FORT LEE, Va. - Five Gold Star Family members - including the parents of fallen warrior Spc. Trevor Win'E - were among the guests of honor at a May 1 Quartermaster School Petroleum and Water Department Moment of Remembrance Ceremony here.
The event was held at the PWD's Fire Suppression Training Facility that was dedicated to Win'E last year. Col. Mary Beth Taylor, 23rd QM Brigade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers, Regimental CSM for the QM Corps, also attended.
A steady drizzle of rain throughout the ceremony accented its solemn purpose. The audience sat under a covered training platform with the large stone monument bearing a brass plaque inscribed with Win'E's memorial information just a few feet away. Two PWD students - Pvts. Justice Cavier and Tyler Romanchik - placed a wreath in front of the marker during the opening moments of the ceremony
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angelo Newton, PWD's senior petroleum technician, was the first of two featured speakers. He shared his memories of the fallen Soldier, specifically focusing on his display of dedication on the day he was fatally wounded in combat.
"Trevor and I served together in the 24th Quartermaster Company Liquid Logistics Platoon," Newton said. "Our company deployed (to Iraq) to support the 1st Stryker Brigade out of Fort Lewis, Wash. We were a critical supply element for those Soldiers."
The troops were running fuel and supply convoys day and night, he continued. They were physically and mentally exhausted.
"I remember seeing Trevor sitting on a bench with his squad leader. I overheard (him) saying he was tired, and I could see the mental and physical fatigue in his eyes. His squad leader asked, 'would you like me to take your place in the convoy?' Immediately, I saw the exhaustion disappear from Trevor's eyes, and he responded, 'no, this is my mission, this is my weapon, and I'm going.'"
Not long after that, the convoy was attacked within a few miles of the forward operating base and Win'E sustained critical injuries from an improvised explosive device. He later died of those wounds on May 1, 2004.
"I will always admire Trevor's commitment that day," Newton said. "It is the kind of dedication that goes beyond the teachings of an officer, a drill sergeant, a recruiter or an NCO. His kind of commitment is grown from a strong family base. Rick and Debi, you raised a great American hero and I thank you for allowing your family to be a part of our Army family. I will always treasure the relationship I had with Trevor, and the relationship I now have with you."
PWD Director Jose Hernandez also offered the family his thanks. They traveled from California to attend the ceremony.
"Debi and Rick, my report to you is simple. Since last year's dedication, more than 3,300 Soldiers and Marines have passed through (the gates of this training facility)," Hernandez said in his remarks. "Just reflect on that for a moment. Trevor has already touched the lives of all these new warriors. They know his sacrifice, and it has given them a better understanding of the risks and dangers associated with our petroleum mission."
"I can assure you, the Quartermaster School's commitment to your son's legacy is strong," Hernandez concluded. "We will never forget his sacrifice."
The ceremony closed with a symbolic demonstration of the training facility's purpose. Soldiers in silver, heat-reflective suits huddled together as they marched to the edge of the fire pit with a firefighting hose in hand. As a small blaze struggled with the persistent rain, the audience observed a moment of silence and the playing of "Taps."
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