INSCOM hosts Memorial Day commemoration

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) honored the 67 INSCOM and Army Security Agency Soldiers who lost their lives serving their country during a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Nolan Building on Fort Belvoir, May 23.

Following the arrival of the official party, led by Maj. Gen. Gary Johnston, INSCOM commanding general; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kevin Boughton, INSCOM Command Chief Warrant Officer; Chief Warrant Officer 4 (retired) Alan Lindley; and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Schmitz, INSCOM Command Sergeant Major; the National Anthem was performed by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet.

Johnston began his remarks by honoring fallen military intelligence heroes past and present.

"I feel privileged to speak at this traditional Memorial Day event, honoring the 67 INSCOM and Army Security Agency Soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty," Johnston said. "We remember the earliest fallen intelligence Soldier memorialized, Pfc. Jay Stoner, 304th Communications Reconnaissance Battalion, who was killed by enemy fire in Korea in July 1953, through the most recent INSCOM combat losses of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Scobic and Sgt. Drew McAdams who were killed in Afghanistan in January 2014."

Johnston reflected on the sacrifices of INSCOM personnel from the past, and reminded those assembled of the importance of their sacrifice.

"The men and women honored on our memorial are our family, our brothers and sisters in the Army intelligence organization," said Johnston. "These losses remind us of why we come to work every day."

As Johnston honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, he also remarked on the legacy of vigilance and purpose of military intelligence professionals.

"Providing timely, relevant, and accurate intelligence to commanders and decision-makers; enabling them to be decisive and save Soldiers' lives," said Johnston speaking of the duties of MI professionals. "Working to prevent even one more name inscribed on our memorials."

The event concluded with a Wreath Laying Ceremony by the official party, assisted by Sgt. Desmond Jenkins, the INSCOM Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 2019 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and Spc. Justin Horton, INSCOM HHC 2019 Soldier of the Year.

Johnston and Schmitz laid a wreath at the INSCOM Fallen Soldier Memorial, which is made of three granite pillars, honoring those who gave their lives in support of the INSCOM mission.

The other memorial honors the Army Security Agency, with a statue of a lone Soldier atop its base. Along with Boughton, Lindley, a former member of this agency, laid a wreath at the memorial containing the names of many of his fallen comrades.

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