who’s been there and they’ll tell you the same thing. You walk the walk. You talk the talk. Be here when flags are flown and songs
are sung. Mothers talk of their sons and fathers beam with pride. Old friends meet and Hueys fly one more time. Patriotic music fills the air. Prayers are said and tears are shed. So bring your flag and your family and spend the day. There’s so much to see and do at Midway Village. There are benches for relaxing and remembering the sacrifices made. Come to the LZ Peace Memorial and find an old friend on the wall. (Photo credit: Carson York) On a quiet night you might hear the sound of Hueys overhead or it could be angels’ wings fluttering in the wind. The Wall of Honor and the Huey are waiting for you to visit. They’re here rain or shine, day and night, still serving their country, at the LZ Peace Memorial, a place of healing. Vietnam Veterans Honor Society is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. For more information please call one of the founders, Nick Parnello at 815-968-1040. For more details, visit the LZ Peace Memorial website at https://www.lzpeace. org. Located on the far west side of the Midway Village Museum campus off the Recreation Path
above: The LZ Peace Memorial at Midway Village honors fallen Vietnam soldiers from Winnebago County. SUBMITTED PHOTO Hometown Heroes
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HOMETOWN HEROES
NOV. 2022
We honor those who gave
‘the Supreme Sacrifice’ Lance Corporal Andrew G. Patten of Byron. 19 By Margaret Downing REPORTER
Byron native Andy Patten graduated from Byron High School in May of 2004. Andy’s mom, Gayle Naschansky of Byron recalls what a good kid Andy was, “He always wanted to be in the military. I remember when he was 12 years old how he wrote a story for school about a lot of old vets with white hair sitting around reminiscing about their days in the service. It was an interesting story he had to tell.” Growing up, Andy was very involved in the church the family attended, Maywood Evangelical Church in Rockford. He had a faith in God and in doing “the right Andy Patten with mom Gayle Naschansky prior to joining the Marines. SUBMITTED PHOTO Hometown Heroes
Lance Corporal Andy Patten
thing.” He also loved to sing and had a wonderful singing voice along with an artistic bent. He was musically inclined and was a normal kid, who loved camping and fishing and the outdoors, along with four-wheeling and being very active in his church group. “In the 5th grade he was in the orchestra and played the viola, then went on to play trumpet in the band, and guitar in his church youth group.” Naschansky recalls, “When he graduated I tried to enroll him in Rock Valley College automotive classes. However, Andy had other ideas and the day he turned 18 he enlisted at Rockford in the Marine Corps.” Basic training was in San Diego, California, and Andy graduated boot camp in October of ’04. His mom noted, “I always assumed everything would be fine and he would come home after serving.”
He was enrolled in Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for Infantry training at the Twemtynine Palms Marine Base in California. Per Wikipedia, “The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, also known as 29 Palms, is the largest United States Marine Corps base. It was a census-designated place officially known as Twentynine Palms Base located adjacent to the city of Twentynine Palms in southern San Bernardino County, California.” On July 4, 2005, Andy was deployed and was stationed at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Iraq. By December, he was nearing the end of his seven-month deployment, and his mother recalls how he talked to her on phone calls, which tended to be hit and miss, and how proud he was during the Iraqi election to be able to guard polling places, along with rooftop observations, He did note that it was a
“hot” job due to the hot asphalt and sticky melting of the asphalt that resulted. Also, in the intense heat doing roadside checks while dressed in full military gear was not an unusual experience. “They had to be constantly on the alert and there was a lot of stress due to the life and death situations that were involved,” his mother explained. *Operation Iraqi Freedom: The following article appeared in the New York Times on Dec. 3, 2005; “The Struggle for Iraq: Combat Blast in Fallujah Kills 10 Marines; 11 Are Wounded…by John F. Burns “BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 2 - A year after marines led an American assault force in recapturing Fallujah, 10 Marines conducting a foot patrol on the edge of the city were killed at dusk Thursday by a bomb fashioned from several large artillery shells.
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above: Andrew G. Patten, June 1, 1986 to Dec. 1, 2005. right: Andrew’s Purple Heart certificate. SUBMITTED PHOTOS Hometown Heroes
“Eleven other Marines were wounded in the blast, the worst in a drumbeat of insurgent attacks on American troops in and around Fallujah that never ceased after the Nov. 2004 offensive there that cost 60 American Marines and soldiers their lives. “Details of the Fallujah bombing were sparse, with the Marine Corps holding to a policy of releasing few facts about the circumstances of combat deaths in their statement on Friday. “But an American official in Fallujah said Friday that the attack that killed the 10 Marines occurred at or near an abandoned factory on a peninsula that juts into the Euphrates River on the city’s western edge, an area that was the target of the first Marine attack in the eight-day offensive last November that reduced much of Fallujah to rubble. “The official, who asked that he not be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the attack, said the Marine unit that suffered the casualties had only recently been moved to the area. “The high casualty toll in the Fallujah bomb attack brought to 205 the total number of American combat deaths in the western desert province of Anbar in the last nine months, since a major rotation of Marine units there that handed much of the fighting to the Second Marine Division, according to figures supplied by the Marines. “Marine combat deaths in the province, west of Baghdad, heartland of the Sunni Arab insurgency, have been proportionally the highest of any American units in Iraq. According to the Iraqi Coalition Casualty Count, a nonprofit organization that tracks American military deaths on its website, 2,127 American servicemen and women have died, including the 10 Marines, since the invasion 32 months ago.
“The worst American losses in Anbar this year, before Thursday’s bombing, involved a Marine helicopter that crashed in poor visibility, killing 31 Marines at Rutba, near the Jordanian border, in January; a roadside bombing killed 14 Marines in an amphibious troop carrier near the western town of Haditha in August. “In their statement on the Fallujah bombing, the Marines said seven of the 11 wounded men had returned to duty. “A White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, said President Bush had been informed of the Fallujah attack on Thursday and briefed again on the incident on Friday. ‘We are saddened by the loss of lives, whether it is one soldier who loses his or her life, or 10 or 11,’ Mr. McClellan said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to their families, their loved ones, he said. ‘We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.’” Additional information on the Dec. 1, 2005 incident, according to the U.S. military is, “A unit from the 2nd Marine Division was checking out a factory just outside of Fallujah. They were on foot when they came on the roadside bomb, which was reportedly made of several large artillery shells. The Marines had actually been at “a ceremony celebrating the promotion of two of the men who were being promoted to lance corporal. The group went to an old flour mill on the outskirts of Fallujah,” and at the end of the celebration it was believed one of the men had stepped on a “buried pressure plate linked to explosives,” which resulted in a “devastating blast.” A total of 11 Marines were wounded, 10 were killed, which, per the military, first
identified the cause of the explosion as “an improvised explosive device fashioned from several large artillery shells.” Ten of the Marines suffered fatal wounds, including, Lance Corporal Andy Patten. Initially, the Pentagon reported that the men had been on a patrol mission by foot but did not give details at the time, noting only that, “The Marines were on patrol to find and defuse hidden bombs.” From the 12-11-2005 issue of “The Stars and Stripes” military news comes this information: “On Dec. 1, 10 Marines were killed in an explosion near Fallujah. They had gathered in an abandoned flour factory that they sometimes used as a combat outpost. “It was soon after a promotion ceremony that one Marine stepped on a pressure plate and detonated a makeshift device made with four artillery shells and buried in two spots. Though the Marines were wearing full body armor, 11 were injured and 10 killed.” In a brief statement at the time, the military said, “Seven of the wounded Marines have since returned to duty, and they say others from the same unit are continuing counterinsurgency operations.” In the early morning hours after Andy had been killed, Gayle Naschansky awoke “with a weird feeling” a short time before three officers were at her door and her recollections of thinking of this saying; “’If you see them coming to the door, don’t cry, mom, I’m already in heaven.’ That is the thought that came to my mind when I saw the three men walking up the sidewalk to our door.” A Navy officer (the Marines are under the jurisdiction of the Navy) gave her the news that her son had been killed. She and her family’s faith in God gave her the
strength to get through it and to carry on. Another officer was in Andy’s Division and another one was there to offer “casualty support or assistance,” something which helped the family during that difficult time period. Andy is now buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. right alongside one of his staff sergeants who died when Andy did. Gayle proudly displays a letter signed by President George Bush and one by then Illinois State Senator Barack Obama offering their thanks for Andy’s service, along with their sympathy. She noted, “Our governor at the time, Rod Blagojevich, never communicated with us.” Andy was also awarded a Purple Heart medal and Gayle met with President Bush in Washington who signed a Marine Bible for her. Gayle is one of our area’s Gold Star Mothers. Andy is also survived by sister Allison and by his father Alan Patten. Following is a list of those Marines who died, including Andy: Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, Surprise, Ariz. Lance Cpl. David A. Huhn, Portland, Mich. Lance Cpl. Adam W. Kaiser, Naperville, Ill. Lance Cpl. Robert A. Martinez, Splendora, Texas Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten, Byron, Ill. Sgt. Andy A. Stevens, Tomah, Wis. Lance Cpl. Craig N. Watson, Union City, Mich. Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Clay, Pensacola, Fla. Lance Cpl. Scott T. Modeen, Hennepin, Minn. Cpl. Anthony T. McElveen, LittleFalls, Minn.
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HOMETOWN HEROES
NOV. 2022
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The Clifford Johnson VFW Post No. 9759 Ladies Auxiliary hosted an event Sept. 25 at the American Gold Star Mothers Memorial at the Arthur W. Anderson Field of Honor adjacent to the Loves Park City Hall Complex. Gold Star Mother Angie White was an honored guest and speaker. SSG Kenneth L. White of Rockford, her son, was killed in Vietnam in 1969. It was explained that the day honoring the mothers of American service people who died in war came about after the First World War. The last Sunday in September was designated as the day to honor those mothers by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in September of 1940. Proclamation 123 was issued in June of 1936 by the 74th Congress honoring those mothers who suffered the supreme sacrifice in the loss of their sons and daughters.
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This is the only such memorial in the State of Illinois. As explained by Diane Rundeen, 6th District President, “Five of the Clifford Johnson Ladies Auxiliary Post No. 9759, 6th District members, were responsible for bringing the idea of the Loves Park memorial to Art Anderson (WW II veteran and businessman), who headed a committee in the early 2000s to include this memorial in the Peace Park as it was being conceived.” Rundeen also noted how local businesses and VietNow members, along with area residents, were responsible for financing the Peace Park which also honors the area’s World War, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans. Angie White and Gayle Naschansky of Byron are two local Gold Star Mothers. Naschansky’s son, Lance Corporal Andrew Patten was KIA outside of Fallujah in 2005.
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HOMETOWN HEROES
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above: On May 23, 2004 Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, of Maroa, Ill., was killed in action while serving with the 1544th Transportation Company deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. left: On Oct. 25, Ridlen’s sacrifice was memorialized as the Maroa, Illinois, post office was renamed the Spc. Jeremy Ridlen Post Office. SUBMITTED PHOTOS Hometown Heroes
Post office dedication memorializes fallen Maroa soldier On May 23, 2004 Illinois Army National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen, of Maroa, Illinois, was killed in action while serving with the 1544th Transportation Company deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On Oct. 25, Ridlen’s sacrifice was memorialized as the Maroa, Illinois, post office was renamed the Spc. Jeremy Ridlen Post Office. “As a child, Jeremy must have visited the Maroa Post Office hundreds or thousands of times,” said Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard during the Jeremy Ridlen Post Office dedication ceremony at the Maroa Fire Department. “From this day forward, his name will be memorialized in that post office in this community for years to come. Anyone who comes into that building will know a hero once came through those same doors.” The dedication ceremony was born of an idea from Maroa resident James Keith, who approached U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis at an event in Macon County. “James came to me and asked what can we do to honor Jeremy Ridlen,” Davis said. “This is one small token of our appreciation to Jeremy Ridlen and the many brave men and women in the military who have stood up to protect our freedoms.” After high school, Ridlen, and his twin brother Jason, who graduated from the Maroa-Forsyth High School, attended Illinois State University. Both enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard, and both were assigned to the 1544th Transportation Company, based in Paris, Illinois. In 2003, the unit was activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and after spending a couple of months training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, the 1544th
deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, arriving in country in February, 2004. The 1544th was assigned to provide security for convoys moving throughout Iraq, specifically in an area called the Sunni Triangle. On May 23, 2004, the 1544th convoy was struck by a vehicle packed with explosives and small arms fire. Davis spoke directly to the Ridlen family, including father Edward, mother Cheryl, sister Amanda, and twin brother Jason. “By designating this post office in Jeremy’s honor, it will serve as a reminder to those generations who come after us, and who walk into the Maroa Post Office. They may not know Jeremy, or the Ridlen family, but they will see the plaque honoring his service, his commitment, and his sacrifice,” Davis said. “Maybe that will be the reason they go home and decide to research who Jeremy was and what he meant to this community. That will be the long-lasting legacy of Jeremy’s sacrifice.” Davis, whose term in Congress ends in January, said events like this is one of the best parts of his job. “I’ve met presidents in the White House and royalty, but all that pales in comparison to take an idea, turn it into legislation, and signed into law by the President of the United States. “This is the long-lasting legacy of an idea to honor a hero who walked among us,” Davis said. Davis thanked the Ridlen family for their sacrifice. “Thank you for allowing Jeremy to protect all of us and for allowing us to honor him today,” Davis said. Among those in attendance at the dedication ceremony were several Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and veterans of the 1544th who served with Ridlen, including Sgt. 1st Class Phillip
Tuttle, the convoy commander the day Ridlen was killed. “From the day I met him, Jeremy exhibited those traits that make him a true hero,” Tuttle said. “He had the courage to always be himself no matter the problem and had the dedication to improve himself and those around him.” Tuttle said Ridlen did that quietly, letting his faith and actions speak louder than any boasting could have. “Unfortunately, we seldom appreciate those individuals until they are no longer around us,” he said. “This will serve as a reminder to future generations of what a true hero looks like long after we’re gone.” Tuttle said the renaming of a post office could not be a more fitting memorial to Ridlen, especially given the 1544th’s mission in Iraq. “Most units assigned convoy security missions arrived at a staging yard and were given whatever convoy was staged and ready for movement at that time,” Tuttle said. “The 1544th though was directly assigned to Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) contractors who were in charge of transporting the mail throughout central Iraq to bases for the troops.” Tuttle said KBR dubbed themselves the Iron Pony Express and quickly adopted the 1544th. “Due to the daily missions, those Soldiers and KBR contractors became a family, regardless of the fact we weren’t all serving in uniform,” he said. Tuttle said Ridlen served as a gunner for his convoy team. “Gunners for these teams often had to make life and death decisions in a blink of an eye and were trusted to do so without the input of the convoy commander or the person in charge,” Tuttle said. “Throughout all this Jeremy never waived in his demeanor or his courage under fire. He continued to be steadfast and seek
opportunities to help fellow Soldiers.” Tuttle said on May 23, 2004, Ridlen continued to show his dedication to helping others by volunteering to take the place on a gun team for a Soldier who was sick. “With the convoy under attack, Jeremy remained in his gun box and returned fire,” Tuttle said. “Those traits he exhibited his whole life showed up on that day to make sure the convoy was able to move out of the area safely. That courage makes him a true hero.” Bernice Joseph, customer relations manager for the U.S. Postal Service, told those in attendance that a very special set of circumstances and events must occur in order for a post office to be dedicated in honor of someone. “Today’s dedication would not be possible without the heroism of Specialist Jeremy Ridlen who left an enduring mark on our society and who represents the very best of America,” she said. “His duty to his country is a reminder that liberty at home must be defended and our freedom is something we must respect and earn every day of our lives.” Joseph said the dedication to Ridlen will serve as a testament to his bravery and a constant reminder to all those who have given their lives in service to their country. “Through his valiant service, Specialist Ridlen has helped ensure our rights and freedoms are secure in our homes and in the places we work,” she said. “Jeremy will be immortalized in the community in which he attended high school. His legacy of service to his country will be permanently honored with the renaming of the Maroa Post Office as the Army National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen Post Office.” Joseph said the entire U.S. Postal Service and its nearly 500,000 employees are privileged to have the name and spirit of Jeremy Ridlen forever associated with the Maroa Post Office.
HOMETOWN HEROES
NOV. 2022
We Support Our Troops
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