FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona (June 13, 2014) -- In a hushed auditorium the names of four Signal Soldiers who died while defending the freedom of others were read during a solemn ceremony hosted by the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, in the Greely Hall auditorium, June 13, adding to the number of Soldiers and Civilians who pictures line the walls of the Signal Cove of Remembrance.
"The Signal Cove of Remembrance was conceived in 2006 to pay tribute to Army Signal Soldiers and Civilians who died serving during our nations war on terror," said Brig. Gen. John B. Morrison Jr., NETCOM commanding general.
"It is fitting that we remember forever their sacrifices," said Morrison. "We've honored 96 Army Signal Soldiers and Civilians since American was attacked on 11 Sept. 2001.
"Their names and faces are etched on ceramic tiles to forever remind us of the ultimate sacrifice for our nation," said Morrison.
The four new names added to the hallowed walls were spoken of by Morrison.
The first name read was that of Spc. Hilda Clayton, 22, who Morrison said had a huge heart and was passionate about the Army and her craft working in Combat Camera. "She took great pride in her work and shared lessons learned with her teammates, always improving the capabilities of the 55th Combat Camera Company."
The second name read was that of Staff Sgt. Lyle Turnbull, 31. Morrison said Turnbull was known by his fellow Soldiers as a leader who sacrificed his own career to take care of his Soldiers and the mission. "He deployed more than 48 months and when called upon, he deployed again. He took his personal time to ensure his Soldiers were OK, no matter the time of day, no matter where he was."
The third name read was that of Pfc. Joshua Gray, 21, who Morrison said was known as a remarkably intelligent young man who had a thirst for knowledge and was especially interested in Math and Science.
The last name read was that of Spc. Hernaldo Beltran Jr., 24. Morrison said senior leaders relied on specialist Beltran for more than just technical support. They also said he as an awesome translator too. "His fellow Soldiers called him the 'go-to-guy' whenever they had questions about radios, needed help with a task or just needed a place for a good breakfast taco."
"They were volunteers, all," Morrison said, as he finished speaking before the Soldiers and Civilians of NETCOM and several family members of the fallen. "When called upon to defend America, they stepped forward, they gave their all, and for that, we honor them here today, and will continue to honor them every day. We will never forget."
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