FORT LEE, Va. (May 8, 2014) -- The Petroleum and Water Department here dedicated their updated Fire Suppression Training Facility to Spc. Trevor A. Win'E during a ceremony May 1.
Win'E joined the Army on May 1, 2002, as a petroleum supply specialist and graduated from the course at Fort Lee in October 2002. Win'E was injured in an attack by an improvised explosive device April 30, 2004, while serving in Iraq. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.
During the ceremony, leadership from the Quartermaster School and PWD, as well as members of the Win'E family, cut the ribbon and witnessed the unveiling of the dedication marker.
Jose A. Hernandez, PWD director, said the goal of the training center is to save lives. By dedicating it to Win'E, more than 2,500 students each year will learn his story.
"They will know his sacrifice," he said. "His spirit will touch future quartermasters and his legacy will be instilled in them all. As future warriors enter these grounds, they will be introduced to Trevor. They will know that one of their own paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this great nation."
The dedication was made to Win'E to honor his memory, said Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer L. Gray, QM Corps regimental CSM, who said that Win'E felt a calling t serve the nation after the events of 9/11.
"On May 1, 2004, he paid the ultimate sacrifice; his life for his nation," he said. "Today, 10 years later, we take this opportunity to memorialize his sacrifice and service and give assurance to this Gold Star Family that we, as an Army, never forget our fallen and find it enormously fitting that we dedicate this facility in honor of our fallen hero, Spc. Win'E."
Lt. Col. John W. Pratt, former commander of Win'E and the 24th QM Supply Co., also attended the ceremony and shared some personal stories he remembered of the Soldier.
"Ten years ago, the logistics world lost a great and unique Soldier," he said. "It seems like it was just yesterday that the company was getting ready to deploy to Iraq.
"He was one of a kind -- always walking around with a smile, always playful," Pratt continued. "Every time I think of Trevor Win'E, I think of him on the (forward operating base) playing chase around the petroleum farm, as well as him being really dedicated to the mission."
When the unit originally got the call to deploy, Win'E was on orders to move to Korea, but he went into Pratt's office and asked to deploy with the company.
"That really struck me and (showed) his dedication and loyalty," said Pratt. "It wasn't that he wanted to go to war, he wanted to go with his unit."
His mother, Deborah Win'E, said her son loved his time in the Army and that she was thankful for the honor bestowed on him.
"I wanted to come up and thank everyone for their dedication in making this facility," said Deborah. "We knew this would be a very special event, and when we got here, we began to realize the true magnitude of the honor that Trevor has been given. This isn't just for Trevor. It's for the other Gold Star Families and for the Soldiers he served with.
"We are just so honored and proud that so many people will walk through here and see this lovely facility," she continued. "They will learn about him and, hopefully, they will be as honored as we have been."
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