Left to right, Barbara J. Machak, Acting Director, U.S. Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, Mary T. Wright, Scott Grimes, Don Grimes, Mary Grimes and Joseph Shiposh, Chief Armament University unveil Capt. Sean P. Grimes building p...
A dedication ceremony of Picatinny Arsenal's Armament University was held Sept. 16 in honor of fallen U.S. Army Capt. Sean P. Grimes, who was killed in Iraq on March 4, 2005.
"This building's legacy is Capt. Sean P. Grimes, who gave his full measure on the battlefield in Iraq," said Barbara Machak, Acting Director of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center.
"I believe naming this building after Sean is a tribute to amazing young Soldier who was dedicated not only to his country, his army, and his unit, but also his friends and family," said Machak. Grimes died when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device while on combat patrol. Grimes became the first military physician assistant in the U.S. Army to be killed in action. He was 31.
With nearly 25,000 square feet, Capt. Sean P. Grimes Hall offers an optimal onsite environment to accomplish its two primary missions: maintain Picatinny's leadership in workforce development, and implement a new graduate institute that will offer accredited advanced degrees in armament engineering.
"When I think about Grimes Hall," said Machak, "a Wayne Gretzky quote comes to mind: He stated, 'I skate to where the puck is going to be not where it has been,' and I feel that reflects Grimes Hall's path and vision."
"This building has raised the bar to educate future generations and will remind us all to dedicate ourselves to the men and women who so proudly serve in our Armed Forces and especially to the memory of Capt. Sean P. Grimes. It's our honor to keep his memory alive," Machak said.
"This is one great day for Capt. Sean P. Grimes and one great day for Picatinny," exclaimed Joseph Shiposh, Chief of the Armament University. He acknowledged the ultimate sacrifice made by Grimes and the contributions his mother Mary has made over the years as an employee of the Picatinny Arsenal Credit Union.
Shiposh recalled when he started at Picatinny and how training evolved, saying Picatinny flourished with a spirit of learning. Shiposh also recognized the members of Picatinny who made Grimes Hall a reality.
Don Grimes, brother of Capt. Grimes, spoke for the family by acknowledging the work Picatinny Arsenal does to defeat improvised explosive devices. "God Bless the work you do," Grimes said.
Also in his remarks, Don Grimes recalled that his brother, known as "Doc" by fellow Soldiers, volunteered to go on 80 raids in Iraq and "kick down the door" on many terrorist locations. Don Grimes remembered asking his brother if he would "hang back" from going on patrols with his fellow Soldiers. His brother responded, "My Soldiers and combat medics don't hang back, especially that my E-4/E-5 medics have been killed on patrol."
Related Links:
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) homepage
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